By Adn Mudassir Towards the end of my sophomore year of high school, my mother suggested I apply as a teaching assistant at the preschool where she worked. At first, I was unsure. My job hunt had started out of a desire to acquire some financial independence, and with it an opportunity for self-growth outside … Continue reading Growing Pains
B*I*N*G*O*
By P.S. Nolf The G67 ball flees down the aisle, Bouncing off legs of tables and chairs and humans.Chased by hordes of tripping and skipping and flippingTigers, tuxedos, Siamese, and shorthairs. The kittens have gone to war.Too young to jump, humans help the littles to table tops. There they discover the best toys.Skittles likes to … Continue reading B*I*N*G*O*
The Pink Room
By Cynthia Li “Shirley, are you ready? I'm coming to get you!” Giselle yelled as she launched into the ocean ball pool. A splash echoed through the room. “Hold on, I’m on my way!" Shirley exclaimed. She bounced off the trampoline. With another wild whoop, she landed beside Giselle in the pool. The two girls … Continue reading The Pink Room
My Shadow
By Matthew Spence Day 1 I think it began this morning, though I can’t be sure. Time doesn’t seem to move in the same way anymore. I woke up late, rushed through my morning routine. Nothing unusual—except the mirror. I don’t know what it was about the way I looked at myself today, but something … Continue reading My Shadow
This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
By Mike DC Current From NPC: The Bard of Aztaeron Josh, Zelda, Rory, and Jackson didn’t feel like the Four Warriors of Prophecy. They felt like four baristas starting a LARP campaign. Their mood shifted when they ran past the Carbonwood City gate. They each got a notification: Leaving Carbonwood Safe Zone. Good luck! A … Continue reading This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
Against All Stars
By Aykut Tufekli No more solitude to you, since I’m hereWith all my care that you will feelLook at the sky, all those starsNever will it shine as bright as your eyesNo words could tell the beauty of your heartIt must be hard to be both cute and smartThrough every dream, through near or farYou’ll … Continue reading Against All Stars
Gratitude
By Anonymous Like the sun that greets the dawn,Your words brought light when hope was gone.A gentle breeze, a steady flame,You made joy dance when I heard my name.Your poem flew like wings of grace,Took me to a peaceful place.By rivers calm and forests wide,I felt your kindness at my side.So here I send my … Continue reading Gratitude
September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “An Evening in the Park” by Carissa Coane
Like torches held aloft, a patchwork of copper and gold treesdapple the terrain. Merciless, a sudden gust sweeps through,stripping the boughs,sending a storm of color whirling to the ground. A lone jogger slows to a walk,bewitched by the dried leaves’ crunch beneath his every step.Children kick through mounds of fallen foliage —scarves trailing, breath visible,voices … Continue reading September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “An Evening in the Park” by Carissa Coane
September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Autumn Vibes” by Mary Bone
Autumn declares her glory withvibrant hues.The view is spectacular for a while.The trees are clothed for a time.The next season won’t be so gentle,when cold air blows in and stripsthe beauty away leaving a stark reality.Winter’s breath will soon arrive. Mary Bone has been writing poetry and short stories since childhood. Some of her poems … Continue reading September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Autumn Vibes” by Mary Bone
September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Autumnal Demise” by Emer McDermott
A soft hum came over autumn,beneath my feet patchwork was being complete. The wind rustled to knit the leaves together.Amber, gold, and green.The sky sighed out pristine clouds,soft velvet puffsagainst the cornflower blue.Tender September sung a symphony, and the morning mist danced, softening the distancebetween you and me. Rain ricocheted against my windscreenlike cathartic calligraphy, … Continue reading September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Autumnal Demise” by Emer McDermott
Academy of the Heart And Mind 