In Silvering the Planet, Akeith Walters paints a poignant portrait of EarthFs quiet mourning. Sunset hues blend into silver starlight as the planet reflects on its past vitality, now overshadowed by humanityFs impact. With vivid imagery, the poem juxtaposes natureFs enduring beauty with the intrusion of manmade decay, evoking both reverence and lament for a world burdened by neglect.

In They Can Always Eat Stubborn Collard Greens, Akeith Walters weaves a somber reflection on climate change's relentless toll. Through vivid imagery of withering East Texas pines, dusty landscapes, and fragile remnants of life, the poem captures a world in decline. Yet, amidst the loss, the stubborn collard greens endure, embodying resilience and defiance against a hotter, harsher future.

In Like Zen, Michael Lee Johnson reflects on the paradoxes of spiritual pursuit and human imperfection. Through vivid imagery of cherry blossoms, monastic simplicity, and fleeting moments, the poem explores the tension between earthly desires and transcendent aspirations. It captures the struggle of balancing Zen-like stillness and worldly chaos with raw honesty and introspection.

In Fog Man, Michael Lee Johnson paints a haunting portrait of a solitary figure consumed by fog and memories. Amid obscenities and lunar scrutiny, the fog man’s cries echo through distant dreams of a lost lady. The poem captures the rawness of isolation, pride, and fleeting connections, weaving a visceral tale of human frailty in the misty void between past and present.

Colm Scully

Larry Thomas

"In America Four Times a Day by Bobby Steve Baker is a poignant poem detailing the tragic reality of child abuse from a medical perspective, highlighting the emotional and ethical challenges faced by professionals in confronting this harsh reality."

Blake's poetry, as Zelnick points out, defies the typical expectations of poetry to celebrate beauty and virtue, instead using his verse as a tool for social critique, revealing the dark underbelly of London's progress and prosperity.

"The Legacy of Spanish Theater" by Diana Ferraro delves deep into the rich history and legacy of Spanish theater, highlighting its significant cultural contributions from the Middle Ages through the Siglo de Oro, and beyond into contemporary times.

Mozart and I by Alex Braverman is a narrative that captures the essence of what it means to be an artist and the often tumultuous journey of balancing personal vision with external pressures. The narrative oscillates between admiration and resentment, showcasing how genius can be both a gift and a curse. The reference to Chaim Potok's novel "My Name is Asher Lev" serves as a poignant parallel, highlighting the universal struggles of artists who must navigate the tensions between their creative expressions and the values of their communities or families.

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.

There's Nothing Left but Cigarettes

A Letter to My Mother by Sergei Alexsandrovich Yesenin

The Malvinas-Falkland's War
"Lopez was born in the city beside the tawny river; Ward, on the outskirts of the city where Father Brown walked. He had studied Spanish in order to read Quijote.The other one professed a love for Conrad, who had been revealed to him in a classroom on Viamonte Street.")--Diana Ferraro

Two Writers
Two writers, the Cuban José Marti (1853-1895) and the American Stephen Crane (1871 -1900) wrote about these wars. José Marti's role as a patriot would surpass his role as a poet, becoming the “Apostle" of the Independence and losing his life in a skirmish at the beginning of the Independence war ...

Shropshire Voices
“Juan Lopez and John Ward" by Jorge Luis Borges is a fine poem that sums up that period for me. It reminds me of Strange Meeting (about WW1 ) by Wilfred Owen, who lived in my home town, Shrewsbury in Shropshire and went to the same school my sons attended: --Bill West

Poodles by Susan Tepper

The Spanish American War and The Cuban War for Independence by Diana Ferraro

Lately by Neil Dyer

Our Grandson Seeks the Snow and His Mother in Milwaukee by Tobi Cogswell

The Hat by Karen Jones

My Fence Friend by Kim Bond

Interview from Quesada by Alejandra Tuninetti
En Conversación - Alessandra Tuninetti y Antonio Pino

Lament by John C. Mannone

The Feather PIllow by Horacio Quiroga (Translated by Diana Ferraro)

Parasite by Ruth Abraham

A Letter to My Mother by Sergei Alexsandrovich Yesenin

Billy on a Sunday by Kay Sexton

Summer '08

Autumn '08

Yule '08

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.

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."

The sun was just rising in West Central Minnesota, brazing the horizon a magenta color as upkicked dust lilted behind a Chevrolet truck that rumbled down the long gravel driveway. The truck pulled onto a paved county road that reached out for miles on an even plain. The only signs of civilization outside of Jay’s passenger side window were the railroad tracks running parallel to the road and the high-voltage power lines off in the distance--giants standing above the wheat and corn and beets. Tyler, Jay’s cousin and a year his junior, flipped on the radio.

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.

"Reverance" by Nonnie Augustine is a vivid and evocative piece of writing, rich in imagery and sensory detail. Augustine's language is both lyrical and gritty, painting a vivid picture of the scene and characters.

Here in Augustines' "Hogheads and Tricks" a person grapples with the passage of time, lost creativity, and a desire to escape or confront the mundane realities of life, possibly looking for new experiences or inspirations to reignite their lost spark.

Heavisides' work, as exemplified in this piece, showcases a talent for blending the profound with the practical, infusing traditional narratives with modern sensibilities and concerns.

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.

A Brief Encounter by Lisa Cihlar

The wolf at my door asks to use the telephone. Seems the radio collar around his neck won’t tune in to his favorite Jazz and Blues station any more.

Dennis Mahagin: ...Semi Embittered Lifetime AA Batter

n the dugout I listened to a hell/of a lot of Muddy Waters.
There was this one/old blue oil drum/where bushers spit their/bubble gum and tobacco/chew, gave off a cologne/like pot/roast prepared/mostly to fool you.

The Old Man in the Garden of Long Shadows
by Tom Sheehan

An Empty Chair by Sally Houtman

The Girl From Ipanema by Linda Lowe

In Conversation: Ramon Collins and Randall Brown

In Break Formations by Donal Mahoney

So We Decided to Keep by Lisa Cihlar

Wendell Tomlin, Jr

Ann Walters

Nancy Norton

Head and Shoulders

The Naked Line

Putting the Real in the Virtual

Treasures at my Feet

The door bell chimed. I opened the door. Flat-iron air swirled in. A boy with blond hair, his chin flecked with stubble. He held out a green coconut pierced with a plastic straw. I took the straw in my mouth and sucked up sweet coconut water. It felt good

Berenika

Yang Chu's Poem 86

"Daffodils in a Blue Vase" by Beverly Joy Taylor is a vivid and emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of domestic abuse, the complexities of love and dependency, and the subtle ways in which individuals cope with trauma. It's a poignant piece that balances the harsh realities of Renata's life with moments of beauty and reflection,

"The Boy" by Yvette Managan is a rich narrative that touches on themes of childhood innocence, the dynamics of family life, and the exploration of imagination and freedom. Through the lens of MickeyFs experiences, the story captures the essence of growing up, the tension between responsibility and the desire for adventure, and the unconditional love that families often navigate.

