Readers Corner
Bloodlines
In Zainab Hussain’s “Bloodlines,” the poem explores the complex dynamics between individuals connected by blood but separated by divergent beliefs and values. It contrasts the speaker's perceived rebelliousness and imperfections with the expectations of love and acceptance, portraying a sense ...
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Talk About Church(!)
Jasmine Szympruch’s Talk About Church(!) captures a spiritual journey through the mundane. This free verse poem transforms a simple subway ride into a moving act of worship, where sermons echo in the firm, fading seats.
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Meeting In The Dark
In Nkocy Kingie’s “Meeting In The Dark,” nature's quiet world is juxtaposed with the unseen consumption of a rare, elusive feast. Set under the moonlight, the poem contrasts the serenity of the night with the hidden activity of parasites at ...
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Discovery, utility, the Tao and fruit
In “Discovery, utility, the Tao and fruit,” Douglas Colston explores the intersection of Taoist philosophy with the concept of capability and natural abundance. The poem reflects on the harmony between understanding and nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of knowledge, perception, and ...
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If Man's Body was a Parliament
In “If Man's Body was a Parliament,” Shamik Banerjee envisions the human body as a legislative body, with the heart as the ruling party, the brain as the opposition, and the soul as the speaker. The poem humorously explores how ...
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Ethiopian Prayer
In "Ethiopian Prayer," Bob Bussey presents a poignant reflection through the eyes of Abeba, a young girl in Ethiopia. The poem conveys her daily prayers for safety, family, and the freedom to express her emotions amid the harsh realities faced ...
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Feast of the Melancholics
In "Feast of the Melancholics," Cher Alex delves into the struggles of a woman who, despite her pursuit of fleeting desires and superficial pleasures, finds herself mired in regret and nostalgia. The prose poem explores the cyclical nature of her ...
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On Such Tracks
In "On Such Tracks," Thomas Harrison Humphreys uses vivid imagery to depict a fierce struggle between man and nature. Through the metaphor of a struggling train battling a formidable mountain, the poem reflects on humanity's relentless drive and the philosophical ...
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The Young Star
In "The Young Star," Douglas Colston crafts a narrative of a prince or princess whose extraordinary lineage and upbringing set the stage for a remarkable destiny. As the figure matures, they reflect on the scholarly discussions and prophecies that shaped ...
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Elephants and Donkeys How to Win and How to Lose
In "Elephants and Donkeys How to Win and How to Lose," Thomas Harrison Humphreys presents a whimsical yet profound exploration of family dynamics through animal metaphors. The poem contrasts the imposing nature of an elephant father with the steadfast protectiveness ...
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Among a Thousand Islands
In "Among a Thousand Islands," Reed Venrick’s free verse poem paints a serene picture of a late afternoon on a small island. The poem captures the tranquil beauty of a tropical setting, where the speaker finds solace in the cooling ...
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White Stone
In "White Stone," Mason Pfaff employs free verse to reflect on identity and legacy through vivid imagery and personal symbols. The poem intertwines the search for one’s name with themes of inheritance and the passage of time, as the speaker ...
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