By Dianne Moritz Mother carefully snipped a small, green cutting from her friend’s lush yard, set it to root in an old jam jar. We kids marveled, as fragile shoots spouted, buds of leaves unfurled, like baby fists, in sunlight. Sometime later, Mother planted the tiny sapling in the fertile Iowa soil by our backyard … Continue reading Our Weeping Willow
The Proposal and Other Poems
By Fernanda Poblete Gonzalez The Proposal Let's deceive time, so that you can look at me like the first time. Smile at me without wanting to, and kiss me like yesterday. Let's turn the world upside down, just one more time, to see the stars appear during bedtime. Let's forget fear and let's jump with … Continue reading The Proposal and Other Poems
Tails, You Lose
By Leslie Knibbs He maintains stiletto like eye contact with each of those playing the game. Never looking down, his sharp eyes dart from one player to the next in staccato-like movements. Under a crude canvas canopy, the crowd gathers eagerly, all placing coins on the table. Standing…... Like some shifty sleight of hand artist … Continue reading Tails, You Lose
With Hands Tied
By Fernanda Poblete Gonzalez The door opened, and he entered quickly. He had a coffee cup and a few papers in his hand. He stood in front of me as he adjusted his crooked black tie. "Miss Martinez?" He addressed me. "Yes," I replied, with my hands wet from my anxiety. “I am Detective Patricio … Continue reading With Hands Tied
1973 Laundromat
By Carl Scharwath There are so many happy times and memories in a young person’s life. A first love, first kiss, first car, high school, and college graduations and the most transformative-your very own home. Your first place represents freedom, now you can do whatever you love with no parental restrictions and even perhaps get … Continue reading 1973 Laundromat
Kidnapping
By Fernanda Poblete Gonzalez Robert lifted me into his long arms, as he usually does, and put me in the place that he had been painstakingly preparing. I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen; every hair on my body stood on end, while my pupils slowly dilated. With their false smiles, … Continue reading Kidnapping
Telos and Other Poems
By Carl Scharwath Telos Two evening lovers’ echoes In you forgotten dreams and memories of essence. Touch wordlessly in a greater optimism. Waves of summer morn Under a cloudless sky with flickering lights of desire. Turning like a dancer alone on the stage of life The evening leaves turn after Their first death and sleep … Continue reading Telos and Other Poems
Safe From the World and Other Poems
By Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal Safe From the World Under a somber cloud I hear a distant echo from the waves at sea. Deep in the ocean or just half the way, a whole new world exists. Great giant fish thrive there. The sun is just a white speck in the sky. The waters are cool … Continue reading Safe From the World and Other Poems
Art in Life and Other Photographs
By Carl Scharwath Carl Scharwath, has appeared globally with 170+ journals selecting his poetry, short stories, interviews, essays, plays or art. Two poetry books Journey to Become Forgotten (Kind of a Hurricane Press) and Abandoned (Scars Tv) have been published. His new book “The Playground of Destiny” (Impspired Press 8/21) features short stories, poems and photography. … Continue reading Art in Life and Other Photographs
Ramble and Other Poems
By Alex Andy Phuong Ramble Rather than ramble, Remember that Babel Is more than a city. In fact, it is a place That encourages diversity Despite barriers, And there is no need To feel inferior Without consent. Revel in wonderment! Complement Primary and secondary colors Complement one another And are just as vibrant As pleasant … Continue reading Ramble and Other Poems
Academy of the Heart And Mind 