Podcasts: The Sorrow, and Pegasus

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In Flux, Seasonal Reading from The Linnet's Wings

Flux Lines, Bonfire Night

Sundance Review, The Dead Returns



Poetry Books for Sale

Stories: West, Burroughs and Joslin

Every Stick by Bill West
A scarecrow in a stovepipe hat fiddled and danced a jig. Discordant notes sharp as star frost. He thumped the earth with twiggy feet and croaked his garbled song. The wind whipped the dirge away through empty skies. No owls blinked time from the skeletal trees, no gulls mewed the chorus whilst skimming barren waves. His bow was smooth, his fiddle unstrung.

Knotted Fables, Novella Excerpt, by John P. Bourgeois
Based on how frequently she saw the stork and heard the bird's clacking beak, the hare knew she was kilometres ahead of the tortoise. Comforted by this, she stopped to graze at a particularly emerald patch of nettles and dandelions. The run had famished her, but the hare did not want to eat her fill at the banquet. Not in front of the other animals.

The Whole Circus by Oonah Joslin
Pyro the dragon flew around the big top trying to create a breeze, make the banners flap, make the canvas sides billow out -- anything to get seen. He watched the audience applaud as Julianne somersaulted on Tiny’s back. Tiny’s huge feet plodded round the ring kicking up swirls of sawdust. He trumpeted with his long nose, knelt and stood and swished his little tail. They even went 'Oooooooo’ when he did a huge poo -- right there -- on the circus floor.


Fiction: Buckert, Memi, Rodgers

The Unwilling Father by Kathy Buckert explores the deep emotional journey of Geoffrey, a young man grappling with the truth about his biological father, Tommy, a recovering addict. As Geoffrey connects with his biological roots, he faces disappointment when Tommy fails to embrace the responsibility of fatherhood. Ultimately, Geoffrey learns to appreciate the unconditional love of the man who raised him, discovering that true fatherhood goes beyond biology.

In Zelda and the Kettle, Samantha Memi humorously captures the quirks of everyday life through the lens of wasted words and actions. ZeldaFs small domestic crisis-letting a kettle boil dry while polishing an old book-leads to playful banter with her husband, Jack. With witty commentary on the energy of needless words and amusing reflections on married life, this delightful story is a charming exploration of love and distraction.

Me and Ernesto by Ken Rodgers captures the chaotic world of a young narrator witnessing his family unravel. As a firebomb shatters their home, hidden tensions surface-an affair, domestic fights, and conflicting loyalties. Through a childs perspective, the story explores innocence disrupted by harsh truths and the emotional complexities of family trauma.



Seasonal Reading from The Linnet's Wings

She was a silhouette spun from moonlight and shade
Riding in the night through the starlight parade
With stars as her guide and wind gusting flak
She pedalled with purpose, no time to look back.

The rustling trees whispered tales of the night
While fireflies bordered the path of frights
While owls hooted curiously, watching her race
For a dance was planned in a magical place.

Her cloak trailed behind, a comet in flight,
As music rose up through the air-yup stage right
With fiddles and flutes, and laughter's embrace,
She'd twirl with the night, in her delicate lace.

But for now, she pressed on, with the moon as her mate,
Determined and hopeful, she'd not be too late,
For the dance awaited, and so did her fate,
In a night filled with magic, and love's serendipitate.



The Writing Voice

Hemmings

Bittner

Augustine





Pay it Forward: Short Stories and Poetry Books for Sale

Bruce Harris Collection

The Linnet's Wings Contributors

The Linnet's Wings Contributors

The Linnet's Wings Contributors

The Linnet's Wings Magazine






Flash and Micro Fiction-Scotellaro and Fields

A poet sits across from a weary employment agent, navigating a surreal job interview where his musings on life clash with the mundane questions of employability. As the two spar with words, the poet offers quips on custodial work, T-Rex impressions, and the art of oblivion, revealing a subtle, poignant dance between dream and reality.

