I miss the days where my world was filled with bursts of color, sparkling and bright. What was once a cacophony of life and joy has been sucked dry by a society full of expectations and boxes. Trends must be followed, personalities squashed to fit in with those around us; individuality missing. I used to ...

Sometimes I feel her. A gentle nudge on the invisible thread that links us together, pulling me towards her. Sometimes I hear her. The melodic voice that puts me into a slumber luring me closer. But I say “No!” My son’s not grown yet. I haven’t traveled the world yet, and my writing’s not known ...

We all have our dream getaway. Our desired safe space where stress and fear are completely invisible, leaving only peace and comfort remaining. Mine lies among the outskirts of the woods, far away from the city and pollution that most New Yorkers are all too familiar with. I dream of a wooden cabin resting on ...

I’m feeling like a fish out of water,But not a lamb to the slaughter.A seasoned traveler, I am not-I’m a bundle of nervous knots. So, I write an “essentials” listBefore I go around the twist: * Passport and visa* Itinerary and flight tickets* Gifts for my charming cousins* Kindle and books* iPhone and iPad* Charger, ...

We were best friends, you and I. We told each other everything. Laughed and cried together. I didn’t think I could be so close to someone. If platonic soulmates existed, that was us. I knew everything about you; Your old crushes, your favorite color, the way you would roll your eyes at stupid things. We ...

inside an apple there was a worm- small & pale & blind, with one purpose: to wait. when the jaws of opportunity opened – inside it slipped. it did not speak in words; it just uncoiled in the mind and began to *nudge*. “look,” the nudge said without saying, “see what you are. see what ...

How can I loveIn a world full of hate? How can I growWhen I’m crushed by the weight? How can I learnWhen ignorance is bliss? How can I succeedWhen jobs are remiss? How can I governWhen politics are a joke? How can I speakWhen my words always choke? How can I thriveIn this world that ...

It climbs from the east. Those beams that signal a new day and the promise of a fresh start. That offers the chance to shed the past, like dry, unwanted skin flaking away in the wind. That brings renewed optimism and the possibility of favorable terms. And I sigh I wait under my covers and ...

I choose to believe  that there is more to life than heartache and grief. I have endured much hardship. Still, I wake to watch the sun rise above the mountain peak. I feel the salt of the ocean waves, catch the scent of something sweet, then let the soft flavors melt on my tongue. I ...

Nature’s ponds--small catchmentsin the concrete path,deep enoughto hold shimmering puddles:nature’s watery mirrors. Reflectionsof a worldjust beyondthe mind’s eye line-a mirage that persists,without resistance. Editor: Erynn Crittenden