Latest Stories
Most recently published stories on Vocal.
When the Universe Went Silent
Not in words, but in signals — pulses of light, waves of radio energy, bursts of radiation crossing impossible distances. Modern science has turned that curiosity into a global effort. Giant radio telescopes now listen to the cosmos the way deep-sea microphones listen to whales.
By Aiman Shahid18 days ago in Confessions
Am I unwell? or, is the Australian Mental Health System?. Content Warning.
Content Warning: The following article discusses suicide and may be triggering for some readers. If you, or someone you know is in danger or needs support, please call 000 or a crisis helpline such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 immediately. More information on support can be found at Lifeline’s website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
By Rowan Huxley18 days ago in Psyche
Upon waves' break
Staring blankly through savage waves, breaking upon worn jettied rocks. On tired tongue a salty taste, taunting spray portraits your face, In cursed thoughts, your voice mocks: "Be a man, real men don't break." Yet here stands "less than a man" poised atop crested wave. Turbulent undertows of mounted lies. Saltwater stings tear prickled eyes. Wash away by ferocious tide. Dragged out, adrift vast open ocean, Weathered driftwood, debris, discarded notions. Softly spoken lies echo through tortured mind's hell. Floating aimlessly at rhythmic water's swell. Day fades away with night, light brings day again. Cast upon discarded's land, silk fine grain white sand, Strewn together gifts of sea, randomly along the beach. Feelings return slowly, cracked open eyes. Sudden streak across the sky, fiery tail cuts black of night. Dissociation breaks to hope in light. Countless stars shine through space and time. Filling empty space..... in time.
By Scott Murray18 days ago in Poets
How Nature Makes Life Feel Whole Again
In the midst of nature is where I find peace. I can relate to its beauty; it makes me feel as though I’m standing close to heaven. The landscape is incredible. I’m able to focus on what’s in front of me; whether it’s the river, the trees, or the chirping birds. Yet my peripheral vision allows me to stay rooted in one spot while witnessing every angle of this amazing setup.
By Nkwenkwezi Mgebisa18 days ago in Journal
Diamonds Around the World: The Countries That Live and Breathe Baseball
There's something almost mystical about the crack of a bat connecting with a fastball. In certain corners of the globe, that sound carries the weight of history, identity, and dreams passed down through generations. While soccer may dominate the world's sporting consciousness, baseball has carved out its own sacred territories—places where the sport transcends mere entertainment and becomes woven into the very fabric of culture.
By Gianni Bertoni18 days ago in History
Broken Promise
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) As I think of dysfunctional systems or organizations, many come to mind. We have in this country, for example, a system where a person can be fed and housed from cradle to grave and never contribute a single thing to society. I have lived long enough to witness this happen. I know many people maintain that everyone contributes but that is not accurate. It is also not the purpose of this essay so we’ll let it go there. Then we have the many situations where a person works every day, sometimes for years, and becomes injured. They will have to fight, sometimes for years, to get the benefits that they actually earned.
By Carl Hartman18 days ago in Humans
Super Intelligent Aliens
For centuries, humanity has gazed at the night sky with a mixture of wonder and curiosity. The question of whether we are alone in the universe has fascinated philosophers, scientists, and storytellers alike. With recent advancements in astronomy, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, the possibility of extraterrestrial life no longer belongs solely to science fiction. Among the many hypotheses about alien life, one of the most unsettling is the existence of super intelligent aliens—beings whose intellectual, technological, and strategic capabilities far surpass those of humans. While the idea may seem speculative, the potential threat posed by such entities raises serious concerns about human survival, autonomy, and the future of civilization.
By Ibrahim Shah 18 days ago in Earth
They Lied
I have been going back and forward on where to start this and how to start it, it seems to be my biggest challenge when telling a story. Stories have to have a beginning, middle and end but my stories never do. It’s more like they latch on to part of me and Im actually never sure when it began or even if it ends. They follow me.
By Ella Loftus18 days ago in Writers
