By Kevin Scheepers The desperation of neat little boxes,The despair of perfect labels;Stable entities that dare not change without prior notice.A moth disinterested in distinguishing simulacra from simulacrum,The dragon could not take such liberties.The unintentional incantations you utter,Billets-doux to yourself, remaining unanswered.Couldn't reach you over there on planet apathy,Burnt the curtains for warmth; a useful … Continue reading the desperation of neat little boxes
The paper lantern
By Irene Clarke The paper lantern was filled with love, as it floated in the sky,All her tears were falling, as she watched her memories fly.Would the lantern reach the place, where he said he’d wait for her?She wasn’t sure about anything, the last few days a blur.There were people all around her to wish … Continue reading The paper lantern
medusa
By lilith connor In a world where everyone else dreamed of love- I dreamed of beauty. i used to beg your senses to come in/ worship my body like a pristine temple. in the presence of death, what could life withstand? could power come at a lower price than love? i used to dream of … Continue reading medusa
Dispel the Loneliness
By Mona Mehas he sits on a bench in the parkold growth trees soar over his headpigeons at his feet devour crackersleft from his lunchsquirrels join the picnic their chatter brings a smilehis ears perk at the sound of cardinalsbut he’s aloneshe comes to the park in her finest scarfwith turquoise peacock markingsand silver stars … Continue reading Dispel the Loneliness
Mid-Temperature
By Meer Singh I’ve dragged my chairinto the primary patch of sun. A blanket hangs overmy lap. Through thescreen door, my feline companionasks to join me. When I oblige,she just runs to the soft cave behind myback. She hearsthe dogs next doorwhine and whine from their metallong leads. Theirfive foot human barks at themto stop … Continue reading Mid-Temperature
Glory to Him
By Rakev Gemechu We sit in a circle, arms folded tight,feet beating the earth like it owes us something.The sun isn't gentle; it burns our soles darker,carves white lines across skin like old scars. My feet, still smooth, hide under my dress,streaked with morning mud, tucked away like secrets. Others don’t hide theirs. Toenails gone, … Continue reading Glory to Him
The Next Step
By Holly Day I keep starting sentences with “When this is all over”acknowledging that there will be a future when everything is normal againwhen I don’t have to worry about touching or hugging my friendswhen I can see my parents again, face to faceand not just as flickering images on my computer screen.I keep finishing … Continue reading The Next Step
A Life of Stimulation
By Shinsaku Ashida Beneath the snowlies a lifeone prefers not to see.Unwanted feelings—numbedby stronger sensations.The wrongness is clear.Clothing grows vivid,loud in color,but not fitfor the winter mountains.Even when reachingthrough snow,the mountain’s surfacemay stillremain untouched.Still,the mountain seensince childhoodstands unchangedtonight.And when spring comes,turning awaywill no longer be possible. Shinsaku Ashida is a Japanese poet whose work centers on … Continue reading A Life of Stimulation
Afternoon Tea with Anne Hathaway
By Sarah Wolfe I know a place. Take a left off the main road then part the evergreens to find the hidden little white gate. Follow the little gray steppingstone path. Bluejays will escort you to the tea party. Sighing winds will bring you summer notes of creamy gardenias. Chattering white rabbits will announce your … Continue reading Afternoon Tea with Anne Hathaway
Secret Boxes
By Elanur Williams Christmas, I knew was a certain attitude. It was not colourful lights on plastic trees, clove-scented tea, or an evergreen wreath. It was more than that: an abundance of clementines in my grandmother’s green car, glass animals in tins of Red Rose tea. Sometimes it could bethe plastic tree,candy cane ornaments, and … Continue reading Secret Boxes
Academy of the Heart And Mind 