By Kaitlyn Byer moth·er noun a woman in relation to her child or children. verb bring up (a child) with care and affection. For Mami: I always loved your light bronze skin with hints of olive. I remembered it being soft as snow, as if the concept of aging simply never applied to you. Your … Continue reading For Mami
Ryan’s Magic
By Lewis Brett Smiler Previously Published in Scarlet Leaf Review on February 10, 2019 At ten years old, Ryan Thorpe was a master of illusion. With fast hands and a contagious smile, the budding magician could easily amaze anyone. The magic act had given Ryan a new identity, a way to connect with people. His … Continue reading Ryan’s Magic
Why They Answered Their Call and Other Poems
By Douglas J. Lanzo Why They Answered Their Call They had no connection other than a heart and a soul, but they answered the call to reduce the grave human toll. Flying thousands of miles across oceans, mountains and plains, they left families behind to enter beleaguered Ukraine. Their hands heal suffering in a hospital … Continue reading Why They Answered Their Call and Other Poems
Tear Up Your To-Do Lists and Just Sit and Other Poems
By Audrey Howitt Tear Up Your To-Do Lists and Just Sit build tiny nests pull sunlight toward you nurture those mercies you tie close to you under business suits nestled deep in tender folds here is the secret-- if you take one stick fold it close to another you can bend yourself into them find … Continue reading Tear Up Your To-Do Lists and Just Sit and Other Poems
Storyteller and Raisins
By Perry L. Powell Storyteller How I would close my eyes and see the marvels that were your words— the ever-tall oaks dark and green, piercing the sky, the sunlight thrown like gold coins across the meadow, the curve of a hand raised to touch Her hair. How I would hear the giggling water of … Continue reading Storyteller and Raisins
Rocky Road
By Ellen NotbohmThe door to the high school principal’s office stood open, so I nipped in to get a quick opinion on my son’s desire for a summer job. He was not yet sixteen, and possibilities didn’t seem to extend beyond fast food, which he didn’t want to do. “You have to hate your first … Continue reading Rocky Road
24/7 Crossroads Store
By A. R. Tivadar “24/7 Crossroads Store”by A. R. Tivadar Sarah adjusted the cap on her head. The sky was purple, slowly turning darker. The surrounding woodland made it seem like the store was located in a black void. The sterile white lights shining out the windows were the only sources of illumination. She fixed … Continue reading 24/7 Crossroads Store
Beware The Mayor
By Asna Saqib The scorching sun of mid-summer teased the creatures of the forest as it showed its power, forcing the beings to remain in their shelters. The sun, however, still could not stop two men and a woman from leaving the safety of their houses. They stood in a clearing inside the forest, soaked … Continue reading Beware The Mayor
Heathens
By Karlie Taylor My high school is on fire. I saw it before I heard the news on the radio in Dad’s shed, constantly playing to ward off birds, or through the screeching of the scanner whose sharp tones could pull even dad out of a deep sleep. My bedroom, still covered in the posters … Continue reading Heathens
Not Unlike a Tūī
By Marie-Eve Bernier We made the decision on a windy day. Walking around our local park to discuss this, as we always did with important matters. After many failed opportunities to move to New Zealand, the fourth time was a go. This time it was calling loudly and there were no more excuses. Exchanging my … Continue reading Not Unlike a Tūī
Academy of the Heart And Mind 