"Champ" by Oonah Joslin is a vivid and loving homage to a traditional Irish dish that goes beyond mere food to touch upon themes of family, economy, and cultural identity. Through the detailed and sensory-rich narrative, Joslin not only describes the meticulous process of preparing champ but also imbues it with a sense of heritage and familial love.

Dog Days of Christmas by Marie Shields

Click through for our Yule Photography and Art 2008

ZoBell carefully balances the external observations of family interactions with the internal reflections of her characters, creating a multi-layered story that resonates with themes of acceptance, the search for belonging, and the enduring bonds of family regardless of differences.

This story not only entertains but also invites reflection on the ways in which folklore and mythology inform our understanding of the world and ourselves. It is a reminder of the magic that exists at the edges of reality, waiting to be discovered by those who are open to the wonders of the world.

Between Breaths by Donia Carey

The New Man by Digby Beaumont

I Am Being Everybody They Cried: Peter Barnes by Martin Heavisides

A Los Angeles Friend by Pierrino Mascarino

Reading into Things

There Used To Be A River Here

The Station

Waters Rising

Barbary Dove by Sergio Ortiz

The Music Box by Stan Long

Wild Strawberries by Lisa Cihlar

Stewart by Kristi Stokes

Millefiori
by S.P. Flannery

Ticks
by S.P Flannery

Editing My Ex Lover's Digital Face in Photoshop
by Richard Fein

Another Taste
by George Bishop

The Goatherd’s Fingers" is a masterful piece that uses detailed and evocative imagery to depict the life of a goatherd in a way that is both realistic and poetic.

Ocean's Alive is a perfect blend of nature's might and delicate balance, the poetry encapsulates the essence of the image in rich, immersive colors.

The Abyss of Human Illusion

Sometimes

Plucked and Scrambled

The morning after, he’s knocking my bird-nest head against the headboard before I can scrape the egg-whites from my eyelids.

Bill on the Hill

Wrapped in winter wool, the neighborhood kids seemed strangers. They hauled sleds up the sparkling hill and glided down.

Bed-Making

I had a twin once, a firehaired sister who knew my thoughts before they formed on my lips as crude expressions of desire.

Summer '09

Fall '09

Yule '09

Stargazer by Stephanie Maclin

Damsel by Stephanie Maclin

A Man who Drank by Marie Fitzpatrick

Postcard from Paris by Brigita Orel

"Iran" by Tyler Bigney captures a moment of introspection and apprehension, inviting the reader to contemplate themes of fear, longing, and the desire for escape amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and danger.

"Without Us" captures a snapshot of human connection amidst the passage of time and the distractions of daily life. It highlights the beauty and significance of shared moments, however fleeting they may be.

Boys of the Playground by Cyndi Gacosta

Texting by Anita S. Pulier

Nevertheless by Davide Trame

The Corporate Current by Gloria Manuilova

Fall 2009 Photo and Art Archive

Spring 2009 Photo Archive

Bring Me My Sheaves by Kevin Heaton

Country Doctor by Kevin Heaton

Take Off by Michael Gallagher

Warbler by Michael Gallagher

Little Britain by Washing Irving

Classic Rackham

Classic: The Swan Song by Anton Chekov

Gallery Archive
Images: Russell Bittner
Carol Mannheim
Mari Fitzpatrick

Spring 2011

Summer 2011

Autumn 2011

Winter 2011

Spring 2010

Summer 2010

Winter 2010

Yolks by Lucinda Kempe

Helena's Medicine by Steve Dodd

I Sleep Alone
by Yvette Wielhouwer

Review of "The Structure of Desire"
by W. F. Lantry

Little Britain
by Washington Irving

Freestyle by
Len Joy

The Old Man in the Garden of Long Shadows
by Tom Sheehan

An Empty Chair by Sally Houtman

The Girl From Ipanema by Linda Lowe

Lizzie Siddal by Bill West

Ken Russell - Dante's Inferno by Martin Heavisides

The Picture of his Mother by Deirdre McClay

Lavender, a Liberal by Nonnie Augustine

The Gathering by Yvette Wielhouwer Managan

Gullah by Kevin Heaton

Ocotillo Wells by W.F. Lantry,

Rare Glimpse by James Claffey/The Old Man travels home on the ferry from Stranraer, catching the night train in Belfast and arriving in time for breakfast. Mam is grilling Denny sausages and Galtee rashers ...

The Task by Maureen Wilkinson

Crossing the Pond by Charlie Britten

Magic Mirror by Nathan E. Tavaras

Snowman by Heidi Heimler

Freckles by Kim Teeple

Don’t Even Think About It by Tobi Cogswell

The Haunting by Holly Day

Korean Echo by Tom Sheehan

Slemish, Ballymeana and Beyond
Slemish Mountain dominates the landscape around Ballymena and whenever I see it I know I’m home. Seen from the town, it has the shape of a nurturing breast. And in a way it did give birth to the Antrim Plateau and therefore the town itself. It is an extinct volcano plug -- Oonah Joslin

A Fresh Start by Marion Clarke

A hanging gannet eyes-up breakfast,/sunshine strains in a bruised blue sky./Dirty waves stumble, nudging each other/in an empty game of rough and tumble.

The Things in Life in the Death of a Man --Are we starting to emerge from the Middle Ages? it is a long step. Certain aspects and places have changed a lot, in others almost nothing. Distances sometimes are huge and our city-man has his routes in a faraway village; he returns periodically, revisits old childhood memories. --Tuninetti

Lough Reflections by Marion Clarke

The wind runs in ripples along Carlingford Lough, a shadow cast by a flock of invisible birds. On the shore, strands of kelp wave and flip in the briny breeze, like the fat brown eels of my rock pool childhood.

Beatrices Behemoth is Bothersome and Backbreaking

Falling Man

Filburt Gets his Formula Half Right

"Paid to Dance" captures the complex emotions and experiences of a young artist navigating the precarious balance between passion and practicality, dreams and reality, in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

"The Cleaner" captures the complexity of human emotions and the universal desire for validation and fulfillment, even in the most mundane of tasks.

It's a touching portrayal of the complexities of relationships and the beauty found in moments of vulnerability.

"Uncle Joe" by Stan Long is a poignant reflection on the connections between family, nature, and the sense of freedom and identity that transcends generations. Through the simple yet evocative setting of Joe's dovecote, the poem weaves a narrative of heritage, understanding, and the unspoken bonds that define our relationships.

"At Gardermoen" by John Saunders is a vivid exploration of cultural convergence and the complexities of identity in a globalized world. Through the lens of an airport sushi counter in Norway, the poem navigates the juxtaposition of Scandinavian and Japanese cultures, blending the elements of both in a setting that is at once familiar and foreign.

John Saunders' poem "Descent" paints a vivid scene of reflection and introspection juxtaposed against the backdrop of a flight over the North Sea. The narrator, in a moment of vulnerability, finds themselves "Drunk at thirty five thousand feet" not just in the literal sense of altitude and alcohol consumption but perhaps also metaphorically, as they navigate through the layers of their thoughts and emotions.

