Essays.

Aaron Housholder

In Vain

In Vain https://i2.wp.com/barrenmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/A3CE6607-0705-4DBB-84FF-4B96EE92E2FE.jpeg?fit=3024%2C4032&ssl=1 3024 4032 Aaron Housholder Aaron Housholder https://barrenmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/aaronhousholder-e1538973287458.jpg 09/19/2018 11/12/2018

I’m lying in the ditch, bleeding. My son has died. I can’t move, can’t climb. I will never be the same. I will never be the same. I hear you…

Matthew Muilenburg

Chicken Men

Chicken Men https://i1.wp.com/barrenmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/A0C08070-5B7B-4587-A8A0-621493F4095A.jpeg?fit=1188%2C539&ssl=1 1188 539 Matthew Muilenburg Matthew Muilenburg https://barrenmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Matt_Muilenburg_bw-e1538974650815.jpg 09/19/2018 11/12/2018

My father has always preferred menthol cigarettes, from his first preteen puff on a Kool to the cherry he smoldered atop his Camel this morning. When I was a kid,…

Chris Wheeler

last day

last day https://i2.wp.com/barrenmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/C297CC82-D9A4-4883-AD99-2BD8B4DA7B98-e1549341449975.jpeg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1 1920 1080 Chris Wheeler Chris Wheeler https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1a813118d3656381c2fb684ad7c25877?s=96&d=mm&r=g 09/19/2018 11/12/2018

It’s not just that feeling of escaping something that opens up your chest, or the closure that lends rhythm to seasons of life: after spring, the long slow breath. After…