Tick Tock Chekhov by Apple Beth captures the rhythmic essence of time through the metaphor of a metronome. With its steady tick-tock, it becomes a symbol of lifeFs unyielding tempo, guiding moments with precision and grace. From youth to old age, it silently shapes the worldFs rhythm, embodying the relentless yet poetic flow of time, ever-present and unshakable.

This poem, Bright Sparks by Apple Beth, celebrates the wonder of children as luminous new souls who spark curiosity and joy. With every question, laugh, and tear, they rekindle our sense of wonder and expand our world. The poem reflects the privilege of guiding these bright spirits and honors their transformative power, likening their presence to constellations of hope and love.

In Beyond Words, Apple Beth crafts a whimsical tale where letters come alive, rallying to debate their evolving roles in language. With humor and charm, the piece explores the tension between tradition and change in grammar and word usage. As letters gather to decide their fate, the story celebrates the creativity and magic of language, offering a playful yet insightful commentary on how we communicate.

In Picture on Picture, Mari Fitzpatrick captures the lively interplay of nature and imagination through a vivid cat-and-mouse chase by a rain barrel. Blending humor and reflection, she contrasts the raw vitality of the pursuit with the serenity of a garden setting. The piece evolves into a poetic exploration of movement, tension, and the delicate balance of life in its fleeting moments.

In The Mandylion, Joe Giordano intertwines art, danger, and family dynamics through the lives of Anthony and Valentina Provati. This gripping excerpt sets the stage for a high-stakes narrative as Anthony, a Manhattan art dealer, is drawn back into a dangerous world by Sophia, an alluring figure from his past. With Valentina’s sharp wit and FBI expertise, the siblings navigate temptation, loyalty, and the shadowy underbelly of the art world.

In Silvering the Planet, Akeith Walters paints a poignant portrait of EarthFs quiet mourning. Sunset hues blend into silver starlight as the planet reflects on its past vitality, now overshadowed by humanityFs impact. With vivid imagery, the poem juxtaposes natureFs enduring beauty with the intrusion of manmade decay, evoking both reverence and lament for a world burdened by neglect.

In They Can Always Eat Stubborn Collard Greens, Akeith Walters weaves a somber reflection on climate change's relentless toll. Through vivid imagery of withering East Texas pines, dusty landscapes, and fragile remnants of life, the poem captures a world in decline. Yet, amidst the loss, the stubborn collard greens endure, embodying resilience and defiance against a hotter, harsher future.

In Time's Garden, Oonah Joslin paints a hauntingly beautiful metaphor for mortality and eternity. The decaying garden, with its skeletal paths and silent sundial, evokes the inevitability of death, while the marble angel offers solace and perspective. Through the angel's guidance, the narrator glimpses the infinite expanse of time, transforming fear into awe and revealing the unity of all existence.

In Like Zen, Michael Lee Johnson reflects on the paradoxes of spiritual pursuit and human imperfection. Through vivid imagery of cherry blossoms, monastic simplicity, and fleeting moments, the poem explores the tension between earthly desires and transcendent aspirations. It captures the struggle of balancing Zen-like stillness and worldly chaos with raw honesty and introspection.

In Like Zen, Michael Lee Johnson reflects on the paradoxes of spiritual pursuit and human imperfection. Through vivid imagery of cherry blossoms, monastic simplicity, and fleeting moments, the poem explores the tension between earthly desires and transcendent aspirations. It captures the struggle of balancing Zen-like stillness and worldly chaos with raw honesty and introspection.

In Fog Man, Michael Lee Johnson paints a haunting portrait of a solitary figure consumed by fog and memories. Amid obscenities and lunar scrutiny, the fog man’s cries echo through distant dreams of a lost lady. The poem captures the rawness of isolation, pride, and fleeting connections, weaving a visceral tale of human frailty in the misty void between past and present.

In A Windy Day in Connemara, Mari Fitzpatrick crafts a vivid portrait of natureFs raw power and serene beauty. The poem captures the rhythmic pulse of the ocean, the grace of seabirds, and the majesty of a lone deer in the coastal expanse. Through rich imagery and lyrical storytelling, it intertwines the chaos of the elements with the delicate balance of life, celebrating the untamed spirit of Connemara.

n Shiva by Ian Fisher, Ailbe orchestrates an extraordinary 75th birthday celebration for Ira, a reclusive man burdened by isolation. The lavish party features a Mandarin duck, snowfall, and virtual avatars of his favorite authors. Blending nostalgia and futuristic tech, it explores memory, connection, and human longing.

Drum School by Erik Svehaug, young Costas is cast out by his family into a life of hardship, eventually becoming a galley rower and discovering the transformative power of rhythm. Through grueling training, camaraderie, and mentorship, he finds redemption and purpose, his scars symbolizing resilience. A tale of loss, endurance, and identity, Costas journey honors his past while embracing a powerful future.