A strikingly small magazine!

Kyle’s form is the 300-character story. Every Saturday, Kyle pulls a few cards from The Storymatic and writes a new matchbook story. We’re very pleased to present a few more of his stories here. Check out the Featured Artist archives for more of Kyle’s work.

HIS SHOES TO FILL

“Surprise!” the room erupted as he came through the door. His 32nd birthday, the first without Dad. He couldn’t believe she invited the plastic surgeon. His father was a butcher: the irony cut.
Everyone sang Happy Birthday; he blew out all 32. Mom handed Art a knife. He missed Dad’s boots.

THANKSGIVING ON THE SAVANNA

Thanksgiving on the savanna–never knew where he’d be… His ex called it exploiding: to explore-exploit-avoid.
The elephant driver set the table, earlier, shot the boar. The sun set; he eyed the unlit candles. The driver asked, “Sir, what are we looking for?”
“A match,” he said. “My plate.”

LOVE FLOATS

He awoke on shore handcuffed to Amy, her red O mouth full of sand. The boat went quick, no time for life jackets. Settlement took everything; storm got the rest.
When Pam suggested a third, he bought the doll. “Love’s full of hot air,” she soon hissed. But Amy’s had buoyed him up real as flesh.

DOWN PERSONAL

Boss says walk the aisles. “Yessir,” you cap your soda. Down PERSONAL you spot her: she never went away. Say hello? It’s been years. You’re a rent-a-cop, overweight.
You hiccup, and again. She said, “Can we see other people?” You said, “Yes.” Stop! Speak! Boss radios Code 1, 4.
“Yessir.”

“His Shoes to Fill” was inspired by these Storymatic cards: butcher, plastic surgeon, surprise birthday party, father’s boots.