By Mohit Saini They told you to be small—to erode politely,to apologize for your weather,to let the clouds decide your silhouette.But rock remembers its volcanic tongue.Peel back your skin of topsoil:beneath lies a spine that refused the glacier,a throat that still hums with magma.Height is not arrogance.It’s the act of remainingwhile the wind tries to … Continue reading The Mountain’s Promise
a divine dinner tune
By Grace Lee when we gathered around the kitchen table,holding hands as my mother said grace,the clatter of plates rang like beating drumswhile the dumplings cracked like fireworkson the frying pan. our voices were keys of apiano. every conversation played in myears as a melodic tune. blinded by risingsteam and golden, glimmering sunlightpeeking through the … Continue reading a divine dinner tune
Your Lady from Afar
By Fatimah Akanbi I waved from afarLike every other dayAnd you tipped a hat to meAs to all other strangersBut I never knewI'd wake up to find youBidding the castle goodbye Saying adventure awaited outsideYou turned a new chapterAs you set sail on the seaWhile I'll forever beThat open book you'll never readBut I'll wave … Continue reading Your Lady from Afar
mercurial reverie
By Leonardo Chung in the blackened abyss i hear a voice: a harlequined peacock a fiery blaze of sequinsin echoes of notes like stars an orchestra ofsupernovas a sculptor of soundscapesa singer of requiems of rhapsodies now hold on to that cosmic tie and ignite the tail of that chameleon let’s soar on wings of … Continue reading mercurial reverie
Bearing South-West
By Paul Tristram Down through the edge of Devon,over the Tamar River…to needle the moorland mists,where you are nevermore than 16 miles from the Coast.You can feel Life’s Pace change as you pass by The Jamaica Inn… and head onwards to the Heart.I’ve roved these railways,and sped along the A30 road,nigh-on a quarter of a … Continue reading Bearing South-West
The Pin
By Jill Smith “Sorry I’m late,” Gwen said as she kissed Charlie and dropped her work bag inside his apartment door. “You are perfectly on time,” Charlie said. Gwen dashed into the bathroom, smoothed her hair, and pinched her cheeks to get a little color in them. Note to self: bring a makeup bag to … Continue reading The Pin
Bats: An Upware Fable
By Andy Cogan The bats, that had hibernated all winter, behind a hole in the fascia, under the eaves, above buttressed brick wall of the Old School House in Upware, emerged in the early spring to a strange world that was silent. Silent when they rested during the heat of the day. Silent when they … Continue reading Bats: An Upware Fable
The Fire
By Erni-Szakács Szilárd The Smith family was an ordinary one, living near the city center of Glasgow. John Smith, the head of the family, worked as a doctor at the local hospital. Due to his expertise and dedication, many respected him, as he saved numerous lives. His wife, Anne Smith, worked as a geography teacher … Continue reading The Fire
Evening on the Porch
By Eolas Pellor Brody was sitting on the swing, looking out at the Moon rising. He could feel in his joints that it was going to be a dewy night. Behind him the screen door opened and closed, quietly. He smiled; Charlie was the only person he knew who closed screen doors carefully. “How are … Continue reading Evening on the Porch
Training of the Guard
By Zachary Reger The inaugural journey of the Capitol Express met with resounding success. Passengers young and old, of high class and low, flocked to travel by train. The newly efficient route—with a faster engine and fewer stoppages—cut nearly three-quarters of an hour from the intercity trek. A solid foundation laid, the future of the … Continue reading Training of the Guard
Academy of the Heart And Mind 