In Under the Morphane Tree, Amina dreams of escape from hardship beneath the sheltering branches of a Mopane tree. As she fashions a prosthetic for a wounded butterfly, she clings to her father’s promise-that the sale of their house will grant them wings, lifting the family to a land of hope and abundance







Art Archive 2022, The Artist Life

Lisa Cihlar ... Murmurations a Journey in Watercolor

Marion, Taryn and Caolan Clarke, A Christmas Canzonette

Judith Lawrence

Fiction: Allen, Dean, Majumdar

n His Candle Bright, My Fickle Flesh, Christopher Allen paints a vivid and introspective narrative about attraction, curiosity, and missed connections. The protagonist is drawn to a mysterious classmate, observing him closely but never directly engaging. Through vivid details-sand-washed jeans, flip flops, and the scent of fabric softener-the story explores the quiet tension of unspoken desires and the fleeting nature of human interactions.

The Ones by Tommy Dean is a poignant reflection on choices and the roads not taken in a relationship. The narrator and their spouse, freshly married, face a life-altering decision: pursue dreams of success or embrace parenthood. The narrative captures the tension between ambition and attachment, painting a picture of a couple who choose the former but ultimately wonder if the path they forsook-raising a family-might have been their true "big break."

The Hideaway Bed by Shreyasi Majumdar delves into the haunting, painful memories of a narrator who seeks retribution for years of abuse. In a moment of calculated violence, he kills his abuser, Uncle Hamid, while reflecting on the silence and complicity of family tradition. Majumdar’s narrative explores themes of betrayal, suppressed trauma, and the complex emotions surrounding justice and guilt, making this a dark and powerful exploration of hidden family secrets.







Essay: Zelnick

In "The Working of Pure Gold," Stephen Zelnick explores the life and works of Oliver Goldsmith, a brilliant yet flawed Irish author. Despite his many shortcomings, including envy, debt, and self-destructive behavior, Goldsmith's writing talents earned him enduring fame. Zelnick focuses on Goldsmith’s comedic masterpiece, She Stoops to Conquer, examining its wit, satire, and the dynamic portrayal of love, marriage, and societal expectations. The essay celebrates Goldsmith's ability to blend humor with serious themes, ensuring his place among the literary greats.

Stephen ZelnickFs essay "Spanish New World Poetry" explores the profound impact of Latin American democratic movements through the lens of poetic voices, focusing on Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni. Zelnick delves into Storni's work, examining her defiant stance against the societal expectations placed on women and her poetic evolution from romantic musings to sharp, modern realism. Through her haunting imagery and poignant themes, Storni captures the struggles of Latin American women against machismo and societal oppression, offering both personal and universal reflections on love, pain, and independence.

In Thomas Hardy, Poet, Stephen Zelnick examines Hardy's s transition from a celebrated novelist to a dedicated poet, highlighting his unique voice shaped by gothic influences, regional accents, and deep skepticism. Zelnick explores Hardy'ss vast poetic range, from light-hearted carousing to profound meditations on war, love, and existential doubt. Hardy’s poems, rich in emotion and experimentation, reveal a man deeply connected to the rhythms of rural life and troubled by the uncertainties of modern existence.





Poetry File

Stan Long

Bill West

William Blake

evie robillard

Story: Bickerstaff, Memi, Buckert

Zelda’s kitchen mishap==a kettle boiled dry while she polished a book--leads to more than wasted words with her husband, Jack. As they navigate the trivial and the tender, this quirky tale explores the power of everyday moments and the unexpected warmth found in life’s simple missteps

On a city bus, a delicate dance unfolds between strangers--a businessman, a derelict, and a barista--all working to preserve a fragile possibility on the brink of becoming something real. As perception wavers and reality shifts, the potential for transformation teeters on the edge, waiting to be realized.

Geoffrey, haunted by his father's absence, uncovers the truth about his biological dad's troubled past. As their connection grows, hope emerges, but betrayal and addiction resurface. Geoffrey must choose between the man who left and the father who’s always been there. Secrets come to light.


Pay it Forward: Magazines and Poetry Books for Sale




Short Stories: Robinson, Hamilton, Burke, Faison

Archie's adventures and misadventures, from his initial quest for a dime to his interactions with various characters in his community, reveal a society where children are forced to mature quickly, facing realities that test their ingenuity and moral compass.

