By Lorraine Caputo White Rains I. Afternoons the heavens grey, layer upon thick layer of looming clouds, thunder crumpling then silenced by the rain that dampens lanes, streaks white-washed walls of Ciudad Blanca. II. Sometimes the thunder awaits the dusk to sweep the streets clean of another day. III. One late day, as the sun … Continue reading White Rains and Other Poems
The Pickle Jar and Other Poems
By John T. Walsh Jr. The Pickle Jar There was a jar without a label on a mantle on the wall Care was always taken to insure it didn’t fall…. Gramp said it held treasures that I couldn’t see at all That night he pulled the sofa out with a night-light in the hall “Lie … Continue reading The Pickle Jar and Other Poems
Leeches
By Jim Bates It was a hot August dawn. We were on the city dock, dangling our feet above the water. The sun was rising orange above the trees. The lake stretched out in front of us, waves rippling with a few ducks floating nearby. I hardly noticed any of it. Davy had driven us … Continue reading Leeches
How to Make Happiness
By Amrita Valan Can you tell me? How to be bouncy old-fashioned Resilient? And so happy? Somewhere inside The springs got broken And now I fall so flat So very flat inside A cardboard cut out. Walking around Like the shadow of myself On bare non reflective walls. Tinkering with well being I polish the … Continue reading How to Make Happiness
Shahtoosh
By Reena Kapoor Originally published in Literary Yard This is the third time in three months that she’s called. I hesitate. I want to help. Gosh, I’d love to help. What an example, a woman like her could set! Especially in our community, our well placed diaspora, our model minority. But I’ve been in this … Continue reading Shahtoosh
One Ninety One and Other Poems
By Peter Mladinic One Ninety One The road between Cutler and Lubec is gnarly. You’re the only traveler on it, that’s how you feel, solitary, like the road does and doesn’t want you there. On both sides, thin, sturdy, twisted dim thickets. You don’t want to stop on the roadside and go in. The thickets … Continue reading One Ninety One and Other Poems
LifeMart
By Susan Cleveland "Welcome to LifeMart. How can I help you?" Maggie inquired. Her first customer was a young man in his late teens. His blonde hair, clear complexion, and strong build emanated the look of good health. He approached her with a sheepish grin and eyes full of hope. "This will probably sound strange, … Continue reading LifeMart
Governor’s Park
By Peace Nkeiruka Maduako A moth was knocking itself against the glass window, determined to get outside. Olive was awake looking up to the ceiling boards, wondering how Obi would look like after three years of being away. Memories flooded back like it was only yesterday. Their love used to be like a flower opening … Continue reading Governor’s Park
The language of leaving
By Jahnavi Gogoi Sometimes a woman leaves She gets up and walks, a wailing child in tow Or perhaps a ginger cat, a Maine coon, or a Bengal It could be a parrot or a hamster for all you know From porches and cars, sliding down a drainpipe Through the fire exit and Emergency doors … Continue reading The language of leaving
Yes and Other Poems
By Thomas Cannon Yes Yes I want you back in my life Yes I’ve got questions that Yes I know you don’t want to talk about Yes I know that is my fault Yes I want things back to normal Yes I want things to be like they were, but Yes, its seems like a … Continue reading Yes and Other Poems
Academy of the Heart And Mind 