Hurricane Irene’s wrath left many parts in her path not as bad as expected, President Obama jobs speech left many wondering who they elected, and the tenth anniversary of 9/11 left the world reflective. Through rain and shine, SMITH Magazine’s passionate community of storytellers distilled their lives and the world around them in six well-chosen words. Below are the best memoirs of the past two weeks (we took the end of the summer off); click on each author’s name to find more of their stories.

Best Imagery: “Summer should get a speeding ticket.” —Shanii00
Worst Imagery: “My sex tape’s on Comedy Central.” —BanjoDan, one of the most commented of the week.
Best Narrative Arc: “Faith in humanity restored by stranger.” —Talkinglikeateen, from SMITH Teens.
Best Wordplay: “I’m legen —wait for it—dary.” —Asian101
Best Medicine. “MarriageRx: More bumps in the night.” —LisaMoans (profile image, above)
Most Meditative: “Working hard for silence on 9/11.” —Wescoll

Plus: Watch PBS’s “Need To Know” segment profiling stories of 9/11 as told through Six-Word Memoirs and backstories, as well as an online slideshow with many more.