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.

Meeting Point by Nick Bowman is a deeply evocative poem that intertwines personal memory with the timeless rhythm of the sea. The vivid imagery of the beach and its sounds creates a poignant backdrop for the speakerFs reflections on their father. Through shared moments and familial connections, the poem captures the convergence of past and present, illustrating how landscapes and memories shape our identities and relationships. Bowman's lyrical language and rich metaphors make this piece a moving meditation on legacy and continuity.

Marbled Chocolate by Maire Morrissey-Cummins is a haunting exploration of childhood memories intertwined with food and trauma. The poem begins with a nostalgic recall of chocolate and homemade treats, juxtaposed with the harshness of strict discipline. The vivid imagery of shop-bought cakes and the subsequent punishment unveils deep-seated familial tensions. Morrissey-Cummins' poignant narrative reveals the lasting impact of these experiences, culminating in a powerful reflection on healing and recovery.

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, ...

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 womanFs 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 childFs confusion about the event, which he mistook for a party.

In "Vox", De Wilde 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.

In "French Knitting" by Elizabeth Hopkinson, a witch meticulously knits Rapunzel's hair each night, creating a giant golden cobweb that descends into a dark pit. For seven years, Rapunzel's hair has been woven into the earth, supposedly connecting her to the core of creation. Confined and contemplative, Rapunzel doubts the witch's intentions, believing instead that creation flows through her. As the witch knits, an unexpected figure rises from the pit, challenging the witch’s control and hinting at a deeper, transformative power within Rapunzel herself. This tale reimagines the Rapunzel legend with a mystical and introspective twist.

Whiskey and Cigarettes at the End by Ronald E. Shields captures the quiet reflection of an elderly couple in a cemetery. Surrounded by the decay of time, they savor small comforts like whiskey and cigarettes, contemplating life’s fading moments and the weight of letting go.

The Moment by Ronald E. Shields captures Jesus’s act of forgiveness. From his wooden tower, he sees heaven’s beauty in every grain of sand, reflecting the miracles in everyday life and the order of creation. A profound meditation on divine grace and spiritual insight.

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.

A teen at the mall, her vibrant style illuminated as she texts dreams and smokes under the star

Amidst an insect swarm, people pray together under a liquid moon, awaiting their fate.

Skellig Michael by Mary Lee reflects on the physical and spiritual endurance of the monks who inhabited the remote Skellig Michael monastery. The poem contemplates the arduous task of carving thousands of steps from stone, the isolation imposed by the Atlantic's power, and the spiritual connection found in nature's persistence, as seen in the circling birds and steadfast rock.

Penance by Maire Morrissey-Cummins portrays a womanFs internal struggle as she seeks forgiveness for her sins. Through vivid imagery of tense hands, bony knees, and the confessionalFs oppressive atmosphere, the poem captures her feelings of guilt, the ritual of confession, and the hollow aftermath of absolution. Despite feeling cleansed, she leaves with an unsettling sense of emptiness.

Julie Hogg's poem Soul Skating explores the fluidity and grace of skating as a metaphor for personal freedom and self-expression. The use of dynamic language, including phrases like "minimal friction" and "sustained gliding," evokes the sensation of effortless movement, while the unique structure of the poem visually mimics the rhythm of skating itself. The speaker’s reflection on the "soul in a true layback spin" connects physical motion with emotional depth, capturing the joy of release and self-realization in the act of skating. The poem celebrates how motion can lift the spirit into a new dimension of experience.

Naked Beauty by Kathleen Cassen Mickelson critiques a photographers portrayal of female nudes, challenging the claim that his work is "for women." The speaker, searching for bodies like hers-aged, experienced, and imperfect-finds none. The poem highlights the exclusion of real, lived female experiences in favor of idealized, unblemished bodies, calling for honesty in representing womens beauty.