The birds are singing a new song. It’s strange, but pleasing to my ears. The birds are singing a new song. It’s loud, yet brings a calmness to my soul. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

“Boredom is necessary,” says a random user on Reddit when I ask for advice on how to disconnect and find myself, but how is it necessary when it is so difficult to endure? I think my brain is completely rotted and decayed. It can’t process things that take too much attention. Bright lights and noise ...

Smoke and mirrors  just to feel good  Tell me  does your heart still bleed? Gently  Slowly  Like the oozing of a peach slice  Thrust upon my dappled knife Here – Drink this water  Take my wife And show her all the things that she could be… Slowly  Holy  Like the (br)oozing of a peach slice ...

Arisewith my light.I am calling youfrom beyond the black sea.Open your eyesand fly to me. Ascendfrom the holy landand the burning sand.Release your soul,and fly to me. Believein what you see.I am within sight,here, beyond every silent night.Free your wingsand fly to me. Editor: Erynn Crittenden

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

What comes to mind when you hear “love”? A romantic walk on the beach with someone who  makes your heart race and your dreams take flight?  How about a night on the town with the group of friends  you treasure most, sharing laughs? Or the warmth of a tight hug from a relative  whose home made your summer days brighter? ...

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