The throbbing pain inside my inflamed throat was excruciating.The congestion of my nasal passages made it nearly impossible for me to breathe. My head, which was as heavy as a concrete slab of stone, pulsed painfully with every step I took. “Anna. If you can’t handle it, just go see a doctor.”As I lay down … Continue reading June Micro Memoir Contest: Bronze Winner: “Handle It” by Anna Lee
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
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
Blooming Lights
By Frances Leitch The earth smiles with the rise of the sun, a light feeling growing over hill and valley and ocean blue. Blue skies overhead, flowers sprouting, plant grow, and leaves of trees drinking in the sun’s rays of renewal, a new day. Fire Light The morning’s flaming tailwhisks the night awayAs copper caverns … Continue reading Blooming Lights
The Village Cricket Team, 1913
By Ben Macnair Mr Brown remembered them well.All the fine boys who played Cricket on the Village Green,in the summer of 1913.He remembers their youth and vitality,and their innocence,in knocking out sixes and sevens,and winning against the older teams from the local villages.Mr Brown is alone in holding those memories.The Cricket Team of 1913 swapped … Continue reading The Village Cricket Team, 1913
Lengths for Width
By Stephen Kingsnorth First published by Poetry Potion 2020 It lies beneath her surface sheen,the real disturbance of disease, dementia spread, synapse collapse,while outwardly she knows the rules -the courtesies to strangers shown,as even dares to hold her hand,mutters sweet nothings to her lobe.He daily comes from swimming baths,stiff exercise for sinew strength,some lengths of … Continue reading Lengths for Width
Inspiration Beamed from Mars
By Douglas J. Lanzo Dedicated to those at NASA who introduced the world to the most beloved rover of all time Opportunity Rover —engineered for Mars — redefined our red neighboron our path to the stars.With its twin rover Spirittested by its side,NASA captured the windowfor its magical ride:Thrust by powerful rockets — six months … Continue reading Inspiration Beamed from Mars
Alone in the Water
By Danielle Nogales It’s Sunday morningand the church crowd entersthrough the front doorson a mission to orderthe ten dollar lunch combo. But it’s Sundayand the deal is only offeredMonday thru Friday.Everyone is upsetwhen I tell them this. I’m the only waitress opening the restaurantat least for the first half hour. It doesn’t seem too long,but … Continue reading Alone in the Water
Crystals
By Ediney Santana I was in the desert,I saw soulsof scorpions, snailsdrinking beers.I talked to a cactus,I kissed a stone.The desert has life.Lights, Snakes, Dreams.Have you ever diedto be reborn?You don't know what loneliness is.I was in the desert,a seahorse took me home. Ediney Santana is a poet, composer and literature teacher. He was born … Continue reading Crystals
Academy of the Heart And Mind 