By Richard Weaver They surround us with wingswild for popcorn and bread,even a day-old granola bar.We toss them upwards to airas they hover in the wind above;we scatter them with a dozen tossesStill they stay with us,still they come each morningwitness to what we offer. Richard Weaver volunteers with the Maryland Book Bank, CityLights, and … Continue reading Feeding The Gulls
Garden of Healing
By Kelly Doheney A garden lies in the center of my soul.Once dead, it is becoming alive.A place where a survivor’s story unfolds.A place where dreams and hopes thrive.The sun shines bright; the sky is blue.Nourishing the healing of a broken heart.The soil, once barren, is now fertile and new.For new beauty from ashes begins … Continue reading Garden of Healing
Every Crack in the Den and Peach Colored Skies
By Danny P. Barbare Every Crack in the Den With a little bit of spice in warm apple ciderit fillsevery crack in theden of winterto the bottomof the cupto the bottom of my leather boots. Peach Colored Skies Orchardsandorchardsofpeachcoloredskieslikejuicerunningdownmypenonanapkin. Danny P. Barbare resides in the Upstate of the Carolinas.
Topinabee
By Ed Ahern When my age was barely in double digitsI walked alone on a little used railroad trackthrough woods and along a lake shoreto the quiet village of TopinabeeI spoke little but looked closely atthe summer somnolent goings on.Then bought and ate ice cream,and clambered up the embankmentfor the two miles and some return.I … Continue reading Topinabee
Ghosts of Partridge Island
By Kayla Flowers A ghostly howl spread across the rugged sea, where spirits lie wild and free,An island, a land a mile north where people bring forth refuge and shelter,The whispers of the night might give you a fright as the crisp air approaches,Ships of the night guided by the light of a watchful eye,A … Continue reading Ghosts of Partridge Island
On Blair Road
By Taylor Dibbert He’s in an UberOn Blair RoadAnd he noticesThe HumaneRescue AllianceWhere they unexpectedlyGot LondonAnd he seesLike he’s neverSeen beforeHow small momentsBecome big momentsAnd how big momentsBecome forever. Taylor Dibbert is a writer, journalist, and poet in Washington, DC. "Rescue Dog," his fifth book, was published in May.
White Christmas Snow
By Faye Charlotte Three feet of snow cover anything in sight, except the black sludge that pools at the edges of the road. The bright white stings your eyes with its reflection. Is it Christmas yet? My mother adorns the tree in red bulbs. Red like the ribbon you used to wear in your hair. … Continue reading White Christmas Snow
Elusive
By Orode Ajuwaghan To search…How is that for a Human constant.A trait ingrained, deep in the fabric of our being, Long before we were an amalgamation of several conscious thoughts.Tis a maker’s humour,To gleefully watch over creations futile attempts to placate desperations. Mindlessly groping amongst the shadows, Across jagged and straight lines.For all things, between … Continue reading Elusive
A Circular Path
By Marianne Brems Previously published in Stepping Stones in May 2024 From lakes to vapor to clouds to raindrops to earth and lakes, the everyday cycle of transferand renewal, a circular path, until it breaks. When a deluge of raindrops loosens soil,fells trees,spills mud, clogs drains,pools water,when a deficit of raindrops drains lushness,releases turgor,shrivels leaves, … Continue reading A Circular Path
The Big Embrace
By Karen Quickley After Christian Schloe’s digital artwork “Promise of Love” This morning, I came hereTo tell all that I’m settingMy soul-spirit free becauseThis life is no home for Her, because she sang herBeautiful, melodious songAnd it hasn’t been enoughTo gain her all that she wantsAnd needs. Instead, I’ve foundYou here. I find us. There’sNo … Continue reading The Big Embrace
Academy of the Heart And Mind 