Manhattan Landlord I ran a swell restaurant for many years on a good block in Manhattan. I wasn’t rich, but made a good living, paid my workers well so they were happy and passed it on to customers. Then my lease ran out. The landlord raised the rent, three hundred percent. There was no way I could […]
Read more
Sponging Up Succor I’m suffering through vinegary days, as if I’m Jesus at His Calvary. Arrested from my customary ways by modern versions of its harsh decree, I bend beneath the burden of my cross. Recalling laurels in Jerusalem, I’m painfully reminded of my loss who sport a fool’s cap for a diadem. As I secure my seat at […]
Read more
Whispers of Hope (Dedicated to Hurricane Katrina Victims) by, Melissa R. Mendelson Tears pour over endless cries as footprints vanish in the mud left behind by those whose world has been ripped away. Stranded in a place once called home, all the dreams slip away like moments in time that we took for granted. The golden days of life […]
Read more
Intrusion Forced entry into caves, mud huts, castles, log cabins, condos, has been a constant, despite best efforts of self defense, violent penetration usually resulting in looting, rape, slaughter, violation of the dwelling, yet more survive in modern times, courtesy of better law and order. Gary Beck/Ignition Point ‘Ignition Point’ is an unpublished poetry collection that looks at […]
Read more
THE ADVANCING BIOSPHERE (By Joseph Cavera) From the new, fly the old Species and spaces, forever fold into the zone of Daphne’s trees little finches none the wiser progression cannot freeze of course… They rang the tones of this old show years and years and years ago then old ships came to her feet and a […]
Read more
Connections Sheen caps ground rails Soaking harsh sleepers To rattle mud-flounced trains. Drizzle dusts, Grinding against itself, Sparking the tracks’ sheen With casual exasperation; Blinding the gravel Kicking in panic Against the basalt of its being. The lifeline Brine polishes ground cliffs, Moss-padded in their cavities, The waves of muscle buffet, Abrade the penciled rocks, Cowl […]
Read more
The Odyssey (By John Biscello) Casting my toy boat into the tub and jumping in, I stare at my love, slathered in gauzy bubbles, she of the champagne beard and foam wig; tension mounting, I take a deep breath, exhale, then pop the question—Will you be my first mate and sail with me, come hell or high water? She […]
Read more
Carousel of Marriage Harry and Grace had a carousel of marriage while it lasted. There were arguments galore and children by the score or so the neighbors thought as they counted kids running across their lawns causing divots to fly and dogs to bark, a canine tabernacle choir. Fireworks on the Fourth were peaceful in comparison. The kids would light their crackers in the yard while Harry and […]
Read more
Heartless at the Checkout Line “I’d never take my anger out on you,” she said, when I remarked she looked so piqued I had the inclination to skidoo. As someone who desired her, I freaked out at the dewdrops missing from her ears, the stern configuration of her lips, her strident voice and mortifying leers. Since these impediments did not […]
Read more
Separate, but… The boss told me I did a good job and the extra hours I put in last week secured a big account. He couldn’t give me a raise because the economy was poor: ‘As soon as earnings pick up’… But it didn’t stop him from a luxury vacation in France and Italy. Now is it just […]
Read more