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Top 50 Classic Short Stories

 

1 Always a Marine by Ernest Bywater

What does an old man do when confronted with a danger? He remembers what he is, he remembers his oath to "fight all enemies, foreign and domestic." The story title says it all.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Action/Adventure
Tags: Politics, Violence, War, Military, Vignettes
Downloads: 8498 | Votes: 1045 | Score: 9.38
Size: 32KB | 6,491 words | Posted:

2 Mother's Day by dualwriter

A short story that remembers Mothers
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody
Tags: Tear Jerker
Downloads: 1108 | Votes: 115 | Score: 9.36
Size: 8KB | 1,594 words | Posted:

3 Memorial Day: Human and Heroic by PuffDragon

This was a speech I wrote and gave in Parshall, ND for Memorial Day 2009. I think i shows how today's warfighters feel about Memorial Day.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Essay
Tags: Military, True
Downloads: 712 | Votes: 98 | Score: 9.34
Size: 4KB | 896 words | Posted:

4 The Temple Called Love by PostScriptor

In 1910, Two people realize that they need to renew their love. A story about the nature of true love, and how that love evolves over time. Romantic and spiritual, providing us all hope and a way to look at out relationships.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Religion
Downloads: 767 | Votes: 79 | Score: 9.27
Size: 39KB | 7,553 words | Posted:

5 Ode to a Soldier by Doom rains

This is something I wrote a while back. I'm not sure if it's a poem but I like to think so. If you have family or friends in the military you should read this.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Poem
Tags: Drama, Military
Downloads: 553 | Votes: 50 | Score: 9.21
Size: 1KB | 264 words | Posted:

6 Plea for an American Hero by Misguided Child

This is an old man's last rant to an anonymous visitor. You probably shouldn't read it.
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Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Politics
Tags: Politics
Downloads: 2001 | Votes: 165 | Score: 9.16
Size: 8KB | 1,593 words | Posted:

7 A Tribute, on This Holiday by Lance Manne

An old warrior is honored for his sacrifice.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: Military, Aging
Downloads: 1571 | Votes: 159 | Score: 9.07
Size: 3KB | 754 words | Posted:

8 Coming Home by Ernest Bywater

Father's been away 3 years. His young family's meeting him at the airport. --- Bad Fred, said --- It's poignant, and you hit the right notes. If I didn't know it was your story and trust you, I would have drifted away in the first few paragraphs. It moved slowly. It was lovely, but it wasn't hitting my "what happens next?" buttons. Well, until the end when it all comes together. Readers who stick with it will be rewarded. Set in Australia.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama, Politics, Military, Workplace, Vignettes
Downloads: 5390 | Votes: 536 | Score: 8.84
Size: 11KB | 2,221 words | Posted:

9 One Gold Eagle by Argon

Max Wagner, former carpenter, lives on the streets of San Francisco. His only goal is the next mug of moonshine. Fate intervenes in the persons of a famous singer and a friendly young widow, but then Max has to prove himself in the face of a catastrophe.
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Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Historical
Tags: Romance, Drama, Historical
Downloads: 4743 | Votes: 519 | Score: 8.79
Size: 33KB | 6,430 words | Posted:

10 The Magic of an Old Veteran's Dream by Lance Manne

The old veteran was feeble and frail. Would his final dream ever come true? I could make it happen. Would I take the time? Would those tired old eyes ever sparkle again?
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: Historical, Military, Aging
Downloads: 2060 | Votes: 191 | Score: 8.78
Size: 11KB | 2,327 words | Posted:

11 Dombo and Angel by jeff thomas

Man's wife reminises about their life together during his posthumus induction to baseball's Hall of Fame. An often humorous, always piognant look at the differances between his public baseball life and their private family life.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Humor, Drama, Baseball, Tear Jerker
Downloads: 1437 | Votes: 121 | Score: 8.78
Size: 28KB | 5,517 words | Posted:

12 Fun Run by Ernest Bywater

The Ghost Reporter of the local newspaper is at the finish line of the 20 km City Fun Run. What he sees and reports moves his column from page three to the front page. Set in Australia.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: General
Tags: Sports, Young Adult, Vignettes
Downloads: 4930 | Votes: 487 | Score: 8.77
Size: 7KB | 1,656 words | Posted:

