Culture

. The Screaming Screed and Stench Sister Cindy, Brother Jed, Before the cellphone, rumor spread, "They're speaking on the Common,...

. Babel There was a time when all the world one tongue Among its peoples shared, and language preened Itself...

. Paradise Island Some years ago, from cliff top and from shore,a flock of birds that never touched the skylooked...

. My Beatrice III Affording still these glimpses like the first, those moments you were yet without a name; between...

. A Musical Offering When Bach arrived at Sanssouci, King Frederick said, “Sir, you must be tired. My fortepianos may...

. Off Guard Coyotes drag their quarry past the line  Drawn in the sand to stop the ghastly game   Of...

. Left Outside The shopping cart, precisely ordered now while searching for those perfect little lines of lights for decorations---anyhow,...

. Sunshine Sun, shine on me—come and stay! Dry my tears, send gloom away. Warm my soul, chilled to the...

. In a Home based on Michael Bunker’s grandmother (b. 1909) as described in his book Surviving Off Off-Grid ....

. A Pro Who Can Con “Truth” is whatever will further the movement. You’re “credible” if you are telling the...

. A Blanket of Snow from childhood memories of the blizzard of 1949 on a farm near Bonesteel, South Dakota....

. Unshackling the Spirit I toss and turn at night. I wonder why I’m here. But then with dawn the...

. Once the Future You were the future once, not long ago. Your sterile walls of concrete, brick, and glass...

. Learning to Laugh The pathos of a circus clown, with empty pockets inside out, now challenges a small boy’s...

. I Can’t Be Bought I can’t be bought. They always pan my poems and they have a plan to...

. Windjam Dry leaves abruptly fell that day— Whirled weathervane communiqué Proposing a quick stroll away Along a narrow inlaid...

. What Time Is It? “What time is it?” he asks of me, __“It’s now eleven o’clock;” “What time is...

. A Star O silent sphere of silver-soft-spun light,Thou crystal pearl strung on an airy veilSuffusing bright celestial delightIn snowy...

. The Plight of a Troubled Young Soul Parts I and II are paraphrases of actual notes. . I. Not...

. Zelda She and Scott were the face of the Jazz Age, Drunk and riotous in post-war Paris, He scribbling...

. To Find a Waterfall The wild forest is a spiritual place. Disbelief does not last there. Halfway through My span...

. The Kakistocracy Does the news give you malneirophrenia, __but you've not been to sleep? Do you galumph all day...

. Because She Walked In Beauty They sentenced her to over seventy lashes, Because she walked in beauty, hair revealed,...

. Summer of ‘73  It’s sunset and the sidewalk still feels hot. My legs and feet are bare, they do...

. Father after "So Far, So Near," by Christopher Pearse Cranch (1813-1892). Father, maker of all spirit, infinite, You can...

. . . Maura H. Harrison is a writer, photographer, and fiber artist from Fredericksburg, VA. She is currently an...

. I’ll Keep My Truck I’ll keep my truck.  I won’t revise my thinking as gas prices rise. My son-in-law...

. The Pitcher Plant The insect dances on a pitcher plant drinking deep the fabled honey nectar. The rim affords...

. To My Brother after John Keats When I have fears that I may lose my sight before I've savored...

. A Mighty Fortress for Diane My eyes ache from the tears still left unshed As I remember all she...

. The Five Ages Beneath rose bower and sweet cherry shade Long since have Saturn’s golden people slept And for...

. Bunker Hill: The Death of Joseph Warren from Legends of Liberty, Volume 2 Dramatis Personae Joseph Warren – Physician,...

. Saint Sebastianus Sebastianus, soldier, pinioned, bleeding, Stands at his lonely and forgotten post Unperceived—no, even unsuspected— By the diseased...

. The Unchecked Pawn Quickly Black castled king-side and planned his attack. White then countered with confidence, primed for a...

. Homebound They get too old to come to Mass, too sick, Too shaky on their legs or just too...

. Without a Dad Without a Dad, you are not sure, And never know you could endure The many doubts...

. Venus Sighed Venus sighed and turned aside, tired of seeing people try to feebly mimic Beauty’s pride, too easily...

. Enlightened Minds Most live life unsure and frightened, bearing burdens they want lightened. Waking, working, living, dying. Wondering why...

. The Barista’s Hands Surprisingly, she knew my name and used the chance to give a fleeting glimpse and catch...

. Kintsugi  There is an ancient practice in Japan--- Chipped and broken vessels, dear to hearts, Are mended with a striking golden blend. These...