Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysMutual BirthdayBy Lisa M DragoOh, he says, I’ll be 67 in February–why move to a foreign countrywhere I can’t fly or speak the language?Blue sky thermals give life meaning. February? What day in February? The last day of the month.The 28th?He nods.My breath held, I stare in disbelief. My finger points […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysBirthday: life renewsBy Mark GoochCells divideGrowing and expandingDay after dayMonth after monthImmersed in warmthSheltered from harmUntilVoicesNursesBright lightsCold airLoud noisesBaby cryingLook out worldI have arrived! Mark Gooch’s most recent poem to appear here was Evolution of Music (October 2011).

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysOn Her Birthday, That Threshold of First RosesBy KJ Hannah GreenbergOn her birthday, that threshold of first roses,All ruby or magenta-shaded, scented(Unlike blooms these forty years latter),We got silly with charades, danced performances,Made ingenious skits, bubbled forth festive singing. Cakes, nowadays believed “old-fashioned,”Then grew frosting flowers, turtles, goldfish,While neighbors’ spangled little […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysBirthdayBy Carolyn GabbBear tucked tightly beside her,she brought knees and hands to heart,snuggling into her smallest shape. Content, her eyelids fluttered, thencalmly closed, dreams on the way.Fragrances of wild ginger and forest.Images of rocks tucked in curves of trees.Touchable thoughts of moss carpetand smooth stone.Mindful of sensations of silence,absence of sound. […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysThis is not how i thought it would beBy Bobbie Troythis is not how i thoughtit would beyou goneand me still sitting herewriting poetryyour birthday no longer celebratedyour death day somehow elevatedand me still sitting herewriting poetrythis is not how i thoughtit would be  Bobbie Troy’s most recent poem to appear […]