PinnedAl RiskeIndescribableThe narrow, pointed bow of a racing shell slices the surface of the river, blue and calm. Two sets of oars catch the water, not exactly in…Aug 24, 2021Aug 24, 2021
Al RiskeHold OnThe desert is full of things you can’t hold on to — light and heat and sand that slips through your fingers like friendships you once had…May 27, 2023May 27, 2023
Al RiskeSkittishThis is the low point of my life so far. I’m 29, almost 30, and I’m working in a bookstore in Bakersfield — a chain that has strict rules…May 12, 2023May 12, 2023
Al RiskeDon’t Stop NowWe spread a blanket off to one side of the boat launch, under some trees. Island Lake, in Shelton, Washington, is surrounded by small…May 9, 2023May 9, 2023
Al RiskeWhat She SaidI’ll tell you what she said. She said, “If you’re really drunk, how come you don’t make a pass at me when I turn off the flashlight?”May 5, 2023May 5, 2023
Al RiskeWish you were mineThe boy who broke Sabrina’s window stood on the stoop, shivering. This early in the morning it was still chilly here in the high desert…Apr 3, 2022Apr 3, 2022
Al RiskeLetting goDean and Rachel walk through the pasture lands of her family’s sheep ranch south of Gold Beach, Oregon. She tells him that all the land on…Jan 25, 2022Jan 25, 2022
Al RiskeEye catchersTo get away for a few days, we drive down to Long Beach and catch a ferry to Catalina. The crossing is crowded and uncomfortable and we’re…Feb 20, 2019Feb 20, 2019
Al RiskeThe only guy in the placeAudrey Martin, a girl he hardly knew (she was a senior, he a sophomore), invited him to a party.Feb 14, 2019Feb 14, 2019
Al RiskeDisappointedPetra Barros stopped in the doorway one day, introduced herself to Cory and his roommate, and just started talking. It was a coed dorm and…Feb 9, 2019Feb 9, 2019
