By Maria Cannon “Oh my god, what is that smell? Did someone die?” “It’s just the Parmesan burning a little, Bill. There’s no need to be cruel,” snapped Louise. The smell of melting butter filled the tiny kitchen. Winston, the dachshund, snored loudly by the door. “Grilled cheese again? I want Gruyere … Continue reading Grilled Cheese
“Don’t Let Your Mind Wander”
By Chloe Mangiafico Change my clothes, put my hair up, tie my shoes. I don’t even have to think about it anymore. It’s just something I do, like breathing or blinking—or running. The routine, the repetition, it gives me control over my life. I always find myself at the same trail, behind the houses, down the … Continue reading “Don’t Let Your Mind Wander”
I Dare You …..
By Emma Frank The dare seems fun, harmless. No one is near, with the exception of a toddler fast asleep on a bean bag chair with a copy of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! open on his lap. Carmen beckons for me to follow. She is standing in the doorway of the … Continue reading I Dare You …..
The Price of Popularity
By Easter U. Obioha 1 The Price of Popularity If someone had told me that I was “cool” about a week ago, I would’ve given them the side eye. Now? Not so much. Growing up, I’ve always kept to myself. I did what I needed to do. I nodded my head from time to time, … Continue reading The Price of Popularity
Wanting to See Him
By Alli Marney-Bell I see light when I wake up. Could I be dead? I don’t think I’m dead. The ground feels cold. My head hurts. Where am I? I try to stand up. My wrists buckle under my weight. I fall before moving my legs. I hit my head again. It still hurts. … Continue reading Wanting to See Him
Various Poems
By Marc Carver I walked down Congress I wrote a poem at every bench I came to and left it there. Must have been ten or so I even left one in a bush I can't remember all the words but I can remember the soul of them LOST As I … Continue reading Various Poems
Pending Love
By Anonymous “Hello?” “Hey! Where are you?” “In my car, I just got off work.” “The night shift?” “Yeah.” “So...there's a karaoke night tonight at Maribel’s Diner- ” “No.” “C’mon Olivia! I want you to come with me.” “I don’t think I can go back there… ” “It's been a year!” Olivia was silent. … Continue reading Pending Love
Sea-Monkeys
By Glen Armstrong I'm afraid of poetry. Who’s to say that those interesting. Young people at the podium. Won’t summon a demon. Or make the whole room fall. In love. I have boots to reheel. And no time to feel weird. About daffodils and wars. That my grandparents fought. Words ought to inspire … Continue reading Sea-Monkeys
5 Hour Window
By Ryan Quinn Flanagan I cannot imagine my windows only being there for 5 hours. What happens then? An open air intrusion of bugs and bird? Open concept to the masses? But that is the present humanitarian reality. I can’t imagine what I would do without my windows. A … Continue reading 5 Hour Window
Stem Cell
By Ryan Quinn Flanagan research is always being protested and funded and protested again so that after a while it becomes hard to figure out where the funding begins and the protest stops in much the same way you dig a hole into the wet crimson earth and wonder about all the … Continue reading Stem Cell
