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Pried by persuasive light, flickering sun-dried eyelids, catch the flame of morning.Wake-up dust wells-up, in tear ducts of cognizance,spinning without moving. Digital clicks, after musical ticks, and red lights on a small black screen.Hangovers of comprehension, still trickling in,only conscious by concession. Grinding through gears, with growls of rust, andContinue Reading

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my cat considersmy body a locationhome embraces him Aletha Irby is very grateful to have been granted this time, on this planet, to spend with the English language. Her personal library includes books of poetry, books about cats (fiction and nonfiction), history books, novels, short story collections, mysteries, horror stories,Continue Reading

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She cornersit in the parlor. She tramps downon its tail,watches as itfrantically runs in place. She carries itshivering in her teeththen, as if overcomeby a spark of kindness,puts it down on the floor,but, as it’s aboutto dash to freedom,she bites down hardon the poor thing,cracks its back,gnaws away at itsfleshContinue Reading

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First of all, Gina was not my cat. She was Melba’s, my landlady. She waited a month after her other cat, Chester had died. He was 15.Melba was 85 at the time. I was her tenant. We met at a senior center. I once mentioned needing a new place toContinue Reading

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Susan L. Pollet is a visual artist whose works have appeared in multiple art shows and literary publications. She studied at the New York Art Students League, has been a member since 2018, and resides in NYC. She is also a published author in multiple genres, including three children’s books,Continue Reading

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Susan L. Pollet is a visual artist whose works have appeared in multiple art shows and literary publications. She studied at the New York Art Students League, has been a member since 2018, and resides in NYC. She is also a published author in multiple genres, including three children’s books,Continue Reading

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Blessed are the small creatures of the landthe wise rat, bringing gifts of wisdom and tenacitythe playful mouse, creative rabbitspiders connecting vibrations with patiencesnakes of spiritual intuitionprotect them from those who misunderstand. Blessed are the least of underwater creatureskrill that feed majestic whalesmosquito-devouring minnowsthe adaptable octopus concealing its truthsalmon determinedContinue Reading

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When I was a child, I collected catsnot in the crazy cat lady fashionbut just enough to drive my mombonkers. Nights when tomcats yowled after darkI interrupted their loud argumentsand choosing the smallest cat I sawpicked him up. Walking home from town with friendsa cat was stuck in a drainageContinue Reading

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Sad embrace of tears and sweat ruining my makeupreaching my mouth Worked so hard to apply with hands shaking andheart racing butwe said goodbye Sad embrace of soft fur in my hands when theneedle entered, Ijust bought this new shade yesterday His breathing labored, myheart cried, myears bled Sad embraceContinue Reading

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I. The raccoonwas early,before the crowded treesheld only warblersand the nattering of squirrelspummeled the lake in glancingdives, giving the grebes what for. Thenthere were still tanagers, voicingtheir globed remote golds when slywinds smoothed back the beech leavesand the squirrels were less feckless,cobbing their cones of pine in silentcovertness, near stumpsContinue Reading