Harder and Harder to Leave You

by Lynda Myles

Ann could remember the exact moment she fell in love with Jack. He’d taken her to an off-Broadway play, and they were standing outside the theater during intermission when a drunk came staggering down the street, weaving all over the sidewalk. Jack quietly stepped between her and the man, not making an issue of it in any way, but clearly ready to protect her in case there was trouble. That small chivalrous gesture, a month after they’d met, thrilled her. It made her feel precious and protected, an unfamiliar feeling for Ann. Jack was a man it could be safe to love. Continue reading →

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Something Other than Air

by Gina Ferrara

Edible fruit of welcome,
succulent and nearly crystallized,
I cannot eat your golden pulp
nor touch your headdress
of dramatic leaves. Continue reading →

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Cutman

by Marc Labriola

If the needle swung from side to side, it would be a girl. If the needle swung in circles, a boy. Lailah’s three sisters lay her laughing in Ben’s arms as her mother dangled the needle above her belly. Each woman willing the azimuth of the needle like an ancient geographic divination. Continue reading →

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Santalucia

by Nicole Santalucia

I always thought my last name came from a boat
that sailed across the world
but I was confused
that was the Santa Maria

not that my name hasn’t traveled on boats
or shined shoes
or sewed the soles of feet Continue reading →

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Garden Party

by Kate Kingston

From a porch overlooking a garden,
a prepositional phrase
flings itself over the balcony landing face-first
in a throng of nouns
all holding active verbs like revolvers
and stringing conjunctions
between them like safety nets. Continue reading →

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