T-45 Contagion by Ron L. Dowell

A new reality, my poet’s communitydeparts Kaprielian Hall, displaced home, sweet homelogs-on Lenovo/Apple/HP/Dell laptops, Zoom.My comfort regarding familiar screen faces voices, support, a vaccine, & fortress we’ve builtagainst the Trumprona-45 virus.COVID-19 pneumonia kills like shit stinksa spawning virus, fluid-filled lungs inflame bleed, drown—when Liberty can’t breatheU.S.N.S. Comfort sails N.Y.C. subways.Trumprona-45 contagion smothers reasonmines fear’s depth, we backstroke toxic swamps of lies Donald J. Trump’s hiss … Continue reading T-45 Contagion by Ron L. Dowell

Grolier’s Bookstore by Frank Freeman

I saw Seamus Heaney onceat Grolier’s Bookstorein Harvard Square, which carriedonly poetry. He waslifting and looking at booksjust like I was. I knew whohe was, but had not readhis poetry. It crossedmy mind to ask him ifI could buy a beer for him. He saw me see him, smiledsaid nothing, just went on looking. I think he left not long after andI forget if I … Continue reading Grolier’s Bookstore by Frank Freeman

Frozen Charlotte by David Estringel

Skin, blue,like mistletoe berriesunder her midnight sun,she sways and humsto the tune of firefliesin flightand whispers upon the windthrough bare branches.Night’s chill rests, warm,upon bare shouldersin want of cover, butthe animaand bloodare numb to Winter’s sting.So, she dances,the wreath of Spring,long fallen away,beyond crystalline graspsof icy fingertips(or loving hands).Fallingsilent and still—a night heron frozen, mid-flight—she turns, slowly,to meand the offending glowof yellow lamplighton bedroom walls … Continue reading Frozen Charlotte by David Estringel

The Blind Date and the Soldier by John Grey

As I sat on the couch,she tended to the photographof the man in Army-issue uniform.Her husband had died. As details emerged,a hero rose up in the roomdefying gravity and death.More time elapsed. Emboldenedby several beers, I wrapped an arm around her.But she had to go and tell me his rank.And how many of the enemy he wastedbefore a lucky shot took him out.I didn’t think … Continue reading The Blind Date and the Soldier by John Grey

The Earthquake of 6 Feb 2023 by Susie Gharib

We were safely sleeping in our roomswhen my brother was awakened by the foul breath of a stormthat violently rattled his windowand ominously groaned. As he was checking on inmates and locks,alarmed by the raging sea that not very distantly foamed,the floor shook beneath his feetand the walls began to move to and fro. I heard him call my namein a loud but shaky tone.I left my … Continue reading The Earthquake of 6 Feb 2023 by Susie Gharib

The Isak Dinesen Moment by Kathryn Adisman

I identify with Isak Dinesen in her old age.Instead of remembering the Out of Africa author,self-styled and elegant Baroness Karen von Blixen, What sticks in my brain is this awful Old Lady image:Isak Dinesen getting off an airplanewith her pantyhose twisted, creeping down her legs. Caught unawares in this sudden state of disarray,the Princess Adventuressturns into a bag lady. Continue reading The Isak Dinesen Moment by Kathryn Adisman

Full Of It! by Antonia Alexandra Klimenko

Why do you do it   Mister Moon?  Why do you shine us on so? Why lie and deceive hide and deflect?  One moment you’re here the next…  I suspect  it’s to confuse us    to use us as a mirror for your unconscious  So indirect   your reflections   deceptions your subtle inflections  Our dream half-lit   just a slice of it— the stuffing dreams are made of   You’re cold   you’re cool Your push   is your pull   How we howl   how … Continue reading Full Of It! by Antonia Alexandra Klimenko

Ambulance, Take Me Away by Elina Sventsytska

Ambulance, take me away.You, who helps all the sick.For so long, long, so longthe river of pain drags…Ambulance, take me away. That sinister voice of yours,the voice of a hunted beast.The bitter air carries it like smokethrough the eternal town.Grief marches through dull life,its paths worn-out,while a star, heavy and dead,falls rapidly to your feet. Ambulance, take me away.Take me anywhere you can,into any tiny gap,that there … Continue reading Ambulance, Take Me Away by Elina Sventsytska