By Alyssa Trivett Afternoon Jack I dub thee, with the cigar hanging out of your mouth, a half-broken toothbrush tree branch lingering over the pool ledge. Old construction and computer equipment take up residence in the back of your mashed up boxcar, glued and gluten free with duct tape, as you glide over those scarred … Continue reading Afternoon Jack
Guns And More Guns
By Tim Clark For a time I worked as a construction laborer. It was taxing work, but it had some pleasant moments. Once we built a basement out by the river running past the town where I lived. It was a secluded beautiful spot. Surrounded by trees, and close enough you could hear the water … Continue reading Guns And More Guns
Terrible Weather for June
By Jennifer Holdich JUNE “Terrible weather for June,” he said, shuffling his feet nervously and glancing at the girl, then back at his feet. “June who?” she asked “June, the month June,” he replied. “Oh, yes, of course. How silly of me!” They stood in the drizzle for a moment, then she said. “My mother’s … Continue reading Terrible Weather for June
You
By Bob McNeil You get used to the sun laughing at your inability to rise. Your clock is jocular as well, chortling between bells at you. Each annoying tintinnabular sound is there to rouse you. All of the clock’s attempts are to no avail. Coffin-lid-rigid, you continue lying on your bed. Unconcerned with the alarm, … Continue reading You
Enough
By John Grey Enough is enough. It's also a strip mall where the woods used to be. And a housing estate that doesn't know from cornfields. And people are indifferent. While they sleep, the big box store is chewing up the pond. Everything's cheap, they boast but I remember what my mother … Continue reading Enough
Brace For Impact
By John Patrick Robbins I wrote it out perfectly the letter would say that which few ever cared to admit. The news wouldn't shock anyone. Most in all honesty wouldn't bat an eye. Another writer takes his own life leaving behind the page and nothing more. I had no children. I had no wife. I … Continue reading Brace For Impact
A Find
By John Grey Poetry disturbs homeless man who finds coffee-stained magazine in trash barrel, while his comrades in the alley pass a bottle from hand to hand, catch a drop or two of liquid on the tongue, a holy elixir for the wildwood state of no comprehension required. He huddles in a corner as … Continue reading A Find
I Will Say Goodbye Here
By John Patrick Robbins She read the words and wondered why they could never be about her. Why the stories that made publication never did include one about her. He wrote beautifully about another that wasn't worth a damn while she remained ignored only to share his bed . She knew he loved her but … Continue reading I Will Say Goodbye Here
My Health
By John Grey It's all screwed up, that's what I know. Working more hours for less pay. College degree and flipping burgers - that's combo number 5. And debt - I've got more debt that you've eaten stale buns. Credit card debt. Car loan. A month's back rent. And the ten I borrowed from Jake. … Continue reading My Health
To The Young Writer
By John Patrick Robbins Live your work but not as I before you. Don't allow a good time become a addiction. Forgive yourself rather than carry the burden of guilt. Don't allow others fucked up actions scar your existence. Never listen to the ignorant that will place there labels upon you. The only true whores … Continue reading To The Young Writer
Academy of the Heart And Mind 