Colorful mysteries rise and fall at the high tide of my immense love. I linger in a communion that sweetens the life of beings and things. My now buried bones nestle in a vital miracle devoted as a prayer.
Category: Poetry
A Young Man by Tony Park
When I was a young man, I’d go down the street with my soul’s briefcase, and an empty wallet. I‘d wear a blind shirt, a green chameleon tie, my soul’s jade boots, and the blush of his sky. I would button my raincoat listening to the blue dawn’s echo. My soul’s anxious gaze stared through…
Laughing Swallows by Tony Park
When the moon dropped a thousand laughing swallows, the streetlights on the block went out, and my eyes began to shine. I tipped the flame of a candle to the dark honey wick of very serene nights. I engaged with an alphabet that bloomed to erase my sadness from a pain in love with a…
Entomology by Tony Park
Bees live in a luminous morning opened to a delicious mouth of honey. A hoverfly with a sunrise on its belly floats luminous like an ocean wave. A swarm of glistening butterflies reverberate in a glistening valley of light. Red lipped carpenter ants grow wings to fly into a willow entangled in rain. The iridescent…
Because by Tony Park
It rains because dawn arrives slowly. It dawns because of an old wonder. It wonders because of a wink seeking joy. It winks because of curious creatures. It’s curious because a flame undressed. It undressed because a mirror kissed bones. It kisses because violets submerge. It submerges because a spirit rolls its name. It rolls…
Another Kingdom by Tony Park
What I would not give for another kingdom where I imagine my mother in a meadow, holding all those birds that know her path. What I would not give for a miracle illuminated by lightning that lasts until dawn while transversing mysterious limits. What I would not give for my destiny’s faithful guest that searches…
Spit-Balling with God by Tony Park
I asked you to turn me into a dove, but to be honest, I don’t remember what you said, although I think I remember a chuckle, or maybe it was a guffaw. I asked you to turn me into a bell, and your look said, Who is going to pull its rope one last time?…
Alzheimer’s Leads Me to a Dark Room by Tony Park
I perceive in myself stranded in untwisted anger for what has already happened. I long for the tender light of a honeysuckle, and a dandelion as well. Now my life wanders down two paths. One leads to a vibrant breeze dancing in the presence of the strange essence, and distant laughter discovered in the eternal…
Crimes by Zachary Padilla
A story to tell and A secret to hide With a man full of sorrow, Truly A smile that was needed to barrow Like a passing storm with a bull for the mind. He whimpers, as he realizes his time Once he hangs, a sad song sings for the blind It must be admitted that…
Time Passes by Kylie Krise
Time passes when we are young Slowly every day Days seem to take forever The clock never stops. Time passes when we are young Waiting for kindergarten Finally the day is here The clock never stops Time passes when we are young Then middle school Next is graduation day The clock never stops. Time passes…
The Giraffes are all Gone by Kylie Krise
It’s time to clean out her room Starting a new chapter Childhood memories dusted off The giraffes are all gone. Sorting between what stays and what goes Thinking about next week They used to keep her company The giraffes are all gone. Packing what will be taken College, her childhood dream Nightmares woke her up…
The Truth Of A Burning World by Kyleston J Bran
People try hard To see the true card But life is just a prison That goes down rea far Another one’s tale Is another one’s gain But when the tail ends So does other people’s game Emotion impacts all But not all that are good People don’t see the true curse Of the world being…
Equation of a Rainbow by David Sordi
Red + Black + Brown + White + Yellow =========== Humanity Biography: In January 2022, I moved here from New Hampshire to join the Aims Industrial Technologies and Oil & Gas programs. My career has been spent in industry and engineering, in which my creative side was not always of particular importance. Writing poetry…
Alone in Belief by David Sordi
Standing Alone in heart Solitary in spirit Turmoil Tear stained cheeks A leg bends slowly Knee to ground Prayers offered Peace Hope and understanding Deliverance The hush breaks Hell is unleashed Devil Deluge of hatred Rivers of vitriol A shot rings out A heart pierced Life torn asunder Blood sears soil Anonymous Fatal Spirit ebbs…
Empty by Marian Hesse
I am letting all the colors out They’re cluttering up my mind Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims when it was only a few small cowering in the shadow of the water tower in the 1970’s. The classes covered liberal arts…
Dad by Marian Hesse
Drifting through the space like a scent I can’t quite recall Intense and heavy like a weight on my mind Often it is visible, and I can trace the source You with the cigar enjoying your life. Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes…
The Last Time by Marian Hesse
The last time we walked Walking on the street through the hot Arizona neighborhood You stopped to pull a weed in someone else’s yard, a plant out of place where it didn’t belong The day you ran away, and strangers found you, thirsty and frail, on the busy road We…
Lost and Found by Marian Hesse
My memories are locked away somewhere Maybe in a box or a chest Somewhere safe. So hidden even I can’t find them You need to find them for me so I can forget them. Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims when it…
Mrs. Claws by Marian Hesse
The fog rolls into a frog That my sister bought for me To care for the cat That hides under the bed Mrs. Claws Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims when it was only a few small…
Life by Marian Hesse
SHARP corners Now filled with dust FRAGMENTS of AWARENESS Keep or toss Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims when it was only a few small cowering in the shadow of the water tower in the 1970’s. The classes covered liberal…
Echo by Marian Hesse
There was a distant sound like music, Too ethereal to be A hint of subtle tone, to break the monotony As the sound faded along with the wind, Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims when it was only a few small…
Loss by Marian Hesse
Trapped in a body I cannot flee My mind yearning to be free The teeth of age ingest the remaining fragments of my mind The loss I cannot feel The joys that pass me by Biography: Marian Hesse is a professional musician actively involved in writing and photography. Marian began taking classes at Aims…
You’ll be a Man my Son by Sundance Hollingsworth (SKD: 1st Place Poetry)
youll be a man my son what does it mean to be a manwhen everyone cansee that heis strugglingwhen the nightsare longer than the days what does it mean to be a manwhen he paints his nailsand feels attractivein eyeliner what does it mean to be a manwhen he wakes up and thinksim still here…
The Hungry Dog by Kylie Krise
The dog lays and listens As the people walk by Wondering when some food would drop To fill his empty body.