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"Explore Artist at Work" by William Reese Hamilton, a gripping tale of love, art, and transformation. Dive into a complex relationship set against a backdrop of urban decay, where art becomes a metaphor for connection and self-discovery. A narrative rich in emotion and psychological depth.

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"Epic" serves as a meditation on the nature of creativity, the solitude often required for profound thought and work, and the complex relationship between an artist and the society that surrounds them

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"Gemini in Twilight" by Galen R.Faison weaves a poignant narrative that navigates through the realms of family legacy, the resilience born out of struggle, and the indelible marks left by our ancestors

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Voices Against Silence: O'Sullivan, Bratten, Meek

"Kindred" invites reflection on how closely tied we are to the whims of fate, the shared vulnerability of all human beings to sudden change, and the profound impact of loss. It is a meditation on the connections between us, sometimes forged in the most tragic of circumstances, and the indelible marks left on the living by those who depart unexpectedly.

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The poem "Fantastically Raw With Hatred" by April Michelle Bratten is a powerful exploration of anger and its cathartic release. Through vivid imagery and intense emotional language, Bratten delves into the complex nature of anger, not merely as an emotion to be feared or suppressed but as a force that can be both destructive and purifying.

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Gemma Meek has crafted a deeply moving and resonant work that invites readers to reflect on themes of visibility, identity, and the longing for change and recognition. Its a powerful reminder of the unseen struggles that many face and the profound impact of family dynamics on individual lives.

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Story: Gilkes, McClay, Sheehan, Flys

Through Harry's story, Gilkes celebrates the joy of discovery, the warmth of human interactions, and the inevitable intertwining of luck and skill in the pursuit of one's interests.

Matchsticks not Money by Deirdre McClay, is a poignant tale of family, grief, and legacy set against an Irish backdrop. Follow Maire's homecoming journey, navigating complex relationships and personal growth amidst loss. A story of reconciliation and finding one's path

V for Victor by Tom Sheehan is a mesmerizing tale of friendship and mysterious talent, following Victor's inexplicable, divine-like singing gift that surfaces every five years, leaving those around him in awe. A story of wonder, destiny, and the unexplainable magic within the mundane.

Explore the symbolic journey of Road to Golgotha by Yvette Flys, a tale of legacy, temptation, and redemption. Delve into a reimagined biblical quest where a son's mission intertwines with myth, revealing deep reflections on life, death, and the human spirit






Contemporary and Classic Poetry: Clancy and Goldsmith

Clancy creates a strong sense of atmosphere and character in this powerful statement about the courage required to speak or write truthfully and the often difficult reception such truth may receive.

Clancy's "The UFO Over Portland," engages with themes of perception, reality, and the thin line between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Explore Oliver Goldsmith's classic song from 'She Stoops to Conquer,' a humorous take on 18th-century society's views on education, religion, and merriment.

Each of these pieces showcases Goldsmith's ability to blend social commentary with poetic elegance, often weaving in a moral or philosophical lesson.






Storytellers: Sky, Coughlan,, Freese, Asante--Illustrations: Dom Capobianco

In "Spring, a Girl" by Jennifer Sky, Spring lies in a field, her white silk dress draped around her, waiting for her lover. As evening falls, she dreams of love and connection to heal past wounds. Surrounded by blooming clover and playful dogs, she longs for Fall, a boy with soft curls, to join her and reignite her sense of beauty. Published in The Linnet's Wings, Fall 2010.

In "The Red Couch," set in 1970s Buenos Aires, Adriano, a furniture restorer, uncovers a tragic love story while repairing an 18th-century French couch. Hidden letters reveal a forbidden romance between Jorge Flores, a famous tango musician, and his cousin Jennifer, leading to heartbreak and untimely deaths. The discovery ties the past to the present, weaving love, loss, and secrets.

In "Sweet Cotton," Clarence, a devoted father and chicken farmer, faces the bittersweet reality of his daughter Gracie's wedding and departure. Haunted by memories of his late wife, Clarence discovers a mysterious angel dust after the ceremony, sparking a sense of hope and belief in miracles. A tale of love, loss, and the gentle comfort of unexpected wonders.

