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
The Bandit
By Fred Klein A rider came through the nightly mist up the deer path to the hillside campsite. An armed guard challenged the rider. “Stop, who are you?” “I am Miquel from Anaheim. I seek the great bandit, Pedro Ortez,” said Miquel. The guard replied, “Why do you seek him?” “I have a message from … Continue reading The Bandit
Polymorphic
By Liz Shine If you should come across a bearwhile hiking, they saymake yourself large, menacing.This trick also works forwatercooler flirtations,the man who always interruptsin meetings to saywhat you said, only better. To avoid ever being a fishout of water, carrywater at all times,great pools of paradisewhere you can swimthrough moods, becausesome days it is … Continue reading Polymorphic
Academy Classics: Haiku by Thomas Page
We wanted to do a throwback to our first post on a June 26th all the way back from 2017. I was born on aRainy night. The rain seemsTo soothe me to sleep Rich Florida thunderRocks the house so much, almostFrying the circuits
In the Eyes of a Trash Can
By Duane Anderson Yes, I get all your trash. No doubt,some of your prize possessions,not that I am ever very hungryfor anything that you feed me.I don’t mind an occasional can or bottle,but those, you really ought to recycle,but forgive me for scolding you,I sometimes get so overloadedthat I can’t keep my top on tight.Yes, … Continue reading In the Eyes of a Trash Can
Mother
By lilith connor The sun loved me first,Loved me with it ́s golden armsWrapped around my flesh.Holding me closeSo I wouldn't disappear.The moon loved me second,The swollen fruit of my bodyWas warmed on cool winter nights.I have a mother that loves meLoves me like the sky and moon itself.She tried to buy me the sun.My … Continue reading Mother
Academy of the Heart And Mind 