By Luchang Zhu On a bleak winter afternoon,I sat alone in a Panda Express in Illinois.A fortune cookie whispered:“You will cross mountains and oceansand find your way to warmth.”So I flew to Key West—the balmy Conch Republic,where time moves slow as amber honey.Morning found me—sunlight sifting through mist,softening into golden silk.A drunk slept against a … Continue reading Key West
Always There
By PencilNammed The sun used to follow me everywhere—I hated how it burned.Until the day I met her.She stood in the sunflower fields,Hair flying wild like fire,Eyes burning like embers against the sapphire sky.Chocolate melting in the sun,A drop falling onto the yellow petals—Like the beauty mark near her lips.Oh—her smile.Her smile made the sun … Continue reading Always There
Late Afternoon Snapshot
By Charles C. (Charlie) Gaines The last few, flat raysof sunlight dance acrossthe hillside over the way,landing softly on bright green mossand golden flowers that gently sway in the early evening breezes. The squirrel above me,scolds my infatuation with this sight,suggesting I move on, assuring hecan gather one last nut which he has spiedlying beside … Continue reading Late Afternoon Snapshot
On cognition
By James Aitchison It was our last phone call.“I have some cognitive issues,”my cousin told me. “If I goquiet suddenly, and you don’t hear me say anything,I’m still here.”The silence said morethan he ever could. James Aitchison is an Australian author and poet whose work has appeared via the Australian Poetry Anthology, Aesthetica, Poetry for … Continue reading On cognition
My Sunflower
By Ha-rin With no place to call home,I moved endlessly —searching for somewhereI could finally belong.Until I met you.You shone on me like the sun,you were a star in my dark world,the dawn I looked forward to.Your smile — the warmth of spring,your sincerity —a gentle fire wrapping me up in peace.You held the handsno … Continue reading My Sunflower
this is not a drill
By Mia Remience “we are entering lockdown. this is not a drill.” we pulled down the blinds and locked the door and bunched up in a corner of the room. we had practiced this so many times, but never like this. one girl had her earbuds in. another was scrolling on her phone. a whole … Continue reading this is not a drill
Lately
By Luis Cuauhtémoc Berriozábal Lately, evening wipes me out.I end up on the ground.I retreat to earth’s lowest depthsbut not before I stagger.I drop like a fly heavy as stone.Sometimes I protest too much.I come back the next dayas I am seemingly indestructible.At night I am almost dying.I bury myself without a shovel.My decayed body,rusted, … Continue reading Lately
Recovery After Dawn
By Alex Andy Phuong Surrender to the wonder,Along with the hidden mystery,Of the secrets found deep withinEverlasting beauty,And through the acceptance of reality,People could hopefully seeWith a newfound sense of clarity,And search for golden opportunities To make the world a better placeWhile never worrying aboutVanishing without a trace,So travel across both time and spaceLong after … Continue reading Recovery After Dawn
Tarry a while
By Rongili Biswas Like the gloaming that’s fallen upon the hills,tarry a while in the trembling dusk.Steps in our groves have grown restive,looking for trails and nameless flowers, dusty berries or woodland nymphs,in the amber wilderness. Tarry a while till dead leaves awaken, alder catkins block all paths, and the crowns all done reddening,by their … Continue reading Tarry a while
Montmartre Majesty
By Douglas J. Lanzo Montmartre majestycrowned by Sacré-Coeur,gleams at me from cupolascapping domed grandeur;Within, gilded mosaics of Christ’s triumphant reign,arch rainbow-hued stained glass illuming saintly panes.This sacred heart of Paris,pulses my veins with life,where famed artists communedto toast Moulin Rouge nightlife.Roaming packed marketswhere vendors peddle wares,I imbibe croissants waftingchocolate scent throughout the air;Painters at wood … Continue reading Montmartre Majesty
Academy of the Heart And Mind 