Poetry
Kate Healey – Gendered Death
Gendered Death There is a tremendous amount of ‘seeing -to’ that our male counterparts never experience. The terrifying and sacred moments of intimacy that daughters endure and subsequently cherish; the anointment into womanhood with the blood of our predecessors. My cousin, James, was steadfast and sensitive, concerned and sweet, always. “It is hard to see […]
Julie Shavin – At Times Upon a Time
At Times Upon a Time I reply it was a storybook childhood no not as in Princess Bride just money enough for food piano lessons a dog new clothes a yearly vacation that kind of thing and naturally there were the few times in the middle of dinner my mother drew a knife from the […]
Kate Healey – 10/11
10/11 “My father was born on this day, Though I know not the year, I have never committed my name to a birthday card for my father, Nor did he elect to commit his name to me. I have compiled a concise collection of facts: As modest as a grocery list, As neutral as bread […]
John Grey – Small Miracles
Small Miracles I was there, a witness, saw the long-haired holy man perform miracles in between ranting and raving. Who cares if he smells like sheep, when one wave of a scarred hand can bring a bus after I’ve been waiting half an hour. Or a half-hissed prayer through rotting teeth can provide a beautiful […]
Cara Schiff – The Ballad of Stephanie’s Tumor
The Ballad of Stephanie’s Tumor Before she wants to leave, life goes. She dies a shrinking death. Alone, asleep, no one comes close. A tube gives her last breath. One more walk, more vitamins, more pain and she’d be here still– alive. But every healthy act in vain. Her wish: do not revive. A quiet […]
Julie Shavin – Against the Air
Against the Air Consider the embryo. —no limbs at first, oval, translucent, watery comma —not a sapling stick, more, its rain-soaked seed. You said they were all boys, —-those minuscule dead possibilities swirling in a dark dysfunctional womb. —They had to be, as females are stronger. Not quite convinced, —-I dreamed pink party dresses, tutus, […]
Kate Healey – Detroit, 1932
Detroit, 1932 There is a profound depth to you, your irises ebb out towards me, from above those arrow head cheekbones, sublime in their listlessness, infinitely vast and achingly familiar. Swaddling my head, like smoke levitating against the ceiling, is your voice. A voice like bourbon, encompassing my ear drums. Obliviously I gravitate towards you, […]
John Grey – Vow
Vow Thought over it as rain piled on… the roof, the windows, everything… considered pure refusal, the remnants of my energy, as rain reached out, tormented my reverberating psyche… there was repent the carnal alley ways or bathe more often, or stop lapping up snow-melt with my tongue, or give the tanned young man in […]
Cara Schiff – Memory, The Body
Memory, The Body The body cannot forget. Shoulders slump to protect. What’s left to regret? Rolls of flesh beset her bones. Armor to deflect. The body cannot forget. The toxins leach in sweat. Pills leave lips spit-flecked. What’s left to regret? Each touch tallies against a debt. Her skin numbs with neglect. The body cannot […]
Arthur Heifetz – New Year’s Prayer
New Year’s Prayer Our Father Who Art in Heaven, stay there with your retinue of saccharine angels and saints, orchestrating the celestial fanfare, while we remain below, content to breathe the pine-filled air, to feel the wind caress the napes of our necks, to see the sun illuminate the hills as if every morning were […]