The Builders" by John Saunders is a beautifully poignant poem that metaphorically uses the process of building and construction to explore the evolution of a relationship. This piece illustrates the journey from the initial infatuation, marked by tenderness and intimacy, towards a phase where the relationship becomes more stable and secure, albeit at the risk of losing its initial spark and passion.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Funeral by Ivy Page

Pine Siskin by Beate Sigriddaughter

You go Home Again by Ian C. Smith

Washing Spinach by Emily Green

Christmas is Navidad by Diana Ferraro

"The Woman, The Writer" by Carmen Tudor

I Agree with William Blake by Nonnie Augustine

The Bellwether
by Oscar Windsor Smith

The Boy with the Golden Ring
by Tom Sheehan

Dune Grass
by Rose Ostrum

Won't You Please Stand Up

Won't you please look up
to where that young girl
looks down hoping you'll
overlook weathered shoes?
You'll cross through the crowd,
through the breakers of dancers
to say she's the one that
you choose.

Won't you please stand up
and shake the shivered nerve
endings, into magnetic sounds
that young love understands?
She will know each new step.
She will sense your arrival.
She will reach out and lend you
her hand.

Won't you please step out,
through your young fellow dancers?
Lay her head to your shoulder,
hands gently in line.
You don't touch the floor
by means that escape you
as you'11 move in three
quarter time.


Won't you please stand up
and grant me my pardon,
as I leave you young men
so awkward you see?
My best hope's to hope
on your east-rising of manhood
that you'll be better dancers
than me.

-- 2008 Murray

All our Years

She leaves softly
the bed she makes for me,
sets the house in order before I wake.

On the table
places my meal without fuss,
tendering to me
as a good wife will.

Our needs met in order
as they rise,
she to mine and I to hers.
Those kindnesses

and all our years crush
to one moment
when her life goes out,
stops on the page.

In memoriam, sheets lie
crumpled
the table is not set
and flowers go dry
in the vase.

Island by Mark Dallingan


No breaking news
sky, sea and rock,
my islands meteorology.

No highway noise
but tidal ebb and flow,
for soft white sound.

No crowded streets
but rock pools brimming
with mussel, crab and shrimp.

-2008-Dalligan

"Broken Dream" is a beautifully crafted piece, weaving together elements of nature, history, and human experience, creating a tapestry of imagery that is both poignant and enchanting."

"Butterfly Caught" is a thoughtful meditation on the themes of life, death, and the natural world, capturing the beauty and sorrow inherent in these cycles.

Tender Buttons

Narcissus

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.

Lisa J. Cihlar

Falling Pearls

But Now I Must Sleep! by Margaret Kerswel

Beautiful Films by Stephen Zelnick

Alexander Lang

Peter Vilbig

Weaving Dreams

Persephone

Blue Walls

Marty-s Career

Daffodils in a Blue Vase

Trio

Wabi Songs

The Pugilist

Stewart

Hearing Dogs by Liz Haig

Fear and Loathing in Southwark by Bill West

Gingerbread, An Everyday Poem

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.

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."

Bittner

Augustine

Charlie Britten

Peter Taylor

As the poet confronts the fading existence of the rhino, and by extension, the disappearance of the Western Black Rhino from our world, there is a yearning for action, for a transformation from passivity to a more active role in protecting and preserving what is left of the natural world. The desire for the child within to rise up, to fight back against the encroaching threats to nature, encapsulates a universal wish to undo the damage done and to restore balance.

Recession" thus serves as a compelling commentary on contemporary life, where the pressures of social media can overshadow personal growth and relationships. It is a reminder of the importance of finding oneFs own path, away from the public eye, and the irreplaceable value of quiet moments shared with loved ones.

Clausen's text delves into themes of existentialism, the routine monotony of daily life, and the human capacity to persist despite a lack of enthusiasm or hope. This reflects a broader human experience where duty and the instinct for survival often override deeper existential concerns.

Unexpected Bats by Ann Walters

To Pierce the Sky by Ann Walters

The Dancer by Ann Walters

Desert Roses, 1994 by Ann Walters

The Rain that Wears no Raincoat

What Warmth Is There in One Old Tree?

Buenos Aires: A Literary City

personal history

Blessings X1 V by Anne Whitehouse

Under a Dirty Moon by Avital Gad-Cykman

Spa Tour by Stefanie Freele

"In America Four Times a Day by Bobby Steve Baker is a poignant poem detailing the tragic reality of child abuse from a medical perspective, highlighting the emotional and ethical challenges faced by professionals in confronting this harsh reality."

Blake's poetry, as Zelnick points out, defies the typical expectations of poetry to celebrate beauty and virtue, instead using his verse as a tool for social critique, revealing the dark underbelly of London's progress and prosperity.

"The Legacy of Spanish Theater" by Diana Ferraro delves deep into the rich history and legacy of Spanish theater, highlighting its significant cultural contributions from the Middle Ages through the Siglo de Oro, and beyond into contemporary times.

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.

"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.

"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

"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

Korean Echo

Fresh Start

Haunting

The Man in the Wet, Gray Fedora by Jim Parks

Gil by Pepe Nero

The Boy by Yvette Managan (Flys)

Bill on the Hill captures the essence of a winter day, where the main character, Carrie, is engrossed in the simple joys of sledding and experiencing the first flutters of childhood romance.

Claffey's writing in this short piece demonstrates a remarkable talent for capturing complex emotions and creating vivid imagery as he intertwines the themes of loss, grief, and the relentless passage of time i

Old Grogan's storytelling style and the way he weaves his encounters with the Leprechaun and the terrifying Horseman create a sense of wonder and suspense in Joslin's story.

Brooks' narrative captures a child's perspective and the sense of adventure and curiosity beautifully.

In 'The Live Oak' by Stan Long the interplay of nature, rain, and the intimacy of two people is portrayed with vivid imagery.

Experience the haunting beauty of 'Shipwreck' by Eira Needham, a poignant poem that explores the struggle for survival amidst turbulent waters.

'The Orange Room' by Conor McManus is a vivid and sensuous piece of writing, capturing the intimate and contemplative moments of the protagonist.

Salzano's 'Turn the Page' is a deeply moving piece that uses the backdrop of a classic rock song to explore themes of nostalgia, longing, and the emotional landscapes of life ...

Kafka's narrative leaves us with questions about the nature of authority, the pursuit of knowledge, and the futility of waiting for external validation or answers.

It's wonderful piece that invites reflection on life, death, and the enduring beauty that can be found even in the most unexpected places.

Bedoya

Sexton

Sheehan

The Game

an armed man lurks in ambush

"On His Toes" is a beautifully written reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the dangers of romanticizing or idealizing a partner based on limited interactions or shared activities. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and attraction, the importance of communication and shared values in building a lasting relationship, and the role of personal growth and self-awareness in navigating the challenges of intimacy.

