The map’s directions point to the left side of the island, up a hill with a wooden walkway. Beside it stand rectangular rock pillars. My wristwatch says it’s 11:45, so I have over two and a half hours to spend here. With a deep breath, I clutch my tote bag and head toward the pathway. ...

The boat slows down as it nears a remote island. I look over to the right and see the sandy shore with a small dock. A large metal fence circles the area with notices that have the words ‘PRIVATE: NO TRESPASSING’ written on them. Miss Jessica has the right idea. Louis stops his boat by ...

I’m awakened by the piercing sound of woeful screams The wind has stopped in recognition of a loss The sun has dimmed her smile in response to a man’s pain An exchange seems to have been made A soul has left a home And is being replaced by wondering and tears What is life? It’s ...

Several minutes pass while I watch the shoreline and marina become smaller until they evaporate. The view becomes nothing but blue sea and sky, the shadows of seagulls flying toward the beaches. My hat flops around in the breeze, so I hold it down with one hand. Louis remains quiet for some time; the only ...

There are cracks on the internet Is there a hole in the alphabet?  There are cracks in the ground Is there a hole in the Pound?  There are cracks in my skin Is there a hole in the garbage bin?  There are cracks in the skyline Is there a hole in my shrine?  There is a crack in my ...

I want to fly like a bird above the clouds, behind the rising fog and not be seen. Had I known what being seen entails, Had I known what being heard truly means, I would never have bargained to be in the open space. Life would have continued flowing, Floating, Driving me. To places, Without ...

The next morning at 9, I stuff my drawstring backpack with essential supplies (phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.) and dress for my secret journey to the island. My clothes consist of beige capri shorts, a blue and white floral tank top, and white strappy sandals with a floppy sun hat. One of the fashion tips in ...

I’m going with the wave, to a place that may replace or erase, fill the void, And refill my glass. The quiet may confuse many, except I may keep floating in infinite possibilities.

Blooming, my dear child flower, as you go into the world, allow me to tell you there will be days you will feel loved by every leaf. Each leaf will come to assist you in your growth, and you will feel as if you’re on top of the world. But there will also be days ...

Last week, I made the difficult decision to switch mental health providers. I wasn’t getting what I needed out of our sessions. We spent the majority of the time discussing current events and arguing about various things. They liked to tell me things, and I felt like I wasn’t being heard. My love of reading ...