By Ahmad Al-khatat I adore the smoke of a cigar with a cup of expensive liquor to relax my mind and spirit down from over thinking without an end I follow the smoke of a hot bath when I see the hot water slide off her bare flesh slides down the tub with worries, that … Continue reading Smoke
Night Refuge
By Ann Christine Tabaka Flying by the window of time, seeking truth. Lurking in hidden passages, susurrations follow. Apparitions haunt the shadows of the imagination. There are no more wishes, the stars have all gone dark. Pain swallowed the night. So, escape the day. Flee for the night, never look back. Run towards the darkness … Continue reading Night Refuge
Morning Comes Too Soon
By Ann Christine Tabaka Under the covers wide awake, the agony of worry takes its toll. Racing thoughts and unfinished deeds march across the dark ceiling. Some far off future overpowering the now, like an invisible bedmate wrestling the blankets. No mantras, prayers, or count of sheep will soothe festering anxieties. The light goes on, … Continue reading Morning Comes Too Soon
Not Far From Your Gothic Window
By Peter Magliocco The faint, furry edges of queasiness now where the night reaches us with its umbilical cord constricting this image of your mother, waiting, with shotgun on stoop, where the cat waits with eyes focused on eternity the cord fails to reach in the vastness of time's undulating river … Continue reading Not Far From Your Gothic Window
Season of Tears
By Ahmad Al-khatat I cry for you a river in a unique season with no seeds growing hope; nor leaves flying over my journey without you I walk with sword tagging on my neck ‘till I feel comfortable to slaughter myself with no doubts, and dreams to come true As my head walks away to … Continue reading Season of Tears
Just Because, Bad Heart
By Michael Lee Johnson Just because I am old do not tumble me dry. Toss me away with those unused Wheat pennies, Buffalo nickels, and Mercury dimes in those pickle jars in the basement. Do not bleach my dark memories Salvation Army my clothes to the poor because I died. Do not retire me leave … Continue reading Just Because, Bad Heart
Forgiveness
By Kelli J Gavin Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive? When asked this question, I pause, feel uncomfortable, and then realize I am not able to answer right away. There isn't just one person, there is a list. A list of people that I haven't forgiven. A list that makes … Continue reading Forgiveness
sandman
By Wanda Morrow Clevenger there were times a year or two here and there at the housing when I had a bedroom to myself, upstairs facing the Christenson’s front door the window fan blared so behind the headboard I could talk out loud in anonymity I prayed in the wild whirl forever it … Continue reading sandman
love notes
By Wanda Morrow Clevenger arrived in the mail every single day for weeks sure I had kept them from you the notes then came incognito Wanda Morrow Clevenger lives in Hettick, IL. She use to keep small birds but they continued to commit suicide on her watch. Now she randomly kills orchids.
a different elvis
By Wanda Morrow Clevenger at an after-funeral meal just one small town over one of the church ladies spoke of another young man also recently gone but by his own hand his parents had named him Elvis this was all I had to go on Wanda Morrow Clevenger lives in Hettick, IL. She … Continue reading a different elvis
Academy of the Heart And Mind 