"A Shadow of Doubt" by Mary Jo Breen unfolds in a tender yet poignant exploration of aging, memory, and the thin line between the past and present. The story introduces us to Mrs. Taylor, an elderly woman grappling with the pains of aging and the haunting presence of a ghost she believes visits her at dawn. The ghost, with its "smug smile," seems to torment her with its silent presence, raising questions about the unresolved issues or memories Mrs. Taylor might be struggling with.

"Water" by Ian Butterworth Water is not just a story about dying; it's a profound reflection on the complexities of human emotion, the tangled relationships that define us, and the quest for peace and love in the face of the inevitable. It invites readers to contemplate the depths of their own psyche and the nature of their relationships, making it a compelling piece for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the human condition,

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.

Explore the delicate dance of decision-making in "Fleeting Laziness in Birds & Catching Myself Being Selfish" by Nonnie Augustine. A narrative blending nature's simplicity with human emotion, through the lens of doves contemplating a new home amidst hidden dangers.

Explore the depths of long-term relationship dynamics through Holly Day's 'What There Is To Lose.' The poem delves into the fear of disinterest leading to loss, weaving a narrative of love, insecurities, and the lengths we go to keep connections alive.

Holly Day's 'The Beast at Your Side' explores the transformation of self in relationships. Through vivid imagery, it contrasts solitudes' freedom with the intimate, identity-shifting power of love, highlighting the complexities and sacrifices of companionship

Bill West

William Blake

evie robillard

"The Table in the Garden" is a testament to the power of nature to inspire, to heal, and to bring people together. It celebrates the simple, yet profound moments of connection that can occur in the midst of natural beauty.

"Barely Escaped" serves as a reminder of the complexity of life and the unexpected turns it can take, encouraging a reflective stance towards our actions and their consequences.

The poem serves as a tribute not just to Plath but to all who navigate life with an acute sense of sensitivity. It highlights the beauty and curse of such a disposition--the ability to perceive deeply and intensely

Higgins crafts a multi-layered narrative in a compact form, utilizing the image of the wasp and the actions surrounding it to delve into complex themes of fear, struggle, and the human condition.

"Write this down -- you are a bitch. One might say a Constance bitch."

Olivia

"Promise" offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and renewal.

Through the Eyes of a Child: the power of art and poetry to communicate universal truths across time and space.

Robillard's moon is presented as a source of endless creativity and inspiration, the "symphony with just enough notes," suggesting that, in its mystery and beauty, the moon is a metaphor for the ideal expression of art and knowledge.

Little Britain by Washington Irving

The Darkling Thrush
by Thomas Hardy (Classic)

I leant upon a coppice gate
When Frost was spectre-grey,
And WinterFs dregs made desolate
The weakening eye of day.
The tangled bine-stems scored the sky
Like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh
Had sought their household fires.

In Pursuit of the Intangible
Poetry Editorial by Oonah Joslin

The Hosting of the Sidhe
by W.B. Yeats (Classic)

A Christmas Sermon
by Robert Louis Stevenson (Classsic)

Standards by Wendy Howe

Cloud Feast by Mari Fitzpatrick

Buddhas of Bamian by Arthur Callender

Lonely as a Clown by Mike Lewis

Time to shine by Lesley Timms

The Day is Done by H W Longfellow

Reading in Bed by Digby Beaumont

Ed’s Wife and Other Creatures by Vanessa Gebbie

Ancestor by Jim Boring is a haunting reflection on strength and survival, immortalized in the stern gaze of a pioneer woman. The poem paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose life was shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life, including the violent loss of loved ones. Her steely eyes and hardened expression, frozen in time by a photograph, bear witness to the struggles she endured—bathing children in the Ohio River, tending to the wounded, and facing the brutal aftermath of conflict.

The Witches Grace by Nonnie Augustine is a mesmerizing tale of transformation and redemption, woven with the threads of magic and myth. The poem transports readers to the mysterious cave of a Highland Witch, where the speaker finds refuge on panther pelts, warmed by an eternal fire. Wrapped in a shawl of vibrant colors and adorned in a gown as dark as the night, the witch chants healing incantations and offers "WitchFs Stew" to restore the wounded. T

Dance of the Dead by Maureen Wilkenson is a chilling poem that brings the eerie magic of Halloween to life. Under the ghostly light of a misty moon, the earth trembles as graves stir open, releasing skeletal figures from their moss-covered tombs. On this haunted night, these spectral dancers emerge with a rattle of bones, defying the stones meant to keep them at rest. The poem warns of the perils for those who doubt these ancient rites

Issue Art Wall

Christmas Present by Marie Shields

Dog Days of Christmas by Marie Shields

Christmas Morning by Martin Heavisides

Sleeping with the Monkfish: The Execution by John C. Mannone

Dreaming of Elsbeth, Alexander Lang

Ashwini Alli, Peter Vilbig

"Simple Tilly" is not just a story about a young girlFs encounter with love and betrayal; it is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of lifeFs adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging

Learning to Fly by Anne Collisn is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of life's adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging and acceptance.

Blizzard by Nonnie Augustine

Cold, Cold Heart by Jim Haughey

Walters captures the essence of a moment suspended in time, where the grandeur of the Grand Canyon in winter mirrors the depth and beauty of a shared love.

"Out of Rock! NOW" is a powerful piece that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the hard work of building a life together, and the pain of seeing shared dreams crumble.

Walters' poem is a tribute to the power of nature, history, and human connection. It invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the landscapes that hold significance in their lives.

Through its evocative imagery and emotional depth, "Flight 103 to Lockerbie: Happy Anniversary" captures the complex interplay of personal and collective memory, the beauty and violence of nature, and the enduring impact of loss.

*#4*
by Neil Dyer

An Old Friend
by Mike Blake

Taken by Hand, Heart and Storm
by Ernest Williamson III

The Pugilist
by Carla Martin-Wood

Art Galley
Summer 2008

Untitled 11
by Michael Constantine McConnell

Classic: The Swan Song by Anton Chekov

Gallery Archive
Images: Russell Bittner
Carol Mannheim
Mari Fitzpatrick

Dreaming of Elsbeth

Ashwini Alli

Morphane Tree

Flashlight’s Jewels

Weaving Dreams

Persephone

Blue Walls

Marty-s Career

Daffodils in a Blue Vase

Trio

Book Two: Indigo

The Crafts

Patrick

Augustine

Murray

Vanishing point

Cold Fish

In Time

Wabi Songs

The Pugilist

Stewart

Commemorating the life of the German painter Johannes Matthaeus Koelz, who after winning a medal of gallantry in the Great War went on to defy Hitler and to become an anti-war campaigner... Lyrics and Melody by Dave Taylor

Citrine

The Music Box

1970

Hearing Dogs by Liz Haig

Fear and Loathing in Southwark by Bill West

Gingerbread, An Everyday Poem

Gifts For The Residents by Paul Murray

Human Noise by Bruce Harris

Best Brewed Plans by Lydia Fazio Theys

Fable of the Fortieth Sheep by Rumjhum Biswas

The River Thief
"'The two of us,' she'd say, "partners to the end," the crochet needle at a small and quick twist in her hand, or a sewing needle making code against her finger"

Photophobia
"His voice seeped up brittle from under the rubble of covers; maybe she should have waited longer. Damn earring wouldn’t go in the hole. She sat down and squinted into the dresser mirror, not wanting to risk opening the curtains yet."