13 Old Stuff and Memories... by Ragnaar

A short moment in time today. The Past came back today.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: True, War
Downloads: 1067 | Votes: 90 | Score: 8.75
Size: 2KB | 389 words | Posted:

14 Dads Guide to Surviving a C-section by jeff thomas

A father's misadventures while preparing for the birth of his first son by C-Section. This is a mostly true story with a healthy dose of embellishment and told with tongue firmly placed in cheek.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: Humor, True
Downloads: 791 | Votes: 48 | Score: 8.75
Size: 18KB | 3,563 words | Posted:

15 Death Bringer 5: Christmas Triumph by jj76

Death Bringer and family prepare for the last great war against evil.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Comedy
Tags: Humor
Downloads: 898 | Votes: 62 | Score: 8.66
Size: 8KB | 1,554 words | Posted:

16 Advice on Choosing a Mistress by Benjamin Franklin

One of the USA's Founding Fathers offers sage advice just as appropriate now as when it was first penned more than 250 years ago.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: Historical, True
Downloads: 1644 | Votes: 64 | Score: 8.58
Size: 3KB | 632 words | Posted:

17 Visiting Queensland by Pedant

Gordy and Weena (4)
Gordy and Weena visit the Hollisters in Queensland and encounter nasty insects and public health problems.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: True
Tags: Romance, True
Downloads: 2647 | Votes: 257 | Score: 8.57
Size: 46KB | 8,528 words | Posted:

18 The Bell Ringer by Jake Rivers

Crane Hanson fights alcoholism bought on by the hell he found in WWII. A man's journey through a personal hell towards redemption and love.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama, Addiction, Christmas
Downloads: 3118 | Votes: 274 | Score: 8.51
Size: 49KB | 9,910 words | Posted:

19 Coincidence by Denham Forrest

This is a very short story, more of a cameo. If I was to say anything more, there would be little point in anyone reading it. / (Reviews)
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance
Downloads: 7771 | Votes: 578 | Score: 8.43
Size: 11KB | 2,234 words | Posted:

20 I Lived a Life by Trabant The Lion

Jeff is 82 years old. He has lived a life so complete, that on the day his wife dies, he feels no need to continue it.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Biography
Tags: Coming of Age, Romance, Drama, Violence, Tear Jerker, Aging
Downloads: 1446 | Votes: 128 | Score: 8.25
Size: 18KB | 3,588 words | Posted:

21 Remington .44 by woodmanone

A Story in the The Trilogy and More Western Universe
A tale of the old west in the turbulent times following the Civil War. A young man sort of follows in his father's footsteps.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Western
Tags: Drama, Historical, Western
Downloads: 8042 | Votes: 617 | Score: 8.22
Size: 45KB | 8,772 words | Posted:

22 A Spiritual Union by Tedbiker

A young priest ministers to an elderly parishioner in the last months of her life. His heart is engaged with hers... and her great-niece who arrives to care for her.
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Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Religion, Tear Jerker
Downloads: 1134 | Votes: 84 | Score: 8.22
Size: 15KB | 2,817 words | Posted:

23 Lawyers in Love by Lazlo Zalezac

Lawyers go out on dates just like normal people or do they? Things are a little different when the lawyer is an Anders.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Comedy
Tags: Romance, Humor
Downloads: 1442 | Votes: 109 | Score: 8.19
Size: 42KB | 7,727 words | Posted:

24 I Took a Memory to Lunch by Denham Forrest

A man discovers that sometimes, our memories are recalling a life as viewed through rose tinted spectacles.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Drama
Downloads: 3272 | Votes: 279 | Score: 8.13
Size: 48KB | 9,117 words | Posted:

25 El Paso City by Jake Rivers

The lovely woman sitting next to Jack on the plane shocked him when she told him her name was Felina. He was intrigued with the mystery presented by the proposition that maybe Faleena didn't die in the shootout behind Rosa's Cantina. Please read "El Paso - Jake Rivers" first.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Drama, Historical, Western
Downloads: 2639 | Votes: 242 | Score: 8.10
Size: 42KB | 8,472 words | Posted:

