Issue 4

Don Webb

A hypodermic of broken words in brain-vein Bill’s eternal nod.

Story Boyle

To Florida, we’re the same, the people and the pepper trees: conquistadors.

Michael Ratcliffe

I sit on the pier; The river flows slowly past. So much like my life.

A.g Synclair

Red river desert accipitridae seek food the spoils of war

Bartholomew Barker

Grasping reality is Trying to save a bee In a swimming pool

Alice Folkart

Womb-like heat, damp and throbbing, birth of summer

Joanna M. Weston

her funeral the pale colours of distant islands

Barbara Shapiro

Perched atop a sign, Seemingly squawking the words We try to not laugh.

Barbara Shapiro

My favorite time of day - he arrives by school bus to embrace his dad.

Milo James Fowler

postmodern ballads work for food need cash God bless weathered cardboard signs

Anthony Ward

His eyes spilling down her blouse Dribbling down her cleavage Leaving a noticeable stain

Stephen Leslie

Her delicate hands Beckon me over Traffic cop

Stephen Leslie

Steps worn smooth By millions of shod feet National park

Stephen Leslie

Chief economist Says the economy’s fine His chauffeured car

Howie Good

The gull hovers on the crosswinds, a hand doubtfully poised over an empty chessboard.

DJ Rubirosa

Memory of memories: Enchanting angel was she Yet remains no more

Ingrid David

running water gently whispers noisy birds patiently waiting gifts of the universe

Tracy Davidson

frost-christened cobwebs covering the garage door the fumes go unseen

Deborah Ngo

"One day" Two malicious words One empty promise

Debbi Antebi

the crunching makes her cringe— it’s the sudden sound of death for the crushed snail.

Heather Brager

the devil came in hovering in empty spaces watching and waiting

Heather Brager

the dust is falling drifting on air emulsified a flurry of discontent

Heather Brager

moments owe us nothing earth is hardwired for time we’ll find fair again

GB Romo

Thorns surround my agave heart; spirit and knowledge rest within; one hundred years to flower.

GB Romo

Life is a horned toad resting in the shadow of a rock, away from the blistering sun, and the owl waiting at night.

Craig Steele

we ask our Greek tour guide the name of local flowers: "yellow 'beside-the-roadiums’"

A.g Synclair

four red roses bloom and give a sense of purpose to bored bumblebees

Yuliya Nesterova

Asphalt bear hug for a wilted dandelion: Fighter till the end

Brian Cudzilo

Beneath a stray cloud a single budding rose grows to its stems dismay.

Thomas Buckley

butterflies, stormy skies schools of fish, a final kiss inky mess- rorschach test

Neil Ellman

Folded like an origami crane the universe assumes its own reality.

Alexander Joy

How quiet it was right before he shot himself... How quiet after.

Garrin Riggin

He wore his suit like a Bronx cheer; like a spit painting in a gold frame.

Andrew Scott

Dance under the moonlight, gazes that catch and share fire, glowing romantics.

Andrew Scott

A sleeping angel, resting in neverland tonight, dreaming of rainbows.

Jungmin Joo

I ran as fast as I could, and as hard as I could muster— until my heart gave out.

Jungmin Joo

Stepped outside to find a darkening sky. Should I have?

Howie Good

Which way is tomorrow from here? There’s a sun in the belly with a thousand rays. How long it’s taking the light to reach us!

Pablo Miguel Martinez

boys bake on the beach sexy ingredients stirred slowly these sweets rise

Maude Larke

Contrast from bright light to darkness is not disorienting enough to prevent finding the balcony railing and vaulting over it.

Eric Nelson

Cars swerve to avoid an old straw hat lying in the street.

Thomas Hayes

Pretty girl in school Stealing glances before class Siren song of youth

Thomas Hayes

Long slow coffee sips, bloodshot eyes greet the morning, Party life ransom.

Neal Whitman

wind picking up a gray fox makes its rounds

Richard Hartwell

mother bird returns feathered warmth and loving care spring enters summer

Richard Hartwell

Fall is not remorse Cyclic time cannot be lost Spring revisits birth

Garrin Riggin

The delicate naked branches made a puzzle of the bridge and water.

Laurence Carr

pencil skates on sheets wood on wood like skin on skin a lover’s intrigue

Laurence Carr

pen chases paper words find the writer’s heartbeat they seek nothing else

Rheta Flanders

Grey weathered stone Tilted to the right Confederate Soldier