Mr. Wyandotte
"One Friday morning as I sat at my office computer trying to enter progress notes and demographic data (but really mostly just listening to Franz Liszt on YouTube) I got a call from a policeman in Upper Bucks County."

Camlin

Paradise

learning to fly

Her

Absence By Gloria Garfunkel

Merry Christmas from Lily Pond in Saugus Town by Tom Sheehan

Crow

Precious

Art Gallery

Our Grandson Seeks the Snow and His Mother in Milwaukee

Equus & Anima

Lough Reflections

Rare Glimpse by James Claffey

Magic Mirror by Nathan E.Tavaras

Rosie and Max by William Ogden Haynes

Executive sweet by Mathew Paust

Summer '08

Autumn '08

Yule '08

Commemorating the life of the German painter Johannes Matthaeus Koelz, who after winning a medal of gallantry in the Great War went on to defy Hitler and to become an anti-war campaigner... Lyrics and Melody by Dave Taylor

From our
'Everyday Poems Page'

Gingerbread
The Day is Done
Who Goes with Fergus?
Strange Meeting
The Darkling Thrush
A Pint of Plain is your only Man
Go and Catch a Falling Star

The Man in the Wet, Gray Fedora by Jim Parks

Gil by Pepe Nero

The Boy by Yvette Managan (Flys)

Lisa J. Cihlar

Falling Pearls

The Red Couch

Sweet Cotton

Branded

The River Thief
"'The two of us,' she'd say, "partners to the end," the crochet needle at a small and quick twist in her hand, or a sewing needle making code against her finger"

Photophobia
"His voice seeped up brittle from under the rubble of covers; maybe she should have waited longer. Damn earring wouldn’t go in the hole. She sat down and squinted into the dresser mirror, not wanting to risk opening the curtains yet."

Mr. Wyandotte
"One Friday morning as I sat at my office computer trying to enter progress notes and demographic data (but really mostly just listening to Franz Liszt on YouTube) I got a call from a policeman in Upper Bucks County."

Gifts For The Residents by Paul Murray

Human Noise by Bruce Harris

Best Brewed Plans by Lydia Fazio Theys

Fable of the Fortieth Sheep by Rumjhum Biswas

The Horseman by Gary Cadwallader

Deities at an Exhibition by Martin Heavisides

Uncle Stan by Mary Baader Kaley

Pillow by Teri Davis Rouvelas

Our Grandson Seeks the Snow and His Mother in Milwaukee

Equus & Anima

Lough Reflections

Korean Echo

Fresh Start

Haunting

Rare Glimpse by James Claffey

Magic Mirror by Nathan E.Tavaras

Hiding

Nesting Dolls

Amy in the Dark

The Daunt Diana

Memories of a Winter's Day

Aubade to Marit Haahr

Keep

Manifesto

Memory of a Winter-s Day

Batshit Crazy

Trio

Daffodils in a Blue Vase

Collision

Buenos Aires: A Literary City

Ed's Wife and Other Stories

Is a whimsically poignant collection of vignettes that blend elements of the mundane with the magical, giving us insight into Ed's life with his shape-shifting wife, Suze.

Inniscrone

Is a rich tapestry of images and thoughts that beautifully captures the interplay between the external environment and the internal musings of the speaker

Eden

Explores themes of resilience, transience, and the bittersweet beauty found in places shaped by both natural forces and human hands.

The Old Field House

Things from Life in the Death of a Man

illustrations: Federico Garcia Lorca, 5 June 1898 - 19 August 1936

"Promise" offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and renewal.

Through the Eyes of a Child: the power of art and poetry to communicate universal truths across time and space.

Robillard's moon is presented as a source of endless creativity and inspiration, the "symphony with just enough notes," suggesting that, in its mystery and beauty, the moon is a metaphor for the ideal expression of art and knowledge.

Patrick

Augustine

Murray

Beatrices Behemoth is Bothersome and Backbreaking

Falling Man

Filburt Gets his Formula Half Right

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.

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.

Bill West

William Blake

evie robillard

Alexander Lang

Peter Vilbig

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

Sundance Review, The Dead Returns

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.

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.

"Write this down -- you are a bitch. One might say a Constance bitch."

Olivia

Crow

Precious

Art Gallery

British Guy

The Dice are Not to Blame

Jamie's Song

Blessings X1 V by Anne Whitehouse

Under a Dirty Moon by Avital Gad-Cykman

Spa Tour by Stefanie Freele

Repossession

1970

The First Time the Son was Ever on TV

You Have Grown In Stature by Noeleen Kavanagh

Sunny's First Fellini by MD Kempis

Houndstooth and Lucky by Digby Beaumont

In Conversation: Ramon Collins and Randall Brown

In Break Formations by Donal Mahoney

So We Decided to Keep by Lisa Cihlar

The Sunday Special

Summer storms . . .

The Cellist’s First Date

Lonely as a Clown by Mike Lewis

Time to shine by Lesley Timms

The Day is Done by H W Longfellow

Marty-s Career

Daffodils in a Blue Vase

Trio

"I am the viridian swell and the vermilitm tempest. I am surly beast and have will to rectify murder: my death and other happenstance makes for ironu with miniatures painted without sight in a golden locket never opened and not lost memories of those centuries before whatever instant diseased and bent with pock marked face to how anger stalls without any pleasure or even the protest of strangled fowl. You can watch my stance without eyes and make me move without legs as I am only flood and tempest unbounded my schemes ser down as blasphemed physic and truth."
John Colman (1580-1664)

Josef von Sternberg's meticulous approach to film composition and his collaboration with the iconic Marlene Dietrich truly left a lasting mark on cinema history. The way they brought out the screen's glow in "Shanghai Express" is indeed remarkable, and Dietrich's portrayal of Shanghai Lily is iconic.

Summer '09

Fall '09

Yule '09

Arnold crafts a narrative that challenges traditional gender norms and highlights the evolving nature of parental love and expectations.

A literature professor, Sidney, is visited by an enigmatic knight in her classroom, blurring the lines between her love for fiction and reality. As their silent bond deepens, his sudden disappearance propels her into a decision that forever alters her life.

The universal desire for safety and peace, and the profound impact of empathy and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and refugees around the world.

