By Emily Breen Love Notes I wrote heartfelt love notes before I knew what love wasBefore I knew what like wasAnd while I was writing them I knew I felt every emotion that came close to love And looking back…

By: Viator Thin Tally My fingers are scored with the incisionsof these dry days, my skin shrinking,unable to meet the square-inchrequirements of the underneathuncaring bones, so separatingin pain and small slices, invisible even thoughshouting in their sharp zinguntil well after…

By Radomir Vojtech Luza Alex M. Frankel may be the best writer in Los Angeles who has not hit The New York Times Bestseller list.  “FLAME AT DOOR AND RAISIN,” his latest short story collection, aims to raise the bar…

By: Terry Trowbridge Brussels sprout sorbetsaid the terrorist in the kitchentaking the birthday boy’ssocial life hostagethose chocolate cake eyesfocused on tomorrow’s eight flamesconsidering the limits pick up his clothes then whatclean the cat boxvacuum the stairswash the carbut then he…

By: Brandon McQuade WIND, TREE The sun is a yellow axechopping at our backs. A single, barren treeits branches splayed in the open air. Veiny,naked limbs longing for a companion,settling for the wind. ### FIVE BEATING HEARTS Witness the worms…

By: Vanaja Malathy Where have they all gone? Where have all my dear and near ones gone?their memories heal and reinvigorate my mindand at times stifle and sting my heart.i feel I am standing in the midst of a barren…

By John RC Potter It’s always darkest before the dawn    1968:“You’re in big trouble now!” I shouted.Absent sister, worried motherFalling window, bleeding fingerShe came home late, up to no good.Troubled sister, curious brotherRunning feet, falling snowShe ran away into…

By: Daniel Millard There is a woundingA psychic bruiseNot an actual memoryBut my body knowsI feel it deeplyInside of sickened bones When I was 27, you told meWhat you used to do to meAs a baby boyYou said it right…

By: James Maloney Ask the lines of late Januaryin which marrow either is or is not.Declared four gases from the tongue,against our stride on Heritage trail. What is the shape of our character? Declared oak-rooted shoots as lignin tissue.Cross measures…

By: Smrithi Senthilnathan Here are my opinions on this. I’m not saying a complete ‘yes’ or ‘no’, because there are arguments in favor and against both sides so I hope you read this and then let me know what you…