Poetry: “Blood, Guts, and Angel Cake”

By Paige Besante and Ra’saan Stevens

Housewife

Tonight I’ve soaked in cold bath water to hide every pore I bare.

The rose petals have lost their scent and I have rollers in my hair.

Cold air hits my skin and … Read More

Poem: “The Universal Weapon”

The echoes of the bullets firing shake a nation

As innocent and fulfilling lives are taken 

Bodies, prayers, and shouts all seem to pile up

For some people, this riles them up 

The cries of a mother holding her lifeless … Read More

Poetry: “I Still Miss You, Rufus”

I Still Miss You, Rufus

Remembering when I was in kindergarten is hard

Besides all the parts when we used to play in the school play yard

Holding hands as we walk back up from lunch

Making friends whose names … Read More

Fiction: “Just Another Day”

My blaring alarm shakes me violently out of my sleep. I lazily slam my hand onto it to shut the damn thing up. I miss the first time and groan. I hit it repeatedly, still not opening my eyes, until … Read More

Poem: “Hands Up”

Put your hands up,

Mommy needs to help you put on your shirt.

Put your hands up,

Simon says so.

Put your hands up,

This is your favorite summer jam.

Put your hands up,

The teacher won’t let you answer … Read More

Prose Poem: “Breaking News”

“In Breaking News, today there has been a school shooting. 13 people have been killed and 24 people have been wounded.” On April 20, 1999, the nation felt the first wrath of horror. The students of Columbine High School thought … Read More

Fiction: “Shears”

When I pictured my death, I never thought it would occur in a supply closet surrounded by dirty mops and cleaning agents. When I pictured my first school fight, I never thought I’d have to arm myself with a pair … Read More

Fiction: “When It Happens”

The first time it happens, Caleb has no idea what’s happening, but Tafida clearly seems to be in the hang of this, and she tries curling herself into his chest. He looks down and realizes her breathing is erratic, and … Read More

Fiction: “My Sister’s Texts”

I am telling you this is real. I promise. I can’t go through any of that again. Let me take you back, you need to believe me.

I woke up yesterday morning, brushed my teeth, got dressed… everything normal. I … Read More

Fiction: “My Ghost”

To My Ghost,

It was nice to see you again today, and I promise, I will find a name for you soon. Today, I had a super long day at work, but I’m glad to be home now to … Read More

Poetry: “Prosperity”

Moving on is the hardest part of things,

Leaving behind what was once the most important thing to you is an everlasting pain with nothing but a constant reminder of what you’ve lost. 

Or so I thought. 

You see, many … Read More

Poem: “Why?”

Why?

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? You could have a million answers to such a simple question, and yet… none of them could satisfy me.

Why?

I never understood why you did what you did, but then again, when … Read More

Fiction: “Jordan Brown, CSI”

It is currently 5:15 on a Monday afternoon, August, 2018. My name is Jordan Brown.

I am part of a CSI Unit for the police department of JCPD. There was a crime scene that occurred earlier today. It happened … Read More

A Letter to Myself

Hey. I know you’re trying your best, and I’m proud of you so far. Ever since he left you found that happiness does not come from him or anyone else. It comes from you and only you. I know sometimes … Read More

Sonnet: “Your Graduation”

Today is the day, the day of late June,

A summer’s day, so bittersweet, and alas,

A night to remember under full moon,

A day of preparing and time for mass.

Graduation hats, plus caps and nice gowns,

It is … Read More