In “White Stone,” Mason Pfaff employs free verse to reflect on identity and legacy through vivid imagery and personal symbols. The poem intertwines the search for one’s name with themes of inheritance and the passage of time, as the speaker grapples with the significance of a white stone and family heritage.
Gurupreet K Khalsa's 'Flying by White Cliffs' captures the quiet reflection on fate, time, and nature.
In Traditions, Kelly Piner captures the warmth and nostalgia of a long-held Thanksgiving ritual. As Frances and Dale arrive at the charming country retreat, the setting’s festive decor and familiar aromas deepen their connection to cherished traditions and each other.
In Margaret D. Stetz's poem "Class Trip," the serene image of white marble blocks amid green grass is abruptly disrupted by the arrival of a noisy school bus. The contrast between the peaceful cemetery scene and the lively, raucous behavior of the students captures a moment of jarring dissonance and youthful exuberance.
In "Wishbone," Billie-Leigh Burns weaves a nostalgic tale of a woman retracing her steps to The Wishbone Inns, a collection of establishments named after historical queens. Through vivid memories of her youth spent at Elizabeth’s Tavern, the story captures the warmth and personal history tied to these cherished places.
In Inching Up The Wall by Denise McCabe, a young girl reflects on Sunday visits to her grandparents' Brooklyn brownstone. While her older brother and cousins often leave her out of their adventures, she finds comfort in her bond with Grandpa, who shares stories about the vibrant neighborhood.
In Windless, E Eugene Jones Baldwin crafts poetic prose that captures the stillness of summer days. Vultures watch from cell towers, conserving their energy, while the speaker moves through a landscape of languid shadows and vibrant life, evoking a delicate balance between nature’s subtleties and the serenity of windless moments.
In "I Will March For You," a short non-fiction story by Cynthia Johnstone, the harsh upbringing of a boy under strict, God-fearing parents is vividly captured. The tale reveals the severity of discipline that echoes through generations, leaving an indelible mark on family history.
In Jone Rush MacCulloch's poem "Safe Zone," the serene imagery of fishing by the Deschutes River contrasts with an undercurrent of inner conflict. As stoneflies are cast into the protective embrace of basalt walls, the poem reveals that even in moments of peace, the struggle persists. A delicate exploration of tranquility amidst turmoil.
Mykyta Ryzhykh’s “Someone Covered The Tracks With Snow” explores the transient and cyclical aspects of life. Through evocative imagery, the poem connects the journey of a bird with human existence, suggesting our lives are like the grass—both fleeting and essential.
Dee Allen’s “What Better Gift” explores the quiet yet profound journey of a girl who stands apart from her peers, embodying the loneliness and resilience of being different in a conformist world.
J C Scull’s An Interview With Stalin in Hell follows a curious traveler entering Hell, armed with a celestial passport and a mission to interview Stalin. The gates of the underworld open to reveal an eerie, bureaucratic twist.
