My son is almost twelve, And he can pick up a textbook To plot his course and destiny. For a model, he had Malala Yousafzai, Who taught him the value  Of education and resistance.  His life will be so easy Compared to children Living near Azadi Square, Growing up with fire raining  From the drones’ constant roar; Children—generations—in the Niger Delta, Who live and die without ...

Change is inevitable. One day, I’m bubbly and carefree, The next, I’m calm and calculated. Did I lose my vibes from aging? Are the fine lines around my eyes Proof of new responsibilities? No! They are testimonies of progress made, And of a life well lived- but it is far from over. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

A shaggy dogSo full of furIs bound to causeA massive stirAs they trotWithin the ringWith a shaggyMop-like swingTaunting allThe other dogsWho got featuredOn the blogsAnd never knewHow it feltTo win a prizeOr mat a peltFor they allHad groomers whoShaved them downWhen their hair grewBut shaggy dogHas no such planHis hair is wildAnd there’s no manWho ...

There, above the edge,I see a frayed ribbon of cloudhiding your fading twilight eye. Fortunately, it’s not dark yet,and I can still feelyour deflated ray of lightcaressing my clenched hand —as if you knowhow the sense of humanityhas drained from the land, And why every breathI swallowtastes like a fistfulof desert sand. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

You’ve aged a year, friend.May today bring happiness,To you and your home. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Suddenly, I look up from my bed, and there it is– its silver light slipping through the blinds, shining into the darkness to instill hope. With its gentle glare, the full moon stretches beyond miles and borders, bridging the vast distance between us until we meet, in each other’s arms. Editor: Shannon Hensley

When life’s burdens were more than I could handle and my heart, a mangled organ with embedded blades, overwhelmed my mind and shattered my will to live, you came into my life. With eyes so bright they pierce through the gloom and a smile that chases away negative thinking, you rescue me from my mind, ...

The sun is out more often these days with the promise of warmer weather. Rain and thunderstorms become the norm. Mountain fields abound with color, but chaos is just around the corner. Longer workdays. Traffic and tourists. Crowded sidewalks. Festivals and carnivals. Fairs and rodeo shows. The noise, the hustle, the bustle in the streets. ...

Staring out the window,I see the clouds in all their glory.I see the sky show off her blue hue,And hear the song the wind sings.That’s when I knew, my love,That not even the heavenscan stop me from coming to you. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Who is this man strolling forward inmy direction, witheyes full of lightand spirited determination?  Why should he bother? I am a wretched sinner with scars proving my shame.  I’ve seen too many souls, promising love and safety, only to blame me for their inflicted pain. Come, dearly beloved. You are cherished in the eyes of my Father in Heaven.  How could he say that? Who does he think he is, proclaiming such love and acceptance?  I ...