Variation on a theme by Benjamin Myers The congregants file in long lines of two, Ants carrying their burdens forward, Setting them down to rest on holy ground. Let this mother, forehead folds
Detective Josiah Lapso scribbled down a quick note and straightened to post it on the glass board. He crossed his arms and stared at the diagram that he had spent the last three
The ice shattered in splinters, the darkness beneath lining each edge. The boy lifted his hatchet to break more of the iced-over layer, squeezing his eyes shut before landing the blow. For this
On the last night of my Speedy’s Auto Repair and Oil Change career, the cash drawer came up $100 short. I counted it at least four times, but it wasn’t adding
Tightrope artist isn’t one of my top one hundred career choices. While every job demands high accuracy, the tightrope demands perfection. An inch off isn’t “close enough.” I wouldn’t last
Frigid air whipping my face and knees bending as close to each other as they could, I murmured prayers to myself the entire ride down. Entire cliff faces surrounded me, and I was
The stories of my mind are like Growing darkness, bursting light, Flitting shadows, rumored wars, Soaring clouds, and plunging stars. Battle raging in my mind, What will I do with you? You take
My life is like walking, tip-toeing a tightrope up high in the darkness where the stage lights don’t shine. My life is like running, scurrying around the ring from one act to
Don’t ask me to love you quietly— I never learned how. I can only love you loudly: In fireworks and ardent declarations, In shouting “I adore you” in public places. My love
Towering waves roar at Those who’ve come to tame them, Never surrendering to men attempting To stand. Boards break, bones crack— No one can hinder the tide. The water laughs at failures
My mother says we ought to eat A balanced diet, with whole wheat, And don’t forget the chewy things: Asparagus and squash with strings, Or salmon for Omega Threes, Or peaches, pears,
Spectators wish I would stay forever Steadfast, because I've always been Here doing what I'm told. Not just to be Prodded, but Lauded: Like a derby, Circling for the gold, I reach for