Generations by Catherine Talley A tiny child walked gingerly through the cabin cradling something in two cupped hands. Once a bit of fluff rose slightly. She waited for it to alight before continuing. On reaching the ancient man in the wheeled chair she stopped, stretched out her arms and said "Here," very softly. "You found it?" he asked, incredulous, staring through clouded eyes at her glowing face. "Yes. Is there time?" she whispered. "Yes." he replied, taking the bit of fluff from her hands... He put it on a dark cloth, then lighted a candle nearby. She strained to see so he lifted her onto his left knee. Ceremoniously he reached for a small golden box placing it atop the cloth. He slowly opened it, withdrawing a green leaf, a long red hair, and a reflective black rock, each in turn. Taking a square of gossamer silver he placed it perfectly on the black cloth, then added each of the items, careful to fit them together precisely. Finally he added the white feather then drew the silver corners together with a twist. He looked very tired. Reverently he placed the silver lure in the child's hand. "Now go. Find your dragon," he whispered. All content in SmokeLong Quarterly copyright 2003-2008 by its authors.
	Catherine Talley spends many hours a week laboring to support her habit of buying food and shelter. Her work is forthcoming in The Green Tricycle. In her spare time she is a fiber artist and writer. She lives in Maryland. Read the interview.
	Issue One (September 15, 2003): Pressing Hard by Marcia Mascolini «» A Cautionary Measure by Peggy Duffy «» I Watch by Stephanie Dial «» Rest in Peace by Charlotte Jones «» Mrs. Mitts by Beverly C. Lucey «» Speak of the Dead by Ann Zimmerman «» A Private Trinity by Darlene Cah «» The Chair Affair by Jade Walker «» A Trip To The Grocer's by Beverly Jackson «» I Shall Not Wear Purple by Margaret A. Frey «» Generations by Catherine Talley «» Dinner's Ready! by Linda Pierce «» How Pusch Came To Shovel by Gary Glauber «» Gerontophile: An Imposition by S.H. Gall «» Walking the Plank by Sheila Killian «» Neighborhood Watch by Nance Knauer «» Scent and Sensibility by Jeff Lindsey «» Interviews: Marcia Mascolini «» Peggy Duffy «» Stephanie Dial «» Charlotte Jones «» Beverly C. Lucey «» Ann Zimmerman «» Darlene Cah «» Jade Walker «» Beverly Jackson «» Margaret A. Frey «» Catherine Talley «» Linda Pierce «» Gary Glauber «» S.H. Gall «» Sheila Killian «» Nance Knauer «» Jeff Lindsey «» Cover Art "Purpleless" by Rebecca Gullickson, inspired by "I Shall Not Wear Purple" by Margaret A. Frey «» Letter From the Editor