PAID

In Jone Rush MacCulloch's poem "Safe Zone," the serene imagery of fishing by the Deschutes River contrasts with an undercurrent of inner conflict. As stoneflies are cast into the protective embrace of basalt walls, the poem reveals that even in ...

In Jess Gregory’s poem "Unheard Elegy," dedicated to Steven Port, the speaker grapples with the tension between technology and human essence. As they press their nose to the glass, attempting to connect with laughter beyond, they feel confined by a ...

In Natalia Serrano-Chavez's free verse poem "Baby Came Home 2/Valentines," a simple question about a song sparks a moment of poignant reflection. The speaker's restrained response and the ensuing silence, paired with the evocative imagery of youthful moments and fleeting ...

In "Grand Pontiff of Rehashed Apple Theorems," Scott Thomas Outlar offers a complex and thought-provoking poem that challenges conventional thought and strategy. Through a dense, fragmented structure, Outlar critiques the predictability of societal norms and the repetitive nature of strategic ...

In "Hospice," Joseph A. Farina offers a contemplative glimpse into a quiet corner of a hospice room. Through understated verses, Farina portrays a figure engaging in simple, yet profound activities—playing games, reading poetry, and reflecting on philosophy—revealing the deep tranquility ...

In "Grumpy Souls," Kimutai Kemboi Allan captures the essence of life's turbulence through fragmented, free verse lines. The poem portrays existence as a series of disjointed breaths and relentless storms, reflecting the weariness and resilience of a beleaguered humanity navigating ...

Moe Phillips’ Pomp vividly portrays a funeral scene, where stained glass, golden threads, and an organ’s mournful tune contrast with the impersonal touches of ritual. The poem reflects on the ceremonial and personal layers beneath the surface.

Shamik’s Autumn and Spring captures the cyclical nature of life through the changing seasons. The poem reflects on the growth, learning, and transformation brought by light and time, likening them to the human experience.