New Word A poem by Marietta Calvanico New Wordfor myself as much as it is for KPerfection is overratedworshipped from a distanceit is just another false godMuch advice comes unbiddenand too much talk of potentialplainly bores memy good intentions scatter... Continue Reading →
Near Death Experience with Wife and Adult Daughter A poem by Lynn Kozlowski Near Death Experience with Wife and Adult DaughterOur deaths—my wife’s and mine--are at issue.Our lawyer has forms for particulars:What we would have done with us--our wishes for... Continue Reading →
Sunflowers A poem by Joanne Durham SunflowersMy father planted sunflowersbetween crabgrass and cloveroutside of our apartment. I waited,not expecting muchbut soon their stems sputteredthrough stubborn ground,sudden yellow faces bounded roofward,peered in my bedroom window,bobbing heads too heavyfor their scraggly stalks,... Continue Reading →
Human Wheels A poem by Cherie Rankin Human Wheels Cold Fall mornings and evenings,rain against the windshield,my expanding belly against the wheelas you kicked madlyto the drum beatof John Mellencamp’s“Human Wheels…”“Human wheels,spin round and round,while the clock keeps the pace.Human... Continue Reading →
Carboncillo A poem by Juan Luzuriaga Carboncillo “Oye, Carboncillo!”Just a nickname as a kid. My nickname—a nickname just for me.The first time I heard it,I missed the sting it was intended to create by my “friend” in class.Eventually, I made... Continue Reading →
The Lessons of Ilkurot Village A poem by Claire Coenen The Lessons of Ilkurot VillageIt is afternoon.I am 17 in Ilkurot Village with my mom.The Maasai warriors, in robes of blood red magic,dance in a circle. Jump with wings on... Continue Reading →
Poetry Breakfast 