Explore the evocative layers of Annette Volfing's poem  "Roses". This intricate piece unfolds in three parts: Meeting House Garden captures the fragile beauty and underlying danger of roses  hissing like baby snakes. Windrose presents a compass spinning aimlessly under a stark  white sky  hinting at existential uncertainty. The Recipe transforms the rose  its petals ground to pink salt  a symbol of resilience and preservation. Volfing's vivid imagery and poignant themes of nature  transformation  and survival invite readers into a richly textured world.

Experience the haunting beauty of Annette Volfing's poem  "Again". With delicate precision  Volfing captures the fleeting moments of recognition and remembrance. A simple tilt of the head or a familiar hairstyle triggers memories of a dear friend  Liz. Despite Lizs books now residing on her shelf  the poet cant shake the feeling that theyll reconnect over lunch. This poignant piece resonates with themes of loss  memory  and the enduring presence of loved ones  making it a touching and relatable exploration of grief and remembrance.

Editor's Note

"Lamb's Ear" beautifully portrays a moment of discovery and reflection  highlighting the delicate balance between innocence and the encroaching realities of lif

This poem is a celebration of life's given moments  those that are stumbled upon and add depth to our existence. Brackett invites readers to find joy and reflection in the unexpected  to appreciate the beauty and danger inherent in the natural world  and to consider how these encounters disrupt and enrich our neatly planned lives.

"Elderflower Moon" by Sheree Mack is a lyrical and atmospheric poem that captures the reader's imagination with its vivid natural imagery and mystical elements. The poem invites readers to explore and find the speaker in a serene  enchanted setting  blending the boundaries between human presence and the natural world.

"Porcelain Prisoner" is a rich  multi-layered poem that explores complex themes through vivid imagery and a reflective narrative. It captures the essence of familial bonds and the enduring impact of memories  inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to the past.

Goodbye My Coney Island Baby
The late afternoon is cold and threatening snow  and the streets of Coney Island are deserted except for an elderly black man walking a ridiculously small dog out along the boardwalk and a few drunks in a doorway arguing in mute slurs over a bottle. Peter passes by without making eye contact. The wind gusts around him  tugging at the hem of his overcoat ...

Sixteen
They leave the hotel ballroom soon after midnight  last out into the night except for the band. Two couples in their best clothes  elderly  exhausted but content  drunk with laughter; the men  James and Charlie  wearing tuxedos that have traipsed a few too many good turns but which remain  more by luck than judgement  still the fair side of presentable; and the women  April and Isabelle  in dresses fresh off a peg  ...

An Hour Early by Daniel Clausen/I always leave at least an hour or so earlier than the others. They’ll go on drinking long after I’ve left. Drunk  I start to walk home.

Stan Long's "Apprehension" invites readers to ponder the origins of consciousness and its profound connection to the cosmos. The poemFs exploration of seeing  believing  and understanding reflects a deep curiosity about the nature of existence and our place within it. By weaving together themes of inner vision  evolution  and cosmic origins  Long crafts a contemplative piece that resonates with both scientific and philosophical inquiries.

The Basket Weaver" by Clare McCotter celebrates the art of basket weaving  juxtaposing traditional craftsmanship against modern therapeutic practices. The poem describes a newly qualified occupational therapist who embraces basket weaving  despite its outdated perception among peers. The narrator  considered a "basket case " finds solace in creating a basket  symbolizing a sanctuary for thoughts and prayers. Through vivid imagery and a reflection on change  the poem underscores the enduring value of hands-on creativity and its calming influence on the mind.

"Literary Vagabond" paints a vivid and multifaceted portrait of a controversial and dedicated writer  likely James Joyce  capturing the essence of his rebellious spirit  creative genius  and the personal sacrifices that accompanied his literary achievements. Through rich imagery and poignant themes  Ian C Smith offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a literary icon whose works continue to challenge and inspire.

"Rue has a bitter scent" captures the essence of regret and the haunting nature of past mistakes through its vivid imagery and introspective narrative. The poem eloquently conveys the speakers internal struggle with memories and the deep yearning for redemption and reconciliation. Through its exploration of lost love and personal reflection  Ian C Smith offers a poignant and relatable meditation on the complexities of human emotions and the passage of time.

