By Stephen Kingsnorth Previously published by The Ekphrastic Review, November 2022 Les Saltimbanques (The Acrobats), by Gustave Dore (France) 1874 A balanced art composed to bringdiagonals of blue, soak red,reflecting acrobatic swing -but shed composure, fallen, bled.Sneer ace of spades in circus grinjoins daylight owl awaiting death,hug leotard, pale second skinsave flush of loins, last … Continue reading Wailing Wall
Interim Archeology
By Tracy Powers When traveling past darkIn familiar and private landsI have a curious past time - A unique fascination with businesses Dimmed, and shutteredFor an evening’s spellOr a weekend’s timeThere, be it city, countyUnder rural stars or metropolis lightsAnd regardless of the intricate method of window dressingAll is alike and equal in the cloak … Continue reading Interim Archeology
(YOUR DREAMS)
By Rick K. Reut …make you lose sleep.And then – your mind.You count sheepuntil you findthat there’s no endto them. It seemsthat, in this landof dreams, your dreams……make you lose sleep. And then – your mind. You count sheep until you find that there’s no end to them. It seems that, in this land of … Continue reading (YOUR DREAMS)
We had smiles
By Tanner Norman Runnin', flouncin', fightin'We had it all, lost it in a fallThe Plague mended us Dreamin' of the fun in my past landExperimentin' in the laboratory of potentialEnhance your brainSo many have lost it...I think when I went into the caveMy friends were thereWhat were we doing?Livin'We were livin'Crafting the miracle of childhoodThen … Continue reading We had smiles
Element
By Craig Dobson Surfacing too slow,knowing he hasn’t made it, the boy blows his last gasp, parting the water above, filling his open mouth not with drowningbut his own dead breath,before the air’s sweet ease is his again.Though now he knows nothing lives beyond, and nothing this side can show more than binds him to … Continue reading Element
Errant Minutes
By Sally Lee This morning lasted four seconds—long enough for light to change its mind, for the pot to think of boiling, and forget. Steam from the mug hadn’t even reached its curvebefore light slipped from the table and onto the wall,then off again. Voice folded into the air,before the phone could ring its tune.It … Continue reading Errant Minutes
As I Lay
By Lauren Kim The flashing light brightens the roomIn strobes of colorA plant's shadow projected on the white wallThe blurred outlines, a tint of purpleIn the darkness, the air still shimmersThe remanence of objects flickering As if it is still thereThe ladybug crashing to the ceiling lightIrritates the atmosphereFailing to resist the temptation of the … Continue reading As I Lay
Glimpse*
By Jian Yeo Chimes of distant bells echo my heart–ethereal they were, with the plumose exhale hushed in my ears.Lavender petals settle down on the brim of my delicate helix,pollinating the resonants of exquisite fields of life:Yes, I remember, the tranquil soothings of water–they slowly enveloped my eyes that braced for their last glimpse of … Continue reading Glimpse*
AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Poppies” by Diane Euh
From afar, they are red paint splattered on a campus. They bleed across the quiet, green field.Their petals are soft as a pillow, sweet as an apple. Each one is silk slipping through the breeze. These perfect rubies form a fiery paradise: fragile flames flickering without fear. The dark plum centers Are peppered with rooms … Continue reading AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Poppies” by Diane Euh
AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Nine Willow Trees” by Julia Vaughan
Delicately painted in blueOn pottery and ChinaWeeping branchesWafting in waters at rivers’ edgesUseful for erosion controlAnd windbreaksDense canopies birds’ safe havensOffering nesting sites and refugeHardy trees, softPliant but toughWood fibres criss-crossingPerfect for cricket batsShaped, oiled, lovedMillions of athletes beltingLeather balls for sixFamilies cheering onYin and Yang. ResilientRepresents flexibilityAnd strengthAbility to adapt toAll of life's challengesA … Continue reading AHM’s 9th Anniversary: “Nine Willow Trees” by Julia Vaughan
