The poems in this issue push the boundaries, questioning what is possible in life and on the page. As you dig in, consider this your warning that the content may shock, delight, repulse, challenge, engage, or anger you. It certainly had that effect on us - and we think that what these poets are saying is worth hearing. After all, literature not only replicates life, it anticipates it. I invite you to let these pages inspire you to “live more intensely” (Elizabeth Drew) for the reading of them.

Abigail Michelini
Poetry Editor

 
 

The Poems

o, sonny boy

Anjail ahmad


the good mother

Susan alexander


bloody wells

noor ali


poetry by akhim cabey

made to love her

savior


umbra

Elizabeth crowell



above ground

sam floyd


wax

lydia host



butterfly garden

lauren elaine jeter



sainthood

jennifer lagier



show you matter

christian hanz lozada


stasis

aaron magloire


depression is an art

glenn marchand


where we hid her

nicole mayeux


poetry by john miller

tidewater hedge-witch

what i knew


the divided states of attica

henry 7. reneau jr.


life in the body yet

jerl surratt


emergency

amber bachiochi thompson



when you come out of a war

martine van bijlert