"Weeping with an Ancient God" is a novella set in July 1842 in the Marquesas Islands. Melvill, the protagonist, jumps ship from the whaler Acushnet into a wild, savage and exotically beautiful land. Melvill contemplates his dangerous present, sad past and wholly uncertain future on an island teeming with cannibals. The novella, which was named a Best Book of 2015 by Chicago Book Review, is based on the real-life adventures of author Herman Melville ("Moby-Dick") when he was a young seaman. "Weeping with an Ancient God" is also available in print, Kindle and Nook editions from Twelve Winters Press. The print edition includes illustrations by Adam G. Perschbacher and an interview with the author by Beth Gilstrap. Visit tedmorrissey.com and twelvewinters.com for full details, including information about the author's other books of fiction: the novels "Men of Winter" and "An Untimely Frost," and the novelette "Figures in Blue." The cover image for "Weeping" is courtesy photographer Corrie Scott -- visit at corriescott.net. CONTENT WARNING: The story you are about to read is intended for mature readers due to its sexual content and language. It may not be appropriate for all audiences. Read at your own discretion.

A close brush with death focuses the mind on the meaning of life. Many of these poems reflect on insights gleaned during recuperation. The rest are fun.