By Edmund Rottworth When I was little I would sunbathIn the little square of golden light That fell inFrom the big picture window Onto the orange rug In my front room.Propped up on my elbows and Feet kicked up almost to the back of my headI would watchStrings and stands of sunlightIlluminated in the dustAnd … Continue reading Sunbathing in the front room
The Stranger in My Home
By Kelly Flanagan A low angry voice rumbled from the living room as Eve stooped to move clothes from the washer to the dryer. “You’re a naughty, nasty little boy.” She dropped the wet clothes on the floor before rushing out of the laundry room and through the kitchen. Eve’s mom had her bony hands … Continue reading The Stranger in My Home
Glory to Him
By Rakev Gemechu We sit in a circle, arms folded tight,feet beating the earth like it owes us something.The sun isn't gentle; it burns our soles darker,carves white lines across skin like old scars. My feet, still smooth, hide under my dress,streaked with morning mud, tucked away like secrets. Others don’t hide theirs. Toenails gone, … Continue reading Glory to Him
The Endless Day
By Penny Nolte The station is packed and no wonder. Our train is delayed because of the storm and no one knows when it will get through, that’s good news for us because otherwise we’d have missed it. The trip is my present, because I hate to fly. We are taking a sleeper car all … Continue reading The Endless Day
The Next Step
By Holly Day I keep starting sentences with “When this is all over”acknowledging that there will be a future when everything is normal againwhen I don’t have to worry about touching or hugging my friendswhen I can see my parents again, face to faceand not just as flickering images on my computer screen.I keep finishing … Continue reading The Next Step
A Life of Stimulation
By Shinsaku Ashida Beneath the snowlies a lifeone prefers not to see.Unwanted feelings—numbedby stronger sensations.The wrongness is clear.Clothing grows vivid,loud in color,but not fitfor the winter mountains.Even when reachingthrough snow,the mountain’s surfacemay stillremain untouched.Still,the mountain seensince childhoodstands unchangedtonight.And when spring comes,turning awaywill no longer be possible. Shinsaku Ashida is a Japanese poet whose work centers on … Continue reading A Life of Stimulation
Le Chat Noir
By Emily Gennis It was the kind of night that creeps up on soft, silent paws, and has its claws in you before you even know it's there. I was in my usual spot on the windowsill, watching a squirrel bury its loot and muttering all the things I’d do to it if I ever … Continue reading Le Chat Noir
Sunset at the Red Arrow Grille
By Joseph Carrabis Angie watched the old couple take booth 7. They sat on either side of the table, reached across and held hands. She sized them up quickly and smiled: dressed for Fall weather in old, well-worn, but clean clothes. Probably limited income, just got their checks. This is their big time out this … Continue reading Sunset at the Red Arrow Grille
Afternoon Tea with Anne Hathaway
By Sarah Wolfe I know a place. Take a left off the main road then part the evergreens to find the hidden little white gate. Follow the little gray steppingstone path. Bluejays will escort you to the tea party. Sighing winds will bring you summer notes of creamy gardenias. Chattering white rabbits will announce your … Continue reading Afternoon Tea with Anne Hathaway
Secret Boxes
By Elanur Williams Christmas, I knew was a certain attitude. It was not colourful lights on plastic trees, clove-scented tea, or an evergreen wreath. It was more than that: an abundance of clementines in my grandmother’s green car, glass animals in tins of Red Rose tea. Sometimes it could bethe plastic tree,candy cane ornaments, and … Continue reading Secret Boxes
Academy of the Heart And Mind 