. Gruesome Grinning Gavin smooths his tie, Makes sure he’s framed against blue sky. He pats his hair—one’s out of...

. Doctor Subtilis ---Blessed John Duns Scotus (1265--1308) A proud and canny Scot from Duns am I, an infant when...

. Another Species Each time you felt some shame you could confess The sins you had committed, but instead You...

. Six Bitter were the crimson seeds, Beautiful they were to me, Sparkling like ruby beads, In his palm of...

. Archaic Torso of Apollo by Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) translated from German by Josh Olson We cannot know that...

. The Prayer Blanket ---as related to me by my friend Tim Cassar, who recently survived a brain cancer operation...

. WHO Anyone in the world, of any age or background, may participate (SCP Membership not required). Among members of...

. Together The windows of our dawning day_Let light in through the dew,But outdoors ambling in cool air,_I knew that...

. I Would Say Yes ---a villanelle for Larry on our 36th Anniversary We were young and rather stupid then,...

. The Comings and Goings of Heaven and Earth Clouds’ movement in the sky, the sight of birds, phenomena that...

. Clueless ---a villanelle How can I tell what is and isn’t true In daffy days that stupefy the wise?...

. . . Steve Cooper is a retired professional career counselor. He lives near Salem, Oregon. He has one traditionally...

. Periwinkle Don't know that I was on the spectrum, no, But I was weird. I read too much and...

. A Winter's Tale There’re many strange and spooky tales, That come from England’s hills and dales. When Winter tightens...

. Get Along, Little DOGE-ie Should come a day my fortunes be increased, It’s guaranteed such bounty will be fleeced....

. Salmon Skin _Laid temptingly Upon a china dish, _Poached perfectly, A long, pink flank of fish. _Its scents amaze....

. What Is a Man? “Ask now, and see, whether a man is ever in labor with child?” ---Jeremiah 30:...

. The Weight of a Father . I. The Smell of Sawdust On bawling-brother, busy-mother days, The saint who slew...

. Shakespeare The Master strolled upon the beach, __And stooped to find Among the shells washed up in heaps, __Mere...

. Florida Beach Vacation 2025 They buried me in pale white sand. _They took away my phone. The mouse was...

. Term Limits Without term limits, nothing prevents the eruption of bribery, graft, and unbridled corruption. Too few of our...

. When the Child Appears by Victor Hugo (1802-1885)translated from French by Bruce Phenix When the child appears, the family’s...

. Boomerang He was a very handsome guy, Cute girls would stick to him like glue, And his interest in...

. Ode to Chronic Pain I curse your name and spit as you supply these diverse proofs that I am...

. Reading in Bed Crowded years from now, and late one wintry night, a certain turn of phrase or trick...

. Stealthy Slayer Stealthy slayer, murderous sneak, A crafty trick, or lifeless freak--- I slip behind your walls unseen Despite...

. Durus Frater, Alma Mater Spring forward to where former arch-rivals Fall back on tall stories of the travels They...

. https://youtu.be/vAjMoMKye0c . . Andrew Benson Brown‘s epic-in-progress, Legends of Liberty, chronicles the major events of the American Revolution. He writes...

. Alotta Lip About my Hip Alotta lip about my hip On paper, phone, computer-drive. The new one at my...

. Samhain Spree Come, gather underneath the horns _That rise out of the east! Come, join the host in revelry...

. An Update for Dylan Thomas’s Aunt "Fie on you, aunt! I’ll show you how To elevate your middle brow,...

. Time and Place He gave me his coat once in Dublin At dusk in a damp, chilly draft. We...

. Soldier of the Rising Sun Date/Location: February 19, 1974---Uninhabited jungle, Lubang Island in the northern Philippines. The matter: Believing...

. Double Rondel for Pentecost Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! O fire that warms my soul, You burn within to turn...

. On Twenty Years of YouTube Dull dinner party video clips unshared shaped YouTube’s genesis, or so it’s claimed. Yet...

. Auntie Barb ---a pantoum She cuts the cheats and charmers to the quick—Her tongue will skin a scoundrel in...

. The Legend of Zhong Kui Zhong Kui is pronounced like “Jong Quay” One dark and dour winter day His...

. Roads of Potter County Finally Spring has come north here---Always my favorite time of year.Potter will tease you in...

. In Urbe Hortus ---June afternoon in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago Hard stone and brick,...

. My Fairytale You could be my Cinderella _I danced with at the ball. You’re the one I’m looking for...