By Alex Andy Phuong Surrender to the wonder,Along with the hidden mystery,Of the secrets found deep withinEverlasting beauty,And through the acceptance of reality,People could hopefully seeWith a newfound sense of clarity,And search for golden opportunities To make the world a better placeWhile never worrying aboutVanishing without a trace,So travel across both time and spaceLong after … Continue reading Recovery After Dawn
Tarry a while
By Rongili Biswas Like the gloaming that’s fallen upon the hills,tarry a while in the trembling dusk.Steps in our groves have grown restive,looking for trails and nameless flowers, dusty berries or woodland nymphs,in the amber wilderness. Tarry a while till dead leaves awaken, alder catkins block all paths, and the crowns all done reddening,by their … Continue reading Tarry a while
Montmartre Majesty
By Douglas J. Lanzo Montmartre majestycrowned by Sacré-Coeur,gleams at me from cupolascapping domed grandeur;Within, gilded mosaics of Christ’s triumphant reign,arch rainbow-hued stained glass illuming saintly panes.This sacred heart of Paris,pulses my veins with life,where famed artists communedto toast Moulin Rouge nightlife.Roaming packed marketswhere vendors peddle wares,I imbibe croissants waftingchocolate scent throughout the air;Painters at wood … Continue reading Montmartre Majesty
Dejeuner
By Craig Kirchner Originally Published in Chiron Review, Summer ‘24 Sparrows gathered on the veranda, we eavesdropped on nearby lovers, hand fed one another tapas, swigged lewd licks on Czech beer. Under the table you hiked your skirt, opened your thighs around my knee, animated codes with delicate hands,laughed about our first time. Surrounded by … Continue reading Dejeuner
Thread Count
By David Lavenda It’s a choice—or is it?I’m simultaneously the windshield and fly, already speeding toward it.White, oblong solid.100mg, stamped—miniature epitaph—designed to stop the hammeringbetween my ribsthat nails me to sheets—pillows, blankets.Taste of bitter promise,the throat constricts around what mustbe swallowed.I cave to gravity—the mattress learning my shape,iron on my tongue—the pill's aftertaste or just … Continue reading Thread Count
Haiku
By F.S. Blake Swollen riverbankscarry branches to new groundI drift but don’t sink.Next year could be worse,another autumn of pain,but hopefully peace.No more ornaments,after this year’s Christmas daysthey stay packed away.Bathed in dreamy light,I am alone on a beach,joined by my new dreams.weekend after next maybe we go ice skating till then we can text … Continue reading Haiku
Sea-Glass
By Ben Macnair A salt water wash.A deeper blue.A thousand different pieces.The original liquid it contained,only drops in an ocean,battered by time, and the crueltyof nature that lives by her own morality.The rubbish from ships,or too many romantics lookingfor answers in a message that nobody will read.A love letter, consigned to memory,all of the little … Continue reading Sea-Glass
The Last Punchline
By Joanne Johnson You were always quick with a jokeAlways with impeccable timingAs you teased about what would come nextForetelling the next line with a smirkWhen you entered the room you announcedHaving a story that would produce A raucous and resounding laughterTo even the unhappiest soulsIt was your signature that proceeded youEveryone anticipating jocular entertainment … Continue reading The Last Punchline
Origin
By Janet Belding Everyone gets born the same way, the name in the Bible. Well if I was written in there it was lost in the fire. We had no water to put it out and there was wind, no rain. I woke up one day and I was a man with no memories. I … Continue reading Origin
Before Dawn
By Oliver Kleyer Before dawn,I don’t have a name.It normally reappears with the sunrise,preferably on the railroad bridge,overlooking the town where I work,but fortunately, not live,sometimes starting the O,sometimes with the i.Before dawn, you could call me anything,there is a 50/50 chance I might answer.Before dawn, I sometimes think my nameis Adam & there is … Continue reading Before Dawn
Academy of the Heart And Mind 