Early Thoughts On The Oedipus Complex by Rebecca Coffey

Dancing All The Steps I Know by Pepe Nero

No Such Thing as a Free Tea by Jennifer Stakes

Hearing Dogs by Liz Haig

Fear and Loathing in Southwark by Bill West

Gingerbread, An Everyday Poem

Wendell Tomlin, Jr

Ann Walters

Nancy Norton

Weaving Dreams

Persephone

Blue Walls

The Language of Frost

Sweet Talk

Be Sure Your Sins

Vampires, Ghosts, the Dead returned
by Yvette Managan

Carnal Knowledge
by Stan Long

I was nine and my sister seven, and we were walking home from the dam that was a favourite haunt of mine, where moorhens nested and herons fished and where will-o-the-wisps coiled over the marshy ground on damp evenings. Visiting with her grandma with whom I lived, she had asked to go with me to see the dam during that late afternoon in the summer of the war when all the young men had been conscripted and both town and countryside were empty of them.

My Lady Adair
by A Jefferson Brown

When I was a child, the month of October was always the greatest time of year. Even though school was back in session, we had the State Fair in the beginning of the month and Halloween to bring in November. In between the two, there was always some harvest festival or other going on at one of the local churches. For me, a poor boy in a small town in South Carolina, October was as fun as summer break.

Necromancy
by Karen Jones

Four(teen)-letter Words

Nolens Volens

What Warmth Is There in One Old Tree?

This Rain That Wears No Raincoat

"Simple Tilly" is not just a story about a young girlFs encounter with love and betrayal; it is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of lifeFs adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging

Learning to Fly by Anne Collisn is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of life's adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging and acceptance.

Vow
by Carla Martin=Wood

Ta gra agam duit, mo run

When I die/it shall be with/your name on my lips/the last word/I speak into/earth's air and that name/I shall bear upon/my tongue/and it shall go/with me into/what comes after

And when I board/that dark barge/and my soul speaks/its first word to/the grim boatman/that name shall fall/from my lips/and it shall be/ the coin that pays/my passage

The Smell of Salt
by Loretta Sylvestre

Ginny escaped north over a four-lane stretch of U.S. Highway 99. The sun hung low in the west and the roadbed shone, stretching across the flats like a river of red. She drove a nineteen fifty-six cream lacquered Chevy Belair. Only five years old and still perfect, the car flew through the miles and kicked up a wind that lifted Ginnys brown curls and cooled her neck. That rushing air brought welcome relief from the heat that, despite autumn and oncoming night, flooded the desert.

The Cellist’s First Date by Marja Hagborg

Nesting Dolls by Carly Berg

Major Works of fiction

Beauty and the Beast

Buenos Aires: A Literary City

personal history

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.

'My Crow' by Changming Yuan. It beautifully captures the emotions of loss and the fleeting nature of relationships.

'Sunflowers' is a reflective and contemplative poem that encourages readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the limitations of human perception

'Short Shrift' by Sheila Black is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures fleeting moments and observations in a vivid and contemplative way.

The Goatherd’s Fingers" is a masterful piece that uses detailed and evocative imagery to depict the life of a goatherd in a way that is both realistic and poetic.

Ocean's Alive is a perfect blend of nature's might and delicate balance, the poetry encapsulates the essence of the image in rich, immersive colors.

A Gentle Heart (Obit)

"I would lie in bed watching her morning ritual with a statuette of Buddha looking on as well. This would begin with greetings by birds chirping in her garden on bushes of red and yellow exora, hibiscus flowers, graceful palms, butterflies, and clay figurines of ducks and elephants. Her bed was right alongside a window to the garden and the curtains were never drawn."

Forecast For Interstate 81
by P. W. Murray

South, U.S. Highway 11, 1960.
Duff’s Rebel Restaurant,
breakfast in Winchester and supper -
if all goes on schedule - near Pulaski.
Hills to our right -
“… jingle bell, jingle bell,
jingle bell rock,"

wipers click and wipers clock.
Ears to the radio, eyes to the
billboards, a signs calls out
for a diner - “Listen there - if we were
still up in Carlisle, Hagerstown or
Martinsburg we’d be butt-deep in
snow." Pop knows. Here it’s just
cold slop, a little sleet but cold
assaulting rain, mostly. A diner
with dingy motel's light glows ahead.
"Rockin' around the Christmas tree
at the Christmas party hop… ."

Childhood Portrait
by Howie Good

When the old mare collapsed
between the shafts of the milk wagon

and the wagon driver leaped
to the ground cursing

the tallest trees leaned forward
as if to better see

my teachers call the house
your son they said

too young to wonder
what’s worse as I was punched

in the head and slapped
the anger of the man slashing at it

with a whip or its wish
to get up again and go on

i picked at a scab today
by Casey Quinn

an old wound
long forgotten

it was just there,
healing

nature,
taking its course

but i
didn't let it.


i picked at the scab
and it bled

and the process was forced
to start over again.

Water Cycle
by Oonah V. Joslin

Wood
waterlogged,
slippy with ice and moss
the fence
frozen this morning,
stream of steam swirls
clawing upwards
vaporous cloud
cools, cascades
flows back to
ground, soggy
beneath berried yew
to be sucked up
brackish again by
wood.

my niece by Casey Quinn

"i had not

seen her in years i told her ..."

Feeding Ducks by Jim Hatfield

As I tore and cast upon the water half a
loaf of Mothers Pride, he advised that feed-
ing ducks was now a crime, punishable by a
statutory fine.

Armstrong by Martin Heavisides

"I was tellin’ about the time when I was a little bitty boy in my mother’s hometown of Boutte, Louisiana. I was about five years old, cute little ol’ thing, too. Mayann, my mother you know, she said to me one morning, “Son, run down to the pond and get a bucket of water for your mama." And I cut out for that water, and Mayann dug me when I come back without the water and poooh, boy! She said, “Boy, where is that water?" I said, “Well, mama, there’s a big old rusty alligator in that pond and I didn’t get that water." She said, “Oh, boy, go get that water. Don’t you know that alligator is scared of you as you are of him?" I told her, “Mama, if he’s scared of me as I am of him, that water ain’t fit to drink."
As quoted in Gary Giddins, Satchmo

“Roses are red
Violets are blue
Lucille’s are pink
I saw them on the clothesline"

The Ethos of Capital-isthmus By Russell Bittner

What pay is this? Some chit now
long past due to get us roundly up
and out the door,
to squeeze a measly buck, redound a score,
then shuck, to gutted towns, our shell-
shocked crew? Like hell you'll clear us
out and push us through, demanding,
time-cards swiped, we quit the floor
and not-like peevish children-
scream for more, but take our bul-
lied selves elsewhere for brew! I
tell you, China's coast is far from
clear;
and China's sum of us is no less dim.
So go now-take your cash where
it may still win hearts and minds
not scarified by beer and will, no
doubt, find skillful hands to trim
the scrim of your next threadbare, off-shore thrill.

The Irritating Stiffie by Dennis Leppanen

I wouldn't have considered Harley Burgess as a matrimonial conquest. Not even a slightly remote possibility. You see, Pa hung himself the morning before Harley came around. My brother, Russell, two years my junior, built the casket while I dug the hole. Wished he would a found him, though. Pa’s face was purple hanging there, almost black. The move to the west had been especially cruel on Pa. A gentleman he was, a western farmer, he wasn’t.

