By James Aitchison It was our last phone call.“I have some cognitive issues,”my cousin told me. “If I goquiet suddenly, and you don’t hear me say anything,I’m still here.”The silence said morethan he ever could. James Aitchison is an Australian author and poet whose work has appeared via the Australian Poetry Anthology, Aesthetica, Poetry for … Continue reading On cognition
My Sunflower
By Ha-rin With no place to call home,I moved endlessly —searching for somewhereI could finally belong.Until I met you.You shone on me like the sun,you were a star in my dark world,the dawn I looked forward to.Your smile — the warmth of spring,your sincerity —a gentle fire wrapping me up in peace.You held the handsno … Continue reading My Sunflower
this is not a drill
By Mia Remience “we are entering lockdown. this is not a drill.” we pulled down the blinds and locked the door and bunched up in a corner of the room. we had practiced this so many times, but never like this. one girl had her earbuds in. another was scrolling on her phone. a whole … Continue reading this is not a drill
Lately
By Luis Cuauhtémoc Berriozábal Lately, evening wipes me out.I end up on the ground.I retreat to earth’s lowest depthsbut not before I stagger.I drop like a fly heavy as stone.Sometimes I protest too much.I come back the next dayas I am seemingly indestructible.At night I am almost dying.I bury myself without a shovel.My decayed body,rusted, … Continue reading Lately
Recovery After Dawn
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