Experience the magic and chaos of "The Whole Circus" by Oonah Joslin. Follow Pyro  the invisible dragon  as he tries desperately to be seen  only to cause accidental mayhem by setting the Big Top ablaze. Amid the chaos  Pyro learns valuable lessons about visibility and acceptance from his friends: Tickle the clown and Tiny the elephant. This heartwarming tale explores the themes of friendship  identity  and the true meaning of being seen. Dive into a whimsical world where the most extraordinary creatures find solace and understanding in one another.

Step into the vibrant world of "The Show Must Go On" by Oonah Joslin  where every circus act is a blend of magic  mishaps  and heart. When Tiny the elephant’s fear of mice is exposed during a flawless rehearsal  chaos ensues  leaving Tiny humiliated. Enter Pyro  the invisible dragon  who steps up to protect his friend. In this delightful tale  friendship  bravery  and laughter take center stage. Join Tiny  Tickle  and Pyro as they navigate the ups and downs of circus life  proving that the show truly must go on. A whimsical story full of charm and unexpected heroics.

Knotted Fables  Novella Excerpt  by John P. Bourgeois
Based on how frequently she saw the stork and heard the bird's clacking beak  the hare knew she was kilometres ahead of the tortoise. Comforted by this  she stopped to graze at a particularly emerald patch of nettles and dandelions. The run had famished her  but the hare did not want to eat her fill at the banquet. Not in front of the other animals.

The Whole Circus by Oonah Joslin
Pyro the dragon flew around the big top trying to create a breeze  make the banners flap  make the canvas sides billow out -- anything to get seen. He watched the audience applaud as Julianne somersaulted on Tiny’s back. Tiny’s huge feet plodded round the ring kicking up swirls of sawdust. He trumpeted with his long nose  knelt and stood and swished his little tail. They even went 'Oooooooo’ when he did a huge poo -- right there -- on the circus floor.

On the third Tuesday of every month  Elspeth joins her eclectic book group  navigating the peculiar dynamics and varied tastes of its members. This month  Alison presents "CassiopeiaFs Hair " a mysterious book with a murky past linked to her uncleFs strange death in Tangier. Despite warnings of the book bringing bad luck  the group decides to read it. Amidst personal revelations and conflicts  the enigmatic FreyaFs departure and a final twist leave Elspeth pondering the thin line between fiction and reality. A tale of intrigue  relationships  and the unexpected impact of a single book.

After a night of dancing  two elderly couples  James  Charlie  April  and Isabelle  leave the hotel ballroom in high spirits. Drunk on laughter and nostalgia  they reminisce about their youth  especially a memorable night swimming at sixteen. Deciding to relive that moment  they take a train to the beach  where under the cover of night  they strip down and wade into the cold water  feeling young again. This poignant story captures the essence of friendship  the passage of time  and the longing to reconnect with the past. Dive into a tale of joy  reflection  and timeless camaraderie.

The Deadly Poppy Field by L Frank Braum
Our little party of travelers awakened the next morning refreshed and full of hope  and Dorothy breakfasted like a princess off peaches and plums from the trees beside the river. Behind them was the dark forest they had passed safely through  although they had suffered many discouragements; but before them was a lovely  sunny country that seemed to beckon them on to the Emerald City.

Reflecting" by Ian Butterworth is a poignant narrative that interweaves the past and present through the eyes of a man caring for his ailing grandfather. Set in a dim  quiet house  the story captures tender moments of care and reflection  juxtaposing the grandfathers once-vibrant life with his current frailty. Through intimate  heartfelt prose  Butterworth explores themes of love  memory  and the enduring scars of history. This evocative tale is a tribute to resilience and the deep bonds that tie generations together. Discover the profound beauty and sorrow within these pages.

In "Please Please Please Shut Up " Kevin Tosca crafts a poignant narrative around Jacob  a man tormented by the incessant noise of life  symbolized by the playground below his balcony. As he grapples with the clamorous need for attention that permeates society  he questions his own motivations as a writer. Tosca's story delves into the tension between silence and expression  solitude and connection  ultimately portraying Jacobs internal struggle with the universal human desire to be heard and recognized amidst the relentless clamor of existence.