By Donna Gum At the Orange Sparrow Grocers, Shanda saw with dread that the people in the blue and purple robes focused their attention on her. I don’t have any money for them. She felt uncomfortable. They collected donations about once a week. Thus far, Shanda had evaded them. As she neared the entrance, the … Continue reading Quick Harvest
Taonga
By Kit Willett I bow, and she places around my neck pounamu in the shape of a toki. She says, this is who you are now: I see your courage in its sharpened edge, your nuance in its varied tone, your humour in its speckling, your bite in its kawakawa shade,your voice in its silky … Continue reading Taonga
John Wayne
By Ben Macnair We'll say no to the Ferris Wheel,we'll say no to the politics,at least proper Clowns wear the makeup.We'll say no to the sidewalks,to the pants, and the faucets.Nobody here wants to believe John Wayne ever wore a corset.We'll leave the roundaboutsslip-sliding awaywe'll leave cheap solidarityfor another day,and let things take their natural … Continue reading John Wayne
Winter Deer
By Zary Fekete The town of Cokato is almost exactly halfway across the state of Minnesota on Highway 12. The name Cokato comes from a Siouan word meaning “amid”, helpful for orienting the original indigenous travelers across the territory many years ago before the railroad was built. Despite the encroachment of modernity, the land in … Continue reading Winter Deer
Creative Odyssey
By Alex Andy Phuong Discover with wonderWithout being torn asunder,And surrender to the powerOf a lifelong journeyThat uses hours that are ours,And utilize the power of creativity To create an enduring legacyIn which the travels within the odysseyCan become as beautiful as epic poetry,And realize that living within realityInvolves having a role within societyThat involves … Continue reading Creative Odyssey
Spring’s Necklace and Golden Compass
By JoyAnne O'Donnell Spring’s Necklace Spring whispers flowersEarth’s special colorsGiving us loveWith each fascinating twinkleIlluminating with graceGentle breeze of lightRainbows of showering loveBlue sky of springGlistening rain lays on the petalsCharming necklaces of bloomsRooms of views in many heart’s gardens. Golden Compass Golden light Giving us suns sightPure hands guiding Maps to follow us homeTo … Continue reading Spring’s Necklace and Golden Compass
Into the Light
By Debbie Robertson “Mom, I’m home.” Luz clicked shut the heavy oak door and gently dropped her faux fur backpack on the bench nearby. A stack of mail, as usual, was piled on the table in the hall, but there was something in it that caught her eye: something pink. Her hands grabbed at the … Continue reading Into the Light
Family of Flares
By Haydn Wells A family of unorganized lettersAs some are jumbled, laying amongst others that are kept;Some letters agree upon the otherWhile some are merely checking on another.Some do not know the difference between right and wrong While others know but are too headstrong to admit their wrongs.Some do not care what the other letter … Continue reading Family of Flares
Stay Put
By Akinkuolie Steve The harmattan wind roared through the village of Omoloro, dragging with it a shroud of dust that veiled the sun and set men coughing into their elbows. Women crouched low over their mortar and pestle, pounding yam with a rhythm older than memory, their faces lined not just with age but with … Continue reading Stay Put
aren’t you cold?
By Jade Metrillo When Won’s brother calls to ask how he’s doing, he says he’s doing good. He talks about getting new glasses and contacts, about the stray cats in his neighborhood he sees on his walks, and the rains they’ve been having lately. He doesn’t tell him about the reason why he needed new … Continue reading aren’t you cold?
Academy of the Heart And Mind 