Issue 108: 16 April 2020

The Chain & The Screens & The Fire

By Jake Phillips  — after Alexandrea Teague’s “’My Country, ‘Tis of Thee’ (arranged for Brazen Bull)”   Bellows and bolts     and the king     and the king’s rage at the price of freedom     the fire   the face like fire hot-orange on your screen     first look at your phones   the fire given to humankind     hot breath    fogging     […]

Nothing Happened

By Jane Snyder   When I woke, Suzie was still asleep, lying on her stomach, her bottom a little raised. She looked cute, like a baby, and I tiptoed from our room with exaggerated care. If she teased me I’d use it against her. Suzie with her big butt in the air, I’d say. I […]

Ring-a-Round the Rosie 2019

By Heidi J. Lobecker   Ring-a-round the playground A backpack full of bullets Pop! Pop! Pop! We all fall down.   Heidi J. Lobecker has lots of fun writing. If it‘s not fun, she finds something better to do, for example: reading, sailing, camping, and eating s’mores. Photo credit: Edwin Rosskam, Chicago, Illinois, 1941, via […]

Serpent Song

By Candice Kelsey I July. A man in Thousand Oaks confronted by wildlife authorities. The case: Exotic Reptiles illegally stockpiled. Neighbors suspect this guy may not have permits for all 40 venomous snakes. Above 100 degree heat kept in crowded conditions activity level through the roof. More runs to Home Depot 14 hour day. Curator […]