Feature: Becca Downs

Caged-Tiger the Tide Pools Early Taboos Learn more about Becca in her bio on our Featured Authors page.

Ma’s Nightgown

By Elizabeth Janczyk Long nightdress, loosely hung. Soft red flannel, slept in and worn out. Floating over tired bare feet, puttering across the cool kitchen tiles. Patio lounger with reheated black coffee, and Sunday’s paper, scattered. Morning sun warms plaid fabric sleeves against aging, freckled skin. The same faded sleeves I clung to After a

Mercury

By Michelle Rochniak I raise my ancient staff up to The heavens and invoke the name of Mercury. My messages of tolerance ring through The air, and I lie down on seafoam meadows. But the ground breaks away, and I am left with Clumps of dirt and grass falling by my face. Unforgiving world, you

Equalizer

Young or old, no preference told, as death rings the bell. . Generations past, none built to last, as the histories will tell. . No matter the stage, or burdened the cage, all have a soul to sell. —

Watering Hole

When we enter the ephemeral  Nail salon, we are struck By her naked, acrylic nails, tapping against the glass. Another: her pantyhose hugs against her folds,  Slicked up with sink water as Taught by her mother’s mother’s mother. On another, mouth slightly agape, she naps  While her feet Are scrubbed raw of their histories. Yet

Homesick

By Amber Spalding he wears that sweater you like. the one with blue and white stripes, reminding you of your  youth, your innocence  and those family seaside holidays you adored. . these memories are so vivid you can almost taste them, the taste of mischievous sand in your sandwiches  and the smell of sun cream

Zephyr

By Billie Daddario Zephyr winds cause pines and aspen to dance Bright hot sun lay languid shadows on rocks A woodpecker and an owl fracture errant solitude Reptile sunning myself against warm smooth granite A million years of ephemeral contractions  Decay becomes fodder becomes decay Exhale creation  Excellence, perfection, flawless  Summer Learn more about Billie

Weathering Her Storm

By Bethan Rees Her hair is loose around her shoulders. Unbrushed and unblushed, she is new. * She hugs herself, squeezing tears from her chest and arms. She steps through the puddle of herself, kneels and cries into the reflection. * Through the cracks in the pavement water nourishes earth below the foundations. * Nothing