In "Branded" by Shola Olowu Asante, Matt's quiet life is upended when his old flame, Chloe, shows up unannounced, seeking solace from her latest heartbreak. Torn between his past with Chloe and his new relationship with Eve, Matt struggles to resist Chloe's manipulative charm. As tension rises, Matt faces an emotional battle, revealing deeper scars and unresolved feelings that threaten his stability.



Poetry:Brewer, Burke, Colwell,Shields

A Few Thoughts On The Soul by Constance Brewer explores the idea of soul-sharing and soulmates with a touch of whimsy and realism. It questions the traditional notions of soulmates, suggesting that perhaps it’s better to share a soul like a good bottle of wine or find a soul half by random chance, embracing differences like a love for opera.

This prose poem captures the essence of Jackson Pollock's art. His art is a pure, natural expression, a testament to the unwritten history of America, challenging conventional boundaries and igniting the imagination. The poem emphasizes Pollock's unrestrained artistic vision, defying justification and continually evolving, much like the mythical Atlantis.

This poem poignantly captures the lingering taste of a lost love through the metaphor of morning coffee. Each sip washes away the remnants of last night's dinner, but the memory of their past lover's taste persists, highlighting the enduring impact of love and loss. The simplicity of the imagery makes this a relatable and evocative piece.

This evocative poem by Ronald E. Shields reminisces about childhood in the 1960s. The poem vividly recalls the pretzel cart, the Good Humor ice cream truck, and Johnny the donut man, capturing the essence of a simpler time. It describes boys catching squirrels, playing stickball, and learning to "duck and cover" in school. As the world begins to change, ...

Poetry: Sheehan, Jensen and Smith

"Sign on a Wall" by Tom Sheehan is a nostalgic poem depicting a worn dough board, symbolizing a mother's labor of love in bread-making. It evokes memories of family, tradition, and the passage of time, blending sensory details with a deep sense of longing and reverence

Exploring the ephemeral space between day and night, 'Down The Crack With The Crickets' by Kristine Jensen delves into the fleeting nature of thoughts and emotions. An angry thought disappears with the wind, symbolizing lost moments and the struggle to reclaim them.

Explore the poignant poem Mates by Iain C. Smith, dedicated to Jake and Patrick. Reflecting on the sudden loss of a young life, it intertwines themes of grief, camaraderie, and the fleeting nature of youth, as experienced through the lens of a soccer match metaphor.

"Explore the evocative poem 'Pipedream' by Iain C. Smith. A vivid blend of memory and observation, it captures a moment of reflection amidst a storm, evoking nostalgia and introspection about family, past experiences, and the transformative journey of life.








Poetry: Lee, Mickelson, Burn

Lament for When I Did Not by Mary Lee is a reflective and evocative poem that explores themes of self-acceptance and personal growth. It poetically advises abandoning the opinions of others to embrace the present moment and cleanse oneself of ego and regret. The poem advocates for appreciating others, surrendering to solace, and welcoming grace. It encourages acts of hospitality, igniting desire, and exploring fantasies. Confidence is kindled in the face of despair, and the reader is invited to listen to nature, make peace with grief, and welcome the newness of each day. The poem concludes with a call to compassionate action, seeking beauty and understanding.

Lost Laundry by Kathleen Cassen Michelson is a poignant poem about a daughter grappling with her fatherFs aging and the loss of independence. When his pants go missing at his assisted living facility, she is overcome with emotion, recalling the significance of those pants from his last solo trip. The poem delves into themes of memory, loss, and the fear of inevitable separation, highlighting the deep bond between father and daughter amidst life's transitions.

Columibade by Jane Burn is a vivid and evocative poem exploring themes of purity, sacrifice, and the natural world. The poet portrays the birds as burnt offerings, their shoulders dusted with ash, symbolizing purity and the human desire for cleanliness. The imagery of magicians, snowy feathers, and scarlet yarn highlights the contrast between perceived purity and the harsh reality of life. The poem delves into the coexistence of pigeons and humans, emphasizing the pigeons resilience and their larger, faster-beating hearts. It touches on spiritual themes, referencing the dove as a symbol of innocence and divine connection. The poem concludes with a reflection on human limitations and the enduring purity of birds.