26 Venice in August by Denham Forrest

A short tale -- very loosely -- based on an encounter I had with a childhood friend in that beautiful city one summer about ten or fifteen years ago; okay maybe a little longer. Only my encounter - whilst extremely enjoyable for both of us -- had a completely different outcome, neither of us are widowed.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance
Downloads: 3507 | Votes: 301 | Score: 8.07
Size: 36KB | 6,951 words | Posted:

27 Death Bringer 4 by jj76

Death Bringer brings death to the door.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Comedy
Tags: Humor, Violence
Downloads: 832 | Votes: 63 | Score: 8.06
Size: 1KB | 223 words | Posted:

28 'twas the Day Before Easter by Lance C

Terrorists attack the Mall of America.
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Age Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama, Violence
Downloads: 2477 | Votes: 205 | Score: 8.05
Size: 14KB | 2,738 words | Posted:

29 The Delta by Grumpy Old Man

There were snakes, bugs, leeches, and other pleasures to be found on walks in the delta nights.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Historical
Tags: Coming of Age, True, Military
Downloads: 846 | Votes: 69 | Score: 8.05
Size: 8KB | 1,644 words | Posted:

30 A Short, Short (Ghost?) Story by normist

Halloween Trick or Treat? Do you beleive in Ghosts, or in things that go bump in the night? Is this a Ghost Story, or isn't it? Whichever, I do hope that you enjoy it!
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Historical
Tags: Romance, Humor, Drama, Spiritual, Historical, War, Military, Halloween, Supernatural, Ghosts
Downloads: 965 | Votes: 81 | Score: 8.03
Size: 14KB | 2,783 words | Posted:

31 A Christmas in Peril by Lance Manne

A Christmas Story
A grouchy old man is about to spend another Christmas alone,until there is a knock at the door. Is there a second chance for Christmas joy?
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Drama
Tags: Christmas
Downloads: 3530 | Votes: 250 | Score: 8.02
Size: 25KB | 5,048 words | Posted:

32 Molly, Alyssa, and Me by woodmanone

An older man helps two young runaways and gets a reward.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama
Downloads: 6776 | Votes: 649 | Score: 8.01
Size: 49KB | 9,909 words | Posted:

33 The Cobbler and the Brownies by Stultus

A Story in the Once Upon a Time... Universe
How can a poor Cobbler find his Luck and win the hand of a Lady fair? Spend an evening with the local Brownies! (but don't let them catch you!) A old-fashioned Fairy Tale perfect for a bedtime story!
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Fable
Tags: Humor, Historical
Downloads: 1966 | Votes: 198 | Score: 8.01
Size: 41KB | 7,637 words | Posted:

34 Hey, Joe! by Jake Rivers

Danny comes home from 'Nam and when he see his buddy's girl he knows she's the one he wants. The fun starts when he tells his friend, "She's the cutest girl I've ever seen, I'll tell you face to face I mean to steal her from you." Joe was not pleased by this.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Drama, War
Downloads: 2820 | Votes: 312 | Score: 7.99
Size: 42KB | 8,511 words | Posted:

35 I Will Visit Her Grave Someday by Harrison_0978

Years after he had promised to visit the grave of a lovely girl who had died much too young, and aided by a few friends, Kent kept his word.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance
Downloads: 2347 | Votes: 155 | Score: 7.99
Size: 33KB | 6,416 words | Posted:

36 Five Ultra Short Stories by Ernest Bywater

Five short stories, entries in a contest for stories under 100 words with a twist on the end. See if you can guess the twist before you get to it. / (Reviews)
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Comedy
Tags: Humor, Vignettes
Downloads: 2579 | Votes: 149 | Score: 7.98
Size: 2KB | 441 words | Posted:

37 The Hanging Judge by woodmanone

If you're guilty, you better hope you don't come before the hanging judge
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama
Downloads: 3567 | Votes: 341 | Score: 7.97
Size: 33KB | 6,242 words | Posted:

38 My Special September 11th Story by Harrison_0978

About Hal and Cindy, who met in 12th grade, soon to be shaped forever by the abomination we call 9/11, and their daughter, who would know her father only through memories shared by her mother.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Romance
Tags: True
Downloads: 974 | Votes: 85 | Score: 7.96
Size: 35KB | 6,467 words | Posted:

