March 2020 – Page 2 – Deep Sky Anchor

The Emperor’s New Bird

by Mary E. Lowd

Originally published in Daily Science Fiction, July 2019

“The organic bird landed on the perch beside its mechanical cousin, cozied up to the metal bird, and chirped querulously.”

The ruby-throated avian twirled, emerald wings beating in a blur, frothing the air with graceful gusts of wind that swept through the emperor’s branches and leaves, delighting his eye-petals with the sight of the frenzied dance. Continue reading “The Emperor’s New Bird”

Learning to Like New Music

My greatest comfort when life is hard has been — since I first heard it — the music of Brian Wilson.

But the more I understand and see the misogyny in the world, the less I’m able to take comfort in a man’s voice objectifying women. Continue reading “Learning to Like New Music”