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Book One: High Hedges

Book Two: Indigo

The Crafts





Price, West, Tepper, Joslin

n "Fungi Light / Fungi Language," Darryl Price contemplates the interconnectedness of life, sitting in the dark of his kitchen, reflecting on how mycorrhizal fungi connect everything, much like music's universal language. Amidst thoughts of light, love, and cosmic connections, he finds solace in nature's quiet reassurance that everything is working as it should, despite life's uncertainties.

In "Painting the Sky," Bill West tells the poignant story of a man's lifelong connection with the sky. As he recalls childhood dreams, young love, and moments of fear, the sky remains his constant companion. Now, facing an uncertain fate, he finds solace in memories of cloud gazing and the endless expanse above. A moving reflection on life, time, and the enduring beauty of the sky.

In "Next to Rock," Susan Isla Tepper paints a haunting scene of darkness and isolation. Amidst blue shadows and chilling hands, the narrator's inner turmoil unfolds beside Petrov's laughter by the fire. Struggling with feelings of shame and despair, the narrator seeks comfort and perfection for Petrov while grappling with their own descent into darkness and cold.

In "Memoire," Oonah V Joslin paints a nostalgic picture of a woman reflecting on her cherished childhood memories in a sun-drenched corner of her grandparents' home. Surrounded by scents of herbs and the warmth of terracotta, she recalls family gatherings, wartime tales, and the simple joys of life. As a resistance fighter, these memories gave her strength, anchoring her forever in her beloved past.






Art Walls 2014: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter




Poetry: Joslin, Blossom, LShok

Oonah V. Joslin's tankas offer our readers a poetic glimpses into love, nature, and life's fleeting moments. Each verse weaves emotions and memories, revealing the beauty in the mundane and the eternal dance of change. Dive into a world where words paint lasting impressions on the heart and mind.





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"Very Warm for March" beautifully intertwines the awakening of the natural world with the awakening of human desires and connections. Blossom's use of imagery and intimate details creates a piece that resonates with the joy of early spring and the timeless nature of love.

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The poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of sibling relationships, the process of mourning, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. Through its exploration of these themes, "Red Rewind" speaks to the universal experience of grappling with the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition.




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Dark Snow by Linda Shok is a narrative that seems to revel in contrasts: the tangible with the abstract, the domestic with the natural, and the intimate with the expansive. The prose is rich with metaphor and imagery, suggesting a deep undercurrent of emotion and longing beneath the surface of everyday actions.

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Poetry by Paul Hostovsky and Art Selection (2013)

Aubade uses these vivid personifications and contrasts to create a playful yet poignant commentary on the nature of enthusiasm, routine, and perhaps the human tendency to become jaded or unappreciative of the everyday wonders of the world.-

This section of the website displays original illustrations and details their use in various literary contexts. For more information and to view the artwork, you can visit the page by clicking on the imagge. Thanks!

Hostovsky writes about the allure of poetry and the arts, and how they can inspire us to make choices that might not seem logical but are deeply appealing to our sense of beauty and romanticism.









Hamilton, Joslin, Ferraro, Zambrano (Short Translation)

Explore the forbidden summer ritual of Ginny and Dean in 'Moon Goddess' by Ginger Hamilton. Amidst fireflies and bats, they confront their growing feelings and the harsh realities of youth, weaving a tale of love, rebellion, and myth under the spell of the night sky.

Oonah V Joslin explores her connection to Seamus Heaney's legacy, delving into cultural, linguistic, and personal parallels. Reflecting on 'Beowul' and Irish identity, she uncovers shared roots and the impact of Heaney's work on understanding her heritage and language.

Explore the tragic tale of Cecilia, a young woman confined in an asylum, in 'AIR' by Emilia Pardo Bazan. This poignant story, translated by Diana Ferraro, delves into the depths of love-induced madness and the poignant struggle between reality and delusion. Witness Cecilia's journey as she clings to the belief of being 'air,' a metaphor for her unrequited love and ultimate escape. A profound commentary on the human psyche and the power of love.

Explore the ethereal realm of dreams in 'Geografia de la Aurora' by M. Zambrano. Delve into the vivid imagery of emerald caves and nameless colors, where the dreamer's touch lingers and reality blurs with memory. Experience a serene, effortless existence, free from longing and fear, akin to a deer resting peacefully in nature.






