By: Kathryn Holeton From Grain to Fruit The sweet, fresh air lingers on open fingertipsGently caressing, gently raisingGiving birth to words from open lipsBringing in dark clouds laden with rainLike a captain to his ship-with the purpose of growing fruit…
By: Christian Ward Cuttlefish We wear the ocean for haute couturebut have upside down McDonald’s archesfor eyes in an unexpected show of humility.Misunderstood? You bet. We feed budgieswith the bones of our dead but few understandour enjoyment of aquatic flight,…
By: Erik Priedkalns The Nap I woke up from a dreamy nap.Not beautiful dreamy,but a slashing scene withshortness of breath, sweat drenched face,heart scooping sadness.I saw the boys when they were young,heard their blind faith chatter,relived the time before the…
By: Paarmita Vedi Grandma and the Memories of Octobers A dense foliage of five auburn OctobersSpecked with dirty honey-brown nuts.On and Within.Daadi picks them up in her straw basket.Her soft dimpled feet kiss the lush crimson leaves.Leaves in sinful scarlet…
By: Haleema Dalhat I want to marry a poetTo be seduced by his penTo cuddle in the ocean of his inkA romantic life well imaginedLife forever with a poet I want to marry a poetWho can turn my sadness to…
By: Tabassum Tahmina Shagufta Hussein Spirit Oh my loveWith your love free my body and soulFrom Fetters.In your festival lights of loveOf this universe,I am a mere earthen lamp.Oh love,Add to it in the flame.The sparkling eternal flame of you…
By: Raj Ratan Mala Chrysanthemums On Her Grave Spine made up of porcelain tucked under a corset dressLipstick overlined for a DIY smile – a womanly drug to cure distress,“Tuck a chrysanthemum behind your ears, that’s the king’s favourite”Her nectar…
By: Noel Burra Nature’s Touch I am waiting. Longing. Yearning. For the rain to wet the cracks rippled along my dry lips.The breeze to sweep the hair brushing against my olive eyes. The sun to ripen the skin on my…
By: Stephen Kingsnorth Genes With Pops, my grandmother made this,a pattern, poppies, spreading wild,our family, a tribe of aunts,count cousins, crawling, climbing trees,and siblings, toddlers up to teensa tapestry of what could bewith grief and loss or potency. Needle points…
By: James Bates Autumn EquinoxEarth aligning with the sunSunlight so precious. Burnished orange sumacFiery in day’s last lightWarming to the soul Bright harvest moonlightLunar magic raining downHelping dreams to grow.