Narcis Comadira: On Evolution/Revolution
Into something rich and strange—William ShakespeareTriumph of LifeSpeak, life, whence do you surge?What powerful urgecan wake your brief corein the most imperceptiblehard residue of stone?From the mineral dust thatstirs,… More
Translation Slam: Poetry and Protests
Inspired by live translation slams that proved to be audience favorites at the Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival, and again at PEN World Voices, PEN’s Online Translation Slam… More
A Way of Saying
A Way of SayingIt was a way of sayingtime had stopped, thatlife had been put awaynice & neat inside aspecial place.“A sign of the times," They said.“For the best."It… More
Locker Key
He devoutly watchedfrom the wooden bleachersas his son click, click, clickedhis way around the icein double blades.Layers of clothes prevent the boy’sarms and legs from bendingmaking him stutter stepmore… More
Poinsett County
—for Uncle DaleOrange-red gravel roads crisscrossedfields where the flat farmland yieldedbales of cotton and tons of soy beans.We planted, chopped, and picked cottonfrom spring into summer through autumnfor fifty… More
Pieces of a Dream
Pieces of a DreamSmacking gum, smiling, and wearing atight mini-mini that barely coversthe imagination, she looks like shebelongs in a junior high somewhere—and even that might be a stretch.It’s… More
The Secret Place
The flowers of grass open to/ my dull tread tracking/ through the dew of grace, More
Old Letter
On your plain white envelope a handwritten address hints at the personal inside. Long time companion through many transfers and years, you have been worked soft and your stamp… More
Lepidoptera or Butterflies
Lepidopteraor ButterfliesThere is a blue chair in a room with 60 menIt bears the gravity of a black hole,an inward burning star, drawingall light, all matter toward it.Names flutter… More