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
The Lighthouse Keepers
By Ayla Padida Summer stood over her weak, sick mother. Lauren was too close to death. "Summer, take over the lighthouse while I am sick," she rasped, before handing a chain to her daughter. Summer nodded solemly, and exited the room, footsteps receding. She curiosly trotted over to the lighthouse across the road from their … Continue reading The Lighthouse Keepers
Am I a photo or am I a painting?
By Ginette Pestana and James Aitchison The image was created by my wife GINETTE PESTANA. We are a husband-and-wife photographer-writer team, GINETTE PESTANA and JAMES AITCHISON, touring the world and experiencing all kinds of memories and images. Am I a photo or am I a painting? A piece of digital mischief or just a quirky … Continue reading Am I a photo or am I a painting?
Academy of the Heart And Mind 