By Rip Underwood No death, no fracture, issued the dayour House’s joists, riven by frost,knuckled off their notches, droppedupon many a balcony’s full weight.I called it a rebuke, a mercy, for nothinghappens without a great Consent.The ecstasies came and went; foxglovefell to winter, and all the coloniesfelt of it, asking, “Pastor, what has comeupon Boston, … Continue reading Jonathan Edwards
Song of the Coffee Pot and Old Apartments
By Spencer Keene Song of the Coffee Pot The fluorescent bulbs flick onas you stumble into the kitchen,your eyes swollen with sleep.From my perch atop the counterI watch your clumsy movements,anticipate the immanent warmth.The cupboard creaks and revealsits stores to you; boxes, tins, cansand a collection of odds and ends.You palm the big blue cannister,lift … Continue reading Song of the Coffee Pot and Old Apartments
Who is that, that Stands Against the Wall?
By Jack Strayer Who is that, that stands against the wall?Is there even anyone at all?A stalwart face with empty lipsAnd furtive eyes, I cannot tell, of wine or gris.His arms rise and fall to a silent museWhile his legs stumble as if in a fugue.His skin is as transparent as a pallor fog,But as … Continue reading Who is that, that Stands Against the Wall?
Feeding The Gulls
By Richard Weaver They surround us with wingswild for popcorn and bread,even a day-old granola bar.We toss them upwards to airas they hover in the wind above;we scatter them with a dozen tossesStill they stay with us,still they come each morningwitness to what we offer. Richard Weaver volunteers with the Maryland Book Bank, CityLights, and … Continue reading Feeding The Gulls
Keep on Trucking
By Jon Moray Gary adjusted his helmet as he negotiated in his head his next jump. Known as a dirt bike daredevil, he attempted stunts up hills no one would ever consider. He revved the bike motor, gave a thumbs-up to an anxious crowd sitting in the bleachers and was off testing the shock absorbers … Continue reading Keep on Trucking
Garden of Healing
By Kelly Doheney A garden lies in the center of my soul.Once dead, it is becoming alive.A place where a survivor’s story unfolds.A place where dreams and hopes thrive.The sun shines bright; the sky is blue.Nourishing the healing of a broken heart.The soil, once barren, is now fertile and new.For new beauty from ashes begins … Continue reading Garden of Healing
Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
By Nick Zverloff Tomato, garlic, and onion mixed into an aroma powerful as the rock music blasting from the ceiling. Neon lights illuminated the menu behind the counter. Chipotle Showdown Bowl. Tex-Mex Explosion Bowl. Endless Battle Refillable Bowl. A man stood before his restaurant, his outfit ridiculous as his menu names. He wore a jacket … Continue reading Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
The Price of Fame
By Tim Law POP goes my knee as my boot connects with the ball. That pigskin goes sailing, the longest kick I’ve ever attempted. A split second later the linebacker crunches into me and we both hit the turf. I’m certain if I wasn’t wearing my armour I’d have two or three snapped ribs, even … Continue reading The Price of Fame
Shopping Memories
By Debra J. White I grew up in New York City during the Cold War era. The city was packed with multi-level department stores that stocked clothing, furniture, toys, linens, hats, appliances and more. There was free gift wrapping and complimentary boxes. Some NYC department stores like Bloomingdale’s were high end for the upscale shopper. … Continue reading Shopping Memories
A Night in an Ethiopian Monastery
By Michael J. Barrington Debre Damos had always fascinated me. I’d visited several monasteries in Ethiopia on previous visits, including several in Lake Tana, but never this one. Getting there by road was only the beginning of my adventure! Having flown into Axum, I drove towards Adigrat, on a reasonably well surfaced road, passing deep … Continue reading A Night in an Ethiopian Monastery
Academy of the Heart And Mind 