I had turned nineteen, in the middle of the prairie, a randy woman in the middle of nowhere. Harley Burgess was pushing thirty, if not over the brink. Russell and I were busy packing up our meager belongings. Meager? After years living out east in near royalty. What we had become. The old farm in the middle of nowhere killed Pa. We decided to get, while the getting was good.

Sanctuary by Julie Innis

In Conversation: Russell Bittner and Marie Fitzpatrick

Jenny's Secret by Mimi Rosen

Rummaging by Roland Goity

Frontierland by Norah Piehl

Pa did not like a country so old and worn out that the hunting was poor. He wanted to go west. For two years he had wanted to go west and take a homestead, but Ma did not want to leave the settled country.
--Laura Ingalls Wilder, By The Shores of Silver Lake



Carl found a condo with a view of the Empire State Building, but imagined bunking down under the stars. He fell asleep each night to a recording of wind rustling prairie grasses, crickets marking time, coyotes ominously keeping watch, their distant howls drowning out the cab horns and the guy who stood outside the Herald Square Hotel screamingly exhorting tourists to turn back, repent before it was too late. Sometimes Carl fancied the buses cruising down Lexington were prairie schooners under sail, on their way to boroughs yet unknown.

He discovered Charlotte at Whole Foods. Her basket held New Jersey tomatoes and organic onions, whole-wheat flour, brown rice, a basil plant to place on a sunny windowsill. She studied a shrink-wrapped package of mushrooms, turned to him as casually as if they had been shopping together for years. “These come from Pennsylvania," she said. “Do you think that’s okay?" He knew exactly what she meant, even before she spoke again. “I want to make my own spaghetti sauce," she said, “but there’s no such thing as a locally-grown mushroom, not here, anyway." Her freckled face shone pale under her broad sun hat.

The replica cabin was a rest area by the side of the Wisconsin highway, an afterthought for most, a convenient place for passersby to empty the McDonald’s wrappers from their car, to buy a pop, take a crap, and--oh yeah--to snap a picture in front of that first Little House.

Art Gallery 2010

Theresa Defused by Frank Dineen

Failure by Susan Teppen

Snails on the Road by Rebecca Burns

THERE WERE SNAILS ON THE ROAD to the tapas bar. They had oozed over from a scrub of undeveloped land beside the main street into town. Grandma shouted a warning from up ahead, shading her eyes as she turned back to face us, squinting into the sun. But Mum didn’t swerve to avoid the little creatures littering the road. Instead they were crushed under the wheels of Toby’s buggy as Mum pushed him straight on; their shells disintegrated with tiny pops that reminded me of the gravel on our drive at home, churned up into a sharp spray by spinning wheels.

Mum’s jaw was set, and I couldn’t see her eyes behind the dark glasses she’ d worn all week. I tried not to think of the snails’ soft bodies being pulped into the concrete.


It was early evening but the heat was still stifling. We’ d sat around the pool for most of the morning with Grandma whilst Mum slept in the villa. Grandma was strong and had easily held Toby in the shallow end, letting his twisted legs float to the surface in a way that delighted him. He squealed and drooled, thrashing his head from side to side, soaking us both. But we didn’t mind. It felt good to see him so happy.

Barataria Bay
by Nonnie Augustine

Camlin
by M.V.Horan

learning to fly
by Wilmonte Johnson

Her
by Mike Berger

Shapeshifting
by Gemma Meek

Butterfly Service

There were butterflies
dancing against the light,
the stained glass of Jesus
changing them into shadows.

Commas

A grandmother now, she lives a life rife with careful pauses. A long-tailed calligraphy of fits and starts.

The Abyss of Human Illusion

Sometimes

Six Micros by Sheldon Compton

RESIDUE
The shell casing slow motions-skyward, drop-floats back to rye grass, brass in a tight coat of gunpowder. Many others, random as dandelions, are found by the sunlight, gathered, handed out to wilt between our fingers, in pockets. A cousin reminds us to wash with lots of soap after touching them. Lead residue. Still warm in our hands, the poison slow motions, too.

The Sick House by Michael C. Keith

The story about that creepy old house goes something like this. Almost two years ago all the kids that lived there got polio and one, a little girl named Sara, died. This drove her parents crazy and they disappeared with their two other kids, who were crippled by the disease. No one has heard from them since, and some say they went out into the Narragansett Bay on their dad’s small fishing boat and drowned during a storm, but no bodies have ever been found.

The Thief and the Baby by Townsend Walker

People sometimes talk about the peacefulness of fog. A morning wrap that calms. Obliterates time. Forgives.

Gino woke up late that morning. He'd had trouble sleeping. The robbery hadn't gone smoothly. There'd been someone in the apartment and he’ d been forced to deal with her. He shook off the memory, jumped into his blue coveralls and went into the kitchen.

A Painful Truth by Ethan Swage

No school today for Kyle Jagot, although he's not happy about it. He's scared to leave the bathroom, scared that if he ventures too far away from the toilet he may let go again-the sit-down kind.

Despite Kyle's objections, his mother barges in. He's wedged between tub and toilet, doubled over, rocking, crossed forearms pressed tightly beneath his belly. She dabs a moist washcloth to his forehead, asks him what other symptoms he has had.

Unexpected Bats by Ann Walters

To Pierce the Sky by Ann Walters

The Dancer by Ann Walters

Desert Roses, 1994 by Ann Walters

January by Marie Fitzpatrick

White Out by Nancy Norton

In the Depths of Winter by Nancy Norton

THE MUDMEN by Mikal Hubber

Won't You Please Stand Up

Won't you please look up
to where that young girl
looks down hoping you'll
overlook weathered shoes?
You'll cross through the crowd,
through the breakers of dancers
to say she's the one that
you choose.

Won't you please stand up
and shake the shivered nerve
endings, into magnetic sounds
that young love understands?
She will know each new step.
She will sense your arrival.
She will reach out and lend you
her hand.

Won't you please step out,
through your young fellow dancers?
Lay her head to your shoulder,
hands gently in line.
You don't touch the floor
by means that escape you
as you'11 move in three
quarter time.


Won't you please stand up
and grant me my pardon,
as I leave you young men
so awkward you see?
My best hope's to hope
on your east-rising of manhood
that you'll be better dancers
than me.

-- 2008 Murray

All our Years

She leaves softly
the bed she makes for me,
sets the house in order before I wake.

On the table
places my meal without fuss,
tendering to me
as a good wife will.

Our needs met in order
as they rise,
she to mine and I to hers.
Those kindnesses

and all our years crush
to one moment
when her life goes out,
stops on the page.

In memoriam, sheets lie
crumpled
the table is not set
and flowers go dry
in the vase.

Island by Mark Dallingan


No breaking news
sky, sea and rock,
my islands meteorology.

