The dripping of the rain, Plays me a melodic lullaby. The wind whispers to me amidst thunderous clashes, Saying – “rest a while, A sunny day is sure to come.” Now, as my eyelids surrender to slumber, She replaces my worrisome thoughts with blissful dreams. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Once upon a timeBefore the days of landminesI stood strong and freeIn the westerly breeze Then one day, a war’s windstormCrucified my peaceful platformAnd I was recklessly blown downUpon my neutral ground My body landed with a flumpAnd left behind a yellow stumpA forlorn poisoned lumpInside the planet’s toxic dump Editor: Erynn Crittenden

I’m the Salem girl,the one who diedupon a lonely hill,accosted and condemned. Betrayed by fellow kin,I begged them to live,assuring them of my divine truth,my salvation promised by scriptures. “Anyone found a witch,shall be put to death,”thine scripture says,as taught from birth. How can that applyto an obedient childof my heavenly fatherbeing more than faithful? ...

The Little WattlebirdDarts backwards and forwardsBetween the flowering branchesAnd the pollen avalanches Fluttering from tree to treeLike a busy honeybeeThey are much too swift for meand my photos stay blurry Then yesterday, among the treesQuietly squatting on my kneesI finally photographed the little birdie Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Lips part and blood floods through my veins. Our hearts thumping with a steady rhythm like a drum with every pump. The groaning and moaning are felt within my vibrant soul. Heat flushes through my skin, my porcelain complexion, each breath hitched and shallow. Your husky voice whispers my name like a silent siren echo, ...

The birds call out in harmony for the morning to awake.Drowsy legs stumble to start the day.Suits and trimly cut gowns grace the bodies of the soldiers,All marching in unison to get daily bread. It’s halfway through the day and chins are propped up on palms,Eyes gaze in lost focus as the minds’ wheel turns,It’s ...

The intrusive gale was from out of townUninvited and wearinga mud-splattered gownIt rampaged acrossour winter-ravaged ground Snapping and snarling,so powerfully profoundAnd blew our innocentgum-tree down Editor: Erynn Crittenden  

Tiny feet waddle,  With the sturdiness of a seedling. Gleeful giggles fill the air, Emitting the joy of perfect possibilities. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

Unjustly, the road East is now ClosedTo everyone trying to leave the city Heed the Warning!Abandon the Office.Go to the emergency parking bayUnder the building.Avoid the bomb-damaged streetsAnd the armed militia. The once-safe, Great Ocean RoadHas become the Wrong Way.It is the new Government’s Private Property,And Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted! There is only One Way ...

Sometimes, I wish to pause time, Just to spend forever with those I love. Many times, I wish we stay stuck in a moment, So I never have to say goodbye to you. Editor: Erynn Crittenden