Opening the windows on a warm dayAnd watching the curtains flutterWith each breath of fresh airAs your house slowly revives Listening to the early-morning birdsAs they chit and chatter with the dawn,Announcing a new wave of lifeAfter winter’s dark sleep Watching as redbud trees and daffodilsLead a parade of ever-changing colors,Covering the earth in a ...

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. ...

One May morning, on the damp ground of a distant woodland, nine cream-colored blossoms bloomed from an emerald, green plant with fresh dew sprinkled over as if someone had cried upon them. Each blossom was the shape of a small bell that drooped from its stems and gave the appearance of modest nuns dressed in ...

The rural cul-de-sac stands silent as a spring morning slowly creeps on. Any human soul awake is inside with a cup of coffee in their hands. Meanwhile, outside nature continues to run its course; bees visit clover fields, birds guard eggs while warding off intruders, and rabbits scurry through bushes and backyards. A particular rabbit, ...

Dawn had not yet reached the English countryside horizon when the local village baker, Samuel, got to work. In its stead, fluorescent lights flooded the bakery’s backroom to give him a full view of the surroundings. While gathering his ingredients, he hummed a little tune to himself, that his mom and dad used to sing. ...

It’s the simple things, like the scent of a crayon, that take me back to what I used to know– the mourning dove’s echoing in my bedroom, the sun’s rays shining through my curtains as I wake to the scent of freshly cut grass. It’s the simple things, like the scent of a barbecue, that ...

There’s something revitalizing about the spring breeze taking me in—the flowers bloom with the green leaves, blending to release the fresh scent that puts me at ease. After winter’s long grasp, the sun’s warmth heals my spirit that’s been tucked and buried, awaiting spring’s visit. Editor: Shannon Hensley  

Perched, a peaceful pigeon among the hungry crows I was their round table guest, inside a turbulent sky It was a pretentious gathering of friends and foes A bombastic flock; all I could do was sit there and sigh  I was their round table guest, inside a turbulent sky Their dark, questioning clouds ambushed my space A bombastic flock; all ...

The crowded afternoon streets of New Orleans were lined with the familiar colors of purple, green, and gold since January 6, Twelfth Night. Any native or tourist that was wise enough to study the city beforehand wasn’t surprised by the occasion. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, arrived in one week. Preparations for the ...

Lilies push gently Against the brown earth’s blanket New life has begun