Poetry: Mickelson and Graham

In a humid August kitchen, blue jays squawk as cucumbers, onions, and garlic lie in preparation for pickling. The search for canning supplies consumes days, while memories of a mother's past canning intertwine with reflections on inherited traits and parenting.

At a grave, the narrator receives a box of ashes, the remains of a loved one. Struggling to find poetry in the moment, they recount the cremation process and the stark reality of loss.

In "When the Morning is a Prayer," Kathleen Cassen Mickelson captures the serene beauty of a winter morning in Minnesota. The poem unfolds like a series of cherished gifts:

"Ghost" by James Graham is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory and loss. In the quiet aftermath of a loved one's passing, the poet describes the emptiness of a house once filled with life and conversation. As time passes, memories of the departed begin to resurface vividly--their eyes, voice, and laughter lingering like a comforting ghost. Graham's poignant verses capture the enduring presence of those we have lost, transforming grief into a gentle daily companion that brings solace and quiet strength. This poem is a touching tribute to the enduring power of love and memory.

Walters, Bittner, Walters

Old convertible, top down, and I don't mind my hair blowing In the wind. He likes that. The dirt road is rutted, dusty, curvaceous as a sidewinder.

In the druse of a rock, in a bed by a stream,/I remember how we'd plan, and I relish how we'd scheme,/search for sloughs in the rock, slither down upon a beam,/and without a worry split through the cracks to a dream ...

There is silence in the cold morning air./Snow over red rock, green juniper dusted with sugar./The world is a frosted wedding cake.//It is the Grand Canyon in winter, our third anniversary

Essay: Martin Heavisides

Heavisides presents a fresh perspective on the legendary figure William Blake, challenging long-held perceptions that have confined Blake's genius to the realm of literature alone.

This work is an exploration of a playwright who dared to venture where few others have, merging the realms of historical and fantastical with a contemporary edge that remains as relevant today as it ever was.

In this play, Heavisides masterfully crafts a narrative that is not just a story to be told, but a philosophical exploration to be experienced. "Empty Bowl" is a compelling invitation to explore the depths of our own existence and the intricate connections that bind us to the world and to each other.

All Hallows: Augustine, Boring, Fitzpatrick, Wilkenson

In The Witch's Grace, a wounded soul finds warmth, healing, and love in the care of a powerful witch, pledging loyalty to his mystical savior after a fateful encounter with a tyrant.

In Ancestor, a fierce matriarch, hardened by loss and survival, gazes from the past, her legacy etched in resilience and a fierce protection of family.

In Pooka, the poet contemplates existence, mortality, and the lurking presence of spirits on All HallowFs Eve, as the shape-shifting Pooka blurs timeFs boundaries and whispers of hidden realms.

In Dance of the Dead, spirits rise on Hallows Eve, luring the unsuspecting into a macabre dance with the dead, as bones clack and shadows pull them ever closer to the grave.

Short Stories

In Willis Broad's Last Day, a man says goodbye to his restaurant, a place that shaped his life and connected him with his daughter. Together, they prepare one final meal, sharing memories with friends and finding strength in small gestures. As they close up, Willis reflects on the past, savoring a fleeting moment of pure contentment.

In First Communion, Bernadette's special day is marked by family tensions simmering beneath the surface. As she questions faith, her parents' and relatives’ old resentments unfold, tied to memories of lost land, social aspirations, and unspoken feuds. Through a child’s eyes, a family’s complex legacy is revealed against a backdrop of tradition and expectation.

In The Pond, Maureen navigates the bittersweet life at Fresh Pond Convalescent Home, balancing the patients’ daily needs, dwindling connections, and fleeting moments of joy. Amid the demands and heartbreaks of her shift, she reflects on the enduring human spirit—revealing the depths of humor, love, and memory that remain even in lifeFs twilight.

In The Wedding Dress, Captain Eddy Campbell, an injured American soldier hiding in a French village, faces a tense encounter with German soldiers. Rescued by Madalene’s quick thinking, he learns of the family’s sacrifice to protect him. Determined to repay their kindness, he transforms his parachute into a beautiful wedding gown for Madalene, symbolizing gratitude and the resilience of love in wartime.

