January 1, 2014

This Machine comes of age. In this issue, we tell stories of growing up in Oklahoma. And we take a tour of the state using the WPA’s guidebook, which also provides proof of our radical roots. Here’s a preview: A LIGHTER SHADE OF RED: Larry Guthrie finds clues to Oklahoma’s controversial history in an early state guidebook. WELCOME TO SKEDEE: Richard Higgs thinks he’s found the oldest and most interesting example of public art in Oklahoma. GRANDMA’S PANTIES: Janis Cramer recalls a promise she made to her dying grandmother. BOYS WILL BE BOYS: J.P. Brammer sends us a letter from Cache about the perils of growing up gay in a small Oklahoma town. CURLED, SLIGHTLY: Tim Carter offers a prose poem to ring in the New Year. ORIGINAL OKIE: Lauren Zuniga is a three-time international poetry slam finalist and the author of two poetry collections, including The Smell of Good Mud, which was a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award.