Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysDeliveranceBy Clarissa McFairyRide the horse of poetrybare back;do not whip it into submissionor try and break it in This is a savage steed,a cosmic midwifewho doesn’t do C-sections,but delivers words in woebegone places,without pethidine,while cactus-mouthed coyoteshowl happy birthday Calliope is a coyote,but she sings soloShe lit the creative spark,then fled on […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysNineteenBy Jeanette CheezumFireflies in the sky, rings around the moon,welcome me home. Early morning everyone is happy and I’mtold you’ll be here to share the laughter,champagne and cake with nineteen candles.Talks about yesterday lead up to closemoments planned before the week’s end. Sunlight and dust particles frameda halo around your head […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysNocturnal LaborBy Mary Harwell SaylerNight gives birth to thought,dilates the mind’s womb,bringing forth issues. Mary Harwell Sayler’s most recent poem to appear here was Charcoal Portrait of an Actress, published as part of Contributor Series 10: Silken Rags, in December 2011.

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysOn Your Twelfth BirthdayBy Laura Zucca-ScottIt’s your twelfth birthdayI see the lines on your faceAnd try to imagine the man you will beI celebrate and fearThe many tomorrowsAnd tangled futures I don’t want to see you give upThinking it is not possibleI wish I could tell you how it can beSo […]