The Linnet's Wings Website and its projects are Supported by The Basic Income for the Arts, Ireland.

Archive in Progress, Summer 2015

Summer 2015

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Magna Carta Hauntings

Our Magna Carta page, which is in progress, explores the profound influence of this historic document, which championed rights that have echoed across diverse cultures and nations. From India to Canada, Australia to America and to Ireland, the Magna Carta’s principles of justice, freedom, and human rights have inspired voices worldwide, shaping legal systems and empowering movements for equality and fairness.


Magna Carta


Pegasus, a short story, by Maria Buck tells the haunting story of Vera, a woman trapped by loss and violence. Through the metaphor of her broken golden horse, she confronts trauma, survival, and the battle for her life. A powerful narrative of strength, identity, and redemption in the face of deep emotional scars.

Pegasus by Mara Buck


Meet the Characters: Pegasus by Mara Buck

All Hallows at The Linnet's Wings


Heart




A Charging Tree for Birds
#thelinnetswings


DEMOCRACIES

Modern democracies will face difficult new challenges--fighting terrorism, adjusting to globalization, adapting to an aging society--and they will have to make their system work much better than it currently does. That means making democratic decision-making effective, reintegrating constitutional liberalism into the practice of democracy, rebuilding broken political institutions and civic associations. Perhaps most difficult of all, it requires that those with immense power in our societies embrace their responsibilities, lead, and set standards that are not only legal, but moral. Without this inner stuffing, democracy will become an empty shell, not simply inadequate but potentially dangerous, bringing with it the erosion of liberty, the manipulation of freedom, and the decay of a common life.


FAREED ZAKARIA, The Future of Freedom


Barack Obama

The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose.

Press conference, Feb. 9, 2009


Columibade by Jane Burn is a vivid and evocative poem exploring themes of purity, sacrifice, and the natural world. The poet portrays the birds as burnt offerings, their shoulders dusted with ash, symbolizing purity and the human desire for cleanliness. The imagery of magicians, snowy feathers, and scarlet yarn highlights the contrast between perceived purity and the harsh reality of life. The poem delves into the coexistence of pigeons and humans, emphasizing the pigeons resilience and their larger, faster-beating hearts. It touches on spiritual themes, referencing the dove as a symbol of innocence and divine connection. The poem concludes with a reflection on human limitations and the enduring purity of birds.


Columibade

Robin Flower was born at Meanwood in Yorkshire, and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Pembroke College, Oxford.

He worked from 1929 as Deputy Keeper of Manuscripts in the British Museum and, completing the work of Standish Hayes O'Grady, compiled a catalogue of the Irish manuscripts there.


The Scholar and His Cat, Pangur Ban

In "There Were Balloons" by Cathy S. Ulrich, a child's experience at an old woman's funeral is poignantly depicted through his innocent perspective. Balloons, usually symbols of joy, ascend like colorful punctuation marks in the sky, released by a grandly fat man. The child, uncomfortable in his formal attire, recalls the old woman's dry kisses and butterscotch candies, and moments like watching a kitten or listening to his mother play the piano at her house. As the balloons disappear, one yellow balloon remains caught in a tree, mirroring the child's confusion about the event, which he mistook for a party.


There Were Balloons by Cathy S Ulrich

Come Back Out
by Michael McGlade


In "Come Back Out" by Michael McGlade, Cathal spends a summer assisting his aging father, Da, in laborious farm work in rural Ireland, forming a rich tapestry of familial legacy and folklore. As they excavate a drainage trench, their dialogue weaves through Irish myths and personal histories, reflecting on life's transitions. Amidst the physical labor, Cathal uncovers artifacts of his past, each a poignant reminder of the layers that form one’s identity. Their work not only reshapes the land but also their relationship, culminating in a profound and unexpected conclusion.


Come Back Out

KNOTTED FABLES

Based on how frequently she saw the stork and heard the bird’s clacking beak, the hare knew she was kilometres ahead of the tortoise. Comforted by this, she stopped to graze at a particularly emerald patch of nettles and dandelions. The run had famished her, but the hare did not want to eat her fill at the banquet. Not in front of the other animals.

“The victor must be genteel," she told herself.

