By Fred Klein Troy was excited to finally get his adventure started. He had planned this exploration of old mine sites in the Eastern Sierra Mountains for months. He had his high-clearance, Four Wheel Drive, Range Rover with all the supplies he would need for several weeks. He had a full-size spare tire, a winch … Continue reading The Adventurer
Beauty within the Periphery
By Alex Andy Phuong Even with the realityOf setting boundaries,Life itself could still beTruly extraordinary,So be willing to embraceBeing part of the human race,And witness the wonderOf living in a world like no other,And dare to careBy helping one anotherSo that people could hopefully seeWith a newfound sense of clarity,And find golden opportunities To become … Continue reading Beauty within the Periphery
Element
By Craig Dobson Surfacing too slow,knowing he hasn’t made it, the boy blows his last gasp, parting the water above, filling his open mouth not with drowningbut his own dead breath,before the air’s sweet ease is his again.Though now he knows nothing lives beyond, and nothing this side can show more than binds him to … Continue reading Element
Errant Minutes
By Sally Lee This morning lasted four seconds—long enough for light to change its mind, for the pot to think of boiling, and forget. Steam from the mug hadn’t even reached its curvebefore light slipped from the table and onto the wall,then off again. Voice folded into the air,before the phone could ring its tune.It … Continue reading Errant Minutes
As I Lay
By Lauren Kim The flashing light brightens the roomIn strobes of colorA plant's shadow projected on the white wallThe blurred outlines, a tint of purpleIn the darkness, the air still shimmersThe remanence of objects flickering As if it is still thereThe ladybug crashing to the ceiling lightIrritates the atmosphereFailing to resist the temptation of the … Continue reading As I Lay
Glimpse*
By Jian Yeo Chimes of distant bells echo my heart–ethereal they were, with the plumose exhale hushed in my ears.Lavender petals settle down on the brim of my delicate helix,pollinating the resonants of exquisite fields of life:Yes, I remember, the tranquil soothings of water–they slowly enveloped my eyes that braced for their last glimpse of … Continue reading Glimpse*
AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Poppies” by Diane Euh
From afar, they are red paint splattered on a campus. They bleed across the quiet, green field.Their petals are soft as a pillow, sweet as an apple. Each one is silk slipping through the breeze. These perfect rubies form a fiery paradise: fragile flames flickering without fear. The dark plum centers Are peppered with rooms … Continue reading AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Poppies” by Diane Euh
AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Nine Willow Trees” by Julia Vaughan
Delicately painted in blueOn pottery and ChinaWeeping branchesWafting in waters at rivers’ edgesUseful for erosion controlAnd windbreaksDense canopies birds’ safe havensOffering nesting sites and refugeHardy trees, softPliant but toughWood fibres criss-crossingPerfect for cricket batsShaped, oiled, lovedMillions of athletes beltingLeather balls for sixFamilies cheering onYin and Yang. ResilientRepresents flexibilityAnd strengthAbility to adapt toAll of life's challengesA … Continue reading AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Nine Willow Trees” by Julia Vaughan
We’ll Be Taking a Break This Summer!
Hi, Writers and Artists! We've received so many wonderful submissions that we are already filling up for December 2026! Like in years past, we close our reading periods once we have scheduled all of our General Dates. Looking at over 75 active submissions, we are comfortable with saying that our 2026 issue is nearly complete. … Continue reading We’ll Be Taking a Break This Summer!
AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Leatherwork” by Jim Bates
Ernie Schaefer undid the twine and rolled out the leather onto his worktable. His practiced eyes scanned the surface, noting some prominent stretch marks, deciding at that very moment to incorporate them into the project he was starting. Before he began, however, he took a moment to think about the cow whose hide he now … Continue reading AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Leatherwork” by Jim Bates
Academy of the Heart And Mind 