By Ann Christine Tabaka Tall grasses begin to sway as they dance with the wind. Prophetic sky morphs to gray, the storm about to begin. There is nowhere left to hide. The tempest sets its course. Mighty trees bow down low to the unrelenting force. It rages on in torrents. There appears no end in … Continue reading Storm Dance
Smoke
By Ahmad Al-khatat I adore the smoke of a cigar with a cup of expensive liquor to relax my mind and spirit down from over thinking without an end I follow the smoke of a hot bath when I see the hot water slide off her bare flesh slides down the tub with worries, that … Continue reading Smoke
Night Refuge
By Ann Christine Tabaka Flying by the window of time, seeking truth. Lurking in hidden passages, susurrations follow. Apparitions haunt the shadows of the imagination. There are no more wishes, the stars have all gone dark. Pain swallowed the night. So, escape the day. Flee for the night, never look back. Run towards the darkness … Continue reading Night Refuge
Morning Comes Too Soon
By Ann Christine Tabaka Under the covers wide awake, the agony of worry takes its toll. Racing thoughts and unfinished deeds march across the dark ceiling. Some far off future overpowering the now, like an invisible bedmate wrestling the blankets. No mantras, prayers, or count of sheep will soothe festering anxieties. The light goes on, … Continue reading Morning Comes Too Soon
Not Far From Your Gothic Window
By Peter Magliocco The faint, furry edges of queasiness now where the night reaches us with its umbilical cord constricting this image of your mother, waiting, with shotgun on stoop, where the cat waits with eyes focused on eternity the cord fails to reach in the vastness of time's undulating river … Continue reading Not Far From Your Gothic Window
Season of Tears
By Ahmad Al-khatat I cry for you a river in a unique season with no seeds growing hope; nor leaves flying over my journey without you I walk with sword tagging on my neck ‘till I feel comfortable to slaughter myself with no doubts, and dreams to come true As my head walks away to … Continue reading Season of Tears
Just Because, Bad Heart
By Michael Lee Johnson Just because I am old do not tumble me dry. Toss me away with those unused Wheat pennies, Buffalo nickels, and Mercury dimes in those pickle jars in the basement. Do not bleach my dark memories Salvation Army my clothes to the poor because I died. Do not retire me leave … Continue reading Just Because, Bad Heart
Forgiveness
By Kelli J Gavin Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive? When asked this question, I pause, feel uncomfortable, and then realize I am not able to answer right away. There isn't just one person, there is a list. A list of people that I haven't forgiven. A list that makes … Continue reading Forgiveness
Old Men Walk Funny
By Michael Lee Johnson Old men walk funny with shadows and time eating at their heels. Pediatric walkers, prostate exams, bend over, then most die. They grow poor, leave their grocery list at home, and forget their social security checks bank account numbers, dwell on whether they wear dentures, uppers or lowers; did they put … Continue reading Old Men Walk Funny
Hands
By Kelli J Gavin Since I was a small child, I have been fascinated with hands. Whenever I met someone new, I looked at their hands. I judged teachers worthy of their ability to teach based on the appearance of their hands. I felt a Sunday School teacher with beautiful hands was better equipped to … Continue reading Hands
Academy of the Heart And Mind 