Size / / /

Aquarius, the virgin whispers, giggling,
so close to the schoolgirl she is,
always tells the worst jokes, although
Cetus seems to enjoy them.

Orion’s the night's hunter,
steadfast and sure, always dodging
sting and stung. He gives way
only to the kings and queens,
keeping an eye on their dogs,
daughter, and all her wings.

Castor and Pollux are, perhaps,
the most human, loyal in their love,
the most curious about the lives
they once lived. We were all once you,
they confide, peering over the edge
of the dawn. We all remember.

The seven sisters link hands,
weave crowns from what beams
the sun leaves behind
with the coming dusk.
They treat the heavens as a field,
sitting cross-legged in circles
when they are not linked,
playing games with those below,
creating stories, much like we do
about them.




Stefanie Maclin's poetry and short fiction have appeared in such publications as Battered Suitcase, Illumen, Star*Line, Astropoetica, and Dreams & Nightmares. A full list of her publications can be found at http://thesilentpoet.livejournal.com/253812.html. She currently lives in the Boston area, where she spends her days as a librarian.
Current Issue
2 Feb 2026

Inject direct / the petroleum of salvation
Don’t know why they bob? In blue death boxes?
Wendy knew it wouldn’t be long now before her daughter was taken. She had put the idea from her mind as long as she could, but now Jane was days away from turning thirteen.
Strange Horizons stands with immigrants in the US facing these conditions.
By: Natasha King
Podcast read by: Jenna Hanchey
In this episode of the Strange Horizons Fiction podcast, Michael Ireland presents Natasha King's 'Aquarium for Lost Souls' read by Jenna Hanchey. Subscribe to the Strange Horizons podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠
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