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
Whatever I torture this history, it does not yield
By Mohsen Hosseinkhani Translated by Tahere Forsat Safaei Whatever I torture this history,It does not yield.In the body of that black,How many broken ribs of his father are suffering?In the chest of this red,How many bulletsHave killed the name of his tribe?The throat of NishapurIs still in the claws of Genghis,And we stillEat breadFrom that … Continue reading Whatever I torture this history, it does not yield
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
Ear Apprentice
By Daniel de Culla Photo by Isabel G. de Diego In the park, next to his houseGrandpa, tiredHas sat down on the wooden bench.The little boyPrettier than the sunHas seized the momentTo put some cream on his earSo the sun doesn't burn itAnd then he goes complainingTo Grandma.-Grandpa I don't want the sun to burn … Continue reading Ear Apprentice
Sunbathing in the front room
By Edmund Rottworth When I was little I would sunbathIn the little square of golden light That fell inFrom the big picture window Onto the orange rug In my front room.Propped up on my elbows and Feet kicked up almost to the back of my headI would watchStrings and stands of sunlightIlluminated in the dustAnd … Continue reading Sunbathing in the front room
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
