What We Once Were by Josh Lopez

I reminisce upon the first night I had you near me, drunk on wine, Intoxicated elation, the citrusy musk of your cologne The scent of your skin befuddling my being I linger upon secret seductive smiles and come hither Glances across the room, the indulgence of your kiss The embrace of your arms I wit-wander…

The Elegy of Us by Josh Lopez

And I, want to take the time to Acknowledge the loss And I, want to take this moment to denounce the time we spent Dreaming, loving, and lying to what we were The time we should’ve reclaimed Too soon, and not quickly enough The lingering pain of your hand upon mine The biting sting of…

These Metaphors, My Body by Mariah Crawford (SKD: 1st Place Essay)

These Metaphors, My Body I find it easiest to describe my chronic illness in metaphors. When asked how it feels to hold a chronic illness within my body, I perform a magic trick of words. With my words, the lights dim, the smoke machine whirls to life, and I become the wizard hiding behind the…