No highway noise
but tidal ebb and flow,
for soft white sound.

No crowded streets
but rock pools brimming
with mussel, crab and shrimp.

-2008-Dalligan

Reading in Bed by Digby Beaumont

Ed’s Wife and Other Creatures by Vanessa Gebbie

real Hollywood outcalls

Kelly's Orchard

Hardball

I Am Being Everybody They Cried: Peter Barnes (1931-2004) by Martin Heavisides

Prologue


DIOGENES: I thought those who came after would be better. Wrong! What can the comforting deceptions of philosophy signify in the face of truth, which is always the same --nothing ends well. I should have studied emptiness, nothing, instead of virtue. The gods tried to tell me. One night I was huddled in my barrel, trying to sleep. The snow was falling outside and I heard the gods praising me for my discussion on emptiness, nothing. 'But I haven't said anything,' I told them. 'You haven't said anything as we haven't heard anything: that's true emptiness,' they replied. I should've studied emptiness and midwives should give up their calling; it's a crime against mankind to inflict life on another human being.

THE REAL LONG JOHN SILVER, pp. 50-51

"The Moon and The Stars"

Credo

As a psychologist, I have seen 1000/attempts to avoid responsibility for/a troubled child./"It's a chemical imbalance; it's the schools;/it's the medication; it's uncle Harry."

The Dragon

When you first told me about/the dragon tattoo, I didn't/believe you were preppy 101,/clean cut in your wool sweater/and dockers. I wasnFt sure/I wanted to see your legs,/lean and pale;

Musings chanced upon in the quiet of Inniscrone

High Water

Willy was born delighted in the middle of a rainstorm that threatened to flood the root cellar where they were hiding from the lightning. She had wide-open blue eyes. Her tiny expressive face soundlessly oohed and aahed and grimaced and startled with each feeling from the very beginning and, soon, she had a coo of contentment that nurtured her mother and then a three-tone song of a laugh that always made her siblings smile. Thunderstorms and floods threatened them so often but Willy's birth let Mama engage with them easier from then on.

The River Thief

English Wells fought the Pumquich River for forty years, moving his will ever by degrees at it. "By God, Miriam," he often said to his wife, "I'll go at it until I drop, most likely. What you work for, you get. You get what you work for." English, lacking funds or worldly promise, wanted to steal more land from this side of the river, to push his small estate out over the river#s run, to claim energy's due.

The New Man by Digby Beaumont

Harry's Bar by Nonnie Augustine

Mr. Wyandotte by Phoebe Wilcox

Photophobia by Niall Joseph

The River Thief by Tom Sheehan

Berenika

Yang Chu's Poem 86

The Game

an armed man lurks in ambush

Buenos Aires: A Literary City

personal history

A Gentle Heart (Obit)

"I would lie in bed watching her morning ritual with a statuette of Buddha looking on as well. This would begin with greetings by birds chirping in her garden on bushes of red and yellow exora, hibiscus flowers, graceful palms, butterflies, and clay figurines of ducks and elephants. Her bed was right alongside a window to the garden and the curtains were never drawn."

Fitzpatrick's prose invites readers into a world where past and present converge, where ancient gods still hold sway over the land, and where the timeless beauty of Egypt's landscapes is illuminated by both natural and artificial light.

"The Night of the Fox" leaves readers with a haunting reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable terrain of life.

The story beautifully captures the complexity of human nature, as Vitoria reflects on her past mistakes and the desire for validation and respect. Despite her past transgressions, she ultimately seeks to redeem herself and prove her worth as a good person.

Ribs of sunken galleons

Sam and Frank--Old Friends

Russian roulette

Cold, Cold Heart by Jim Haughey

No estaba seguro de cuanto tiempo habia estado el cuerpo all. Una, tal vez dos semanas. El olor se habia asentado tan intensamente en el dormitorio que, aunque se quedó alli solo unos minutos cada vez, estaba asombrado de lo profundamente que el olor invadia la tela de su ropa. El olor de los organos atrofiandose. Los globos oculares se convirtieron en pequeños orbes de gelatina gris mate.

The sun was just rising in West Central Minnesota, brazing the horizon a magenta color as upkicked dust lilted behind a Chevrolet truck that rumbled down the long gravel driveway. The truck pulled onto a paved county road that reached out for miles on an even plain. The only signs of civilization outside of Jay’s passenger side window were the railroad tracks running parallel to the road and the high-voltage power lines off in the distance--giants standing above the wheat and corn and beets. Tyler, Jay’s cousin and a year his junior, flipped on the radio.

The art wall from Spring 2013 features various artworks, including pieces by notable artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Jessie Wilcox Smith, as well as works by Paul Klee. This collection showcases a range of artistic styles and subjects, reflecting the diverse creative expression of these artists. For a detailed view of the artworks and more information about the artists, you can visit the page directly by clicking through.

Bill on the Hill captures the essence of a winter day, where the main character, Carrie, is engrossed in the simple joys of sledding and experiencing the first flutters of childhood romance.

Claffey's writing in this short piece demonstrates a remarkable talent for capturing complex emotions and creating vivid imagery as he intertwines the themes of loss, grief, and the relentless passage of time i

A Brief Encounter by Lisa Cihlar

The wolf at my door asks to use the telephone. Seems the radio collar around his neck won’t tune in to his favorite Jazz and Blues station any more.

Dennis Mahagin: ...Semi Embittered Lifetime AA Batter

n the dugout I listened to a hell/of a lot of Muddy Waters.
There was this one/old blue oil drum/where bushers spit their/bubble gum and tobacco/chew, gave off a cologne/like pot/roast prepared/mostly to fool you.

Kafka's narrative leaves us with questions about the nature of authority, the pursuit of knowledge, and the futility of waiting for external validation or answers.

It's wonderful piece that invites reflection on life, death, and the enduring beauty that can be found even in the most unexpected places.

"Simple Tilly" is not just a story about a young girlFs encounter with love and betrayal; it is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of lifeFs adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging

Learning to Fly by Anne Collisn is a reflection on the strength of the human spirit in the face of life's adversities. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging and acceptance.

"Smell of Rain" by Ramon Collins explores the reflective moments of Henry Jenkins, a former baseball champion, as he confronts aging, legacy, and mortality on his porch, amidst the backdrop of an impending storm and personal battles, encapsulating lifeFs transient beauty and inevitable changes

A humorous tale of a grandmother's struggle with tiny print on a medication bottle, reflecting on generational gaps, accessibility, and globalization. A witty exploration of aging in a modern world.

The story is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections in our lives are those that cannot be neatly captured or preserved, but instead linger on the edges of our consciousness, shaping us in ways we may never fully understand.

Patrick's ability to weave together memories, emotions, and the symbolic power of water results in a narrative that is both touching and resonant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Miller's succinct storytelling invites readers to reflect on the meaning of companionship, the evolution of relationships over time, and the ways in which individuals navigate the expectations placed upon them by society and themselves.