By Tracie Adams I’m positive the assistant manager of the ice-skating rink was not expecting the response he got. He puffed out his argyle sweater-clad chest and squared off his petite, round shoulders as if trying to scare off a bear. His animated behavior only served to heighten the humor of the scene, so my … Continue reading The Good Goodbye
Jonathan Edwards
By Rip Underwood No death, no fracture, issued the dayour House’s joists, riven by frost,knuckled off their notches, droppedupon many a balcony’s full weight.I called it a rebuke, a mercy, for nothinghappens without a great Consent.The ecstasies came and went; foxglovefell to winter, and all the coloniesfelt of it, asking, “Pastor, what has comeupon Boston, … Continue reading Jonathan Edwards
Song of the Coffee Pot and Old Apartments
By Spencer Keene Song of the Coffee Pot The fluorescent bulbs flick onas you stumble into the kitchen,your eyes swollen with sleep.From my perch atop the counterI watch your clumsy movements,anticipate the immanent warmth.The cupboard creaks and revealsits stores to you; boxes, tins, cansand a collection of odds and ends.You palm the big blue cannister,lift … Continue reading Song of the Coffee Pot and Old Apartments
Who is that, that Stands Against the Wall?
By Jack Strayer Who is that, that stands against the wall?Is there even anyone at all?A stalwart face with empty lipsAnd furtive eyes, I cannot tell, of wine or gris.His arms rise and fall to a silent museWhile his legs stumble as if in a fugue.His skin is as transparent as a pallor fog,But as … Continue reading Who is that, that Stands Against the Wall?
Feeding The Gulls
By Richard Weaver They surround us with wingswild for popcorn and bread,even a day-old granola bar.We toss them upwards to airas they hover in the wind above;we scatter them with a dozen tossesStill they stay with us,still they come each morningwitness to what we offer. Richard Weaver volunteers with the Maryland Book Bank, CityLights, and … Continue reading Feeding The Gulls
Storms and Boats
By Ashwini Bhat We hear about the storms,Then, we talk about the boats.How, not all our storms are the same,But neither are our boats.Then when Monday hits,All is forgotten.The philosophy of the storms, The analogy of the boats.Lost in the rush-hour traffic,In the windowless cubicles,In the goal-less meetings,In the soul-less monitors,Buried in endless numbers, muffled … Continue reading Storms and Boats
Keep on Trucking
By Jon Moray Gary adjusted his helmet as he negotiated in his head his next jump. Known as a dirt bike daredevil, he attempted stunts up hills no one would ever consider. He revved the bike motor, gave a thumbs-up to an anxious crowd sitting in the bleachers and was off testing the shock absorbers … Continue reading Keep on Trucking
Garden of Healing
By Kelly Doheney A garden lies in the center of my soul.Once dead, it is becoming alive.A place where a survivor’s story unfolds.A place where dreams and hopes thrive.The sun shines bright; the sky is blue.Nourishing the healing of a broken heart.The soil, once barren, is now fertile and new.For new beauty from ashes begins … Continue reading Garden of Healing
Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
By Nick Zverloff Tomato, garlic, and onion mixed into an aroma powerful as the rock music blasting from the ceiling. Neon lights illuminated the menu behind the counter. Chipotle Showdown Bowl. Tex-Mex Explosion Bowl. Endless Battle Refillable Bowl. A man stood before his restaurant, his outfit ridiculous as his menu names. He wore a jacket … Continue reading Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
The Price of Fame
By Tim Law POP goes my knee as my boot connects with the ball. That pigskin goes sailing, the longest kick I’ve ever attempted. A split second later the linebacker crunches into me and we both hit the turf. I’m certain if I wasn’t wearing my armour I’d have two or three snapped ribs, even … Continue reading The Price of Fame
Academy of the Heart And Mind 