The hare ate. The afternoon sun wallowed in the soft light on her calico coat and in the brilliancy of the tender leaves. The hare thought about how she had arrived at this life juncture. “What am I doing in this race? If I win, I look like a bully. If I lose, I look like a liar and a slowpoke, slower than a tortoise! If only I’d kept my mouth shut…nothing gained, all lost. The tortoise did insult me! But only after I made fun of him."

The hare nibbled on another rumination.

“Will a lion be at the feast? Did the fox invite lions? Or wolves? Great. Win or lose, I still lose. Why go on? Maybe if I’d thought, I could stay here and munch quietly in this lovely spot." She did just that, for a moment.


Knotted Fables by John P. Bourgeois

REFLECTING

by Ian Butterworth

We live, my Grandfather and I, in a large grey house, past which the buses rattle late into the night. There is an armchair, matching the dull red curtains, positioned so the old man can look into the street. Medical equipment waits in the dusty shadows cast by the tall lamp. The light is dim. I wipe a damp flannel over his chest; push aside his tiny penis, avoiding his eyes as I do so. His skin is the colour of mushrooms. I fear bruising him, as if my fingers will mark his flesh. The nurse left a plastic sheet to place under him as he bathes, but I cannot treat him as if he is a child.

A sweet biscuit leans, damp in the saucer of his lukewarm tea.

Without the thick lenses of his ridiculous glasses, now folded by his chair, his eyes are yellow and blank. Without his clothes, once impeccably creased, he has faded away. I love him. In my childhood he held me when my father would not. Through my divorce, he refused to judge, though all else knew that the fault was mine. He took me in, when my wife and children left. He taught me to pray, though I was a man.


Reflecting by Ian Butterworth

A haunting reminder of how past conflicts shape our present, an eternal waltz between history and the now as a young woman twirls with the ghost of a WW1 pilot!

Study: Mixed Media Oil, Mari 2016


A Book of War Poems, Essay and Art from The Linnet's Wings

Once They're Gone,

In "Once They're Gone, They Keep Going" by Mir-Yashar Seyedbagheri, the narrator reflects on life with his mother, Sylvia Drew, an English teacher with fiery red hair and a turbulent past. Living in a small apartment near the steel mills, Sylvia and her son Mattie navigate a world of broken dreams and fleeting ambitions. Sylvia, a once-aspiring actress from a family of lawyers, wrestles with the constraints of her life and the absence of Mattie's father, a labor leader with a mysterious departure. The story explores themes of loss, identity, and the longing for something beyond the confines of a constrained existence.


Once They're Gone ...

Vox by Jan De Wilde

Vox explores a steadfast refusal to conform, with a protagonist wielding negation as affirmation. Amidst ancient calls of war and the incessant demands of society, they choose a path of resistance, finding strength in the relentless seas that surround and define them. Each plea and confrontation sharpens their resolve, as they navigate through exile, identity, and the echoes of their defiance.


Vox by Jan De Wilde

The Path of the Pollinator


In the garden, the early summer sun nudged the bee awake. It emerged from its honeycomb as its fuzzy body, a tapestry of black and gold, launched itself into the day.

The air was thick with the sweet scent of honeysuckle as sunlight streamed through a canopy of leaves to dapple the flower beds in a mosaic of light and shadow. The scent hung with the promise of good weather as dewdrops, like scattered diamonds, clung with a fierce tenacity to the blades of grass, sparkling like miniature suns.


The Path of the Pollinator by Mari Fitzpatrick

Submission Themes for 2024, Main Menu: Magazine Subs

Voices against Silence
In a world where the shadows of gender abuse cast long and oppressive lines, the voices of the silenced often go unheard. "Voices Against Silence" seeks to bring these stories into the light, inviting writers to contribute their narratives, poems, essays, and artworks that delve into the multifaceted issue of gender abuse, with a particular focus on abuses against women.

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Climate Change Through the Eye of the Beholder
In 2024, The Linnet's Wings delves into one of the most multifaceted issues of our time: climate change. But this is not just about the scientific discourse or the policy debates; it's about personal narratives, creative reflections, and diverse interpretations. ItFs about seeing this global challenge "through the eye of the beholder."


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Among Women

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