39 The Hangman Cometh by woodmanone

A Story in the The Trilogy and More Western Universe
Johnny Rawlings is in jail waiting for The Hangman
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Western
Tags: Crime, Drama, Western
Downloads: 4305 | Votes: 399 | Score: 7.94
Size: 23KB | 4,398 words | Posted:

40 Night Moves by Carter County

A young man and a young woman share night moves
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance
Downloads: 2241 | Votes: 188 | Score: 7.94
Size: 30KB | 6,031 words | Posted:

41 Last Rites by TC Allen

Tis is a quick look at the last days of a proud man felled by a stroke.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: True
Tags: True
Downloads: 1050 | Votes: 124 | Score: 7.94
Size: 6KB | 1,356 words | Posted:

42 Owed Two a Spell Chequer by normist

A little poem wot I rote
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Poem
Tags: Humor
Downloads: 1275 | Votes: 39 | Score: 7.93
Size: 0KB | 197 words | Posted:

43 Best Served Cold by Shakes Peer2B

A Justiceman Episode (2)
Part of the The Post Sickness World of Phoenicia universe
In the post-Sickness Arizona territory, rape and murder are not uncommon. If you're going to commit these acts, though, you'd best be careful who your victims are. Bad guys are not always the baddest guys around.
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Science Fiction
Tags: Western, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
Downloads: 10286 | Votes: 985 | Score: 7.91
Size: 28KB | 5,315 words | Posted:

44 Dogfight by Jake Rivers

After Billy humiliates Jenny in an Ugly Girl contest, what happens to him? Can the Marines make him a man? Maybe a stint at Khe Sanh would help.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, Drama, War, Christmas
Downloads: 5357 | Votes: 491 | Score: 7.90
Size: 40KB | 7,853 words | Posted:

45 Funny, How Time Slips Away by Denham Forrest

Just the ups and downs of one man's life. One of my older stories, and the first of mine that was posted widely on the internet.
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Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance
Downloads: 7917 | Votes: 480 | Score: 7.90
Size: 31KB | 6,156 words | Posted:

46 The Way Home by barbar

Edward loves his daughter. Collecting her from school each afternoon and walking home with her is a highlight of his day. Then one day, on the way from work to school, he meets a blind man in the park.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: General
Tags: Vignettes, Tear Jerker
Downloads: 1127 | Votes: 76 | Score: 7.90
Size: 29KB | 5,751 words | Posted:

47 Last Patrol by LVWolfman

Dedicated to my fellow veterans, those who made it back and those who didn't.It's the early 1970's and Dennis is about two weeks away from rotating back to the world after his tour in Viet Nam. He's looking forward to seeing his wife again and his daughter for the first time. Join him on his "Last Patrol".
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Anybody | Genre: Action/Adventure
Tags: Drama, Historical
Downloads: 2312 | Votes: 245 | Score: 7.89
Size: 15KB | 2,793 words | Posted:

48 Kathy and the Banker by Harrison_0978

While driving home from a funeral, a bank branch manager stops for car troubles, gives blood while waiting for car repairs, and meets a shy, lovely girl probably half his age.
Premier members only
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Age Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Romance
Tags: Romance, True
Downloads: 2754 | Votes: 238 | Score: 7.89
Size: 13KB | 2,622 words | Posted:

49 A Prayer for Santa by Jake Rivers

Charlie's gig as a department store Santa Claus doesn't go so well. Can he find redemption? / (Reviews)
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Drama
Tags: Drama, Addiction
Downloads: 2488 | Votes: 188 | Score: 7.89
Size: 38KB | 7,500 words | Posted:

50 The Bull Dog Breed by Robert E. Howard

A Sailor Steve Costigan Story
Nobody gets away with kicking Steve's bull dog Mike. First appeared in the magazine Fight Stories February 1930. In the public domain.
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Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Action/Adventure
Tags: Pulp Classic
Downloads: 1251 | Votes: 114 | Score: 7.89
Size: 35KB | 7,003 words | Posted:
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