Ageless Beauty by Dave Sordi
At birth, life is full of joy, hope, whimsy, As we embark on a wonderous journey of the spirit. But years bring challenges to the soul, Transforming our body and psyche, testing our resolve. But with maturity comes wisdom, brightening the horizon, And laughter and smiles burnish our heart. Leading to a breathtaking metamorphosis, As…
The Baby Tree by Shannon Foster
She stands in the sun Proudly displaying her branches and leaves But one of her branches is sick It has to be cut off so she can live We cut off the sick branch And as if by a miracle She has grown her remaining branches In the space the sick branch used to be…
Shaking, Hair, and Miscellaneous Thoughts On You by Analiz Plasencia
This list is ugly. This list is all my frustrations. I’m so frustrated I’m shaking. I’m shaking like I’m traumatized. I’m not. I think. Possibly. My hair is longer, I am smarter, and I’m more beautiful. Ever since I walked away from you it’s felt like my hair is growing faster. Maybe it’s because I…
Alone by Elliot Clamp
People talking, not to you People looking, not to you People laughing, not with you People hugging, not to you People hate you, to you People don’t care about you They already have enough friends You are always going to be alone Only talking to one person, all your life You want people talking to…
Life Continues by George Elliott Joyce III
There exists on Earth A hole deeper than Hell A hole carved by the masses Carved for the dead to dwell And so, Life continues And those who don’t Slip Slipping down a hill of People Sliding down the hole Falling to their hell And in hell lies torture A pain unknown to most A…
Too Busy to Cry by Brooklyn Capuano
Your thoughts flow like waves in the ocean New waves every second, every minute, every hour Rushing waters; rushing thoughts Rushing time that’s rarely still You told me you never cry And that made me cry for you I keep you in my dreams at night And in my thoughts during day You’re there at…
Fresh Birth by Brooklyn Capuano
Like the first fall of leaf Or the first drop of snow Cry deep into the sorrow of something that’s missing Mislead into a light that’s darker than a seed in soil ‘Sprout kinder than that’ as I’m told The world blooms against the tides The moon shifts the tides backwards Swallow the sun whole…
Mother Nature’s Tantrum by Brooklyn Capuano
The sky has fallen onto the porch And the world had begun its rampage Tears of something empty drop like sticks on drums And the somber sky now plays it’s melodies Flashes of silver cause cries of gold; The performance has now begun Shooshes of air drift over one’s lips And the unplayable harp causes…
Soul’s Vessel by Emma Kim
Having a body is such a strange thing, The moment you become aware- Of your soul’s vessel; There is much more to consider. In youth we move freely; As we’re older we contain the creativity, That yearns to burst free. As dancers our bodies are used to communicate, But so often we scold and reprimand,…
Late by Matthew Gagnon
Oh how I’ve waited for this day to come, no more crawling and mulling around for scraps! To have somewhere I can call home. Yes! A home! How that word fills me with joy. To have somewhere I can belong, where friends and family await with bated breath for my return. Each room filled with…
Grandma Kaye by Jeff Thatch
It’s not a lot, this house doesn’t need many decorations. just one strand of lights the big colorful glass bulbs (Red, blue, orange, yellow, green) glow in the plunging darkness of a cold Wyoming night the green cord, a yuletide snake, winds itself along the handrail illuminating a way to the big green door, a…
To Silence by Jeff Thatch
I love Silence. Silence is forgiving, She does not judge, or pressure or command I can be myself with Silence, She is my friend many people fear Her, despise Her, chase Her away I invite Her in, comfort Her, as she comforts me sometimes She disappears and i have to find Her She likes to…
Greality by Liz Webb
The September haze rolls in, a cold hold on the valley. Trees twist through cumulous forms, grocery bag braids hang below. The decades contained in a single day sing in one refrain; Greality’s thoughtless Xerox machine is fixed on an endless page. This September day, the same as the next, the same as the last,…
Philosophy by Lee Clouston
Universalizability, apply to all Mind and body Significance of existence life? Death? Waves of constant uncertainty I see you, I know you are there, Always , do I let you swallow me whole Drag me, further down into the abyss, Or are you able to be kept at arm’s length Am I too late, Will…
I am I am I am by Brooke Capuano (Aims Review Literary Award Winner)
I am from unfolded laundry. In piles in the dark, swept under the rug, but you should not acknowledge either. Not the rug, nor the laundry. I am from mildew and stale air. But I am cotton that is warm and water that flows in the gutter. I am what wallows in the…
The End of Summer by Mariah Crawford (Aims Review Literary Award Winner)
I always felt that summer was something to be endured. The entire season felt like the hop-skip of bare feet on blistering concrete, waiting to jump into the cooling depths of the pool. I met you in the height of it, in the hottest stretch of weeks, when the temperature made the city bend and…
Ode of the Berserkr by Ethan Johansen
I hath traded my blood for valor, My bones for hunger, my heart for courage, My lungs for fervor, my guts for rage, My mind for power. All that now remains Is soul, sword, shield, spattered guts of foe. Though battered heart ceases, and lungs now vacant Soul be my savior. The Valkyries raise me,…
Promise by Kim Spurny
I want to be intrigued And need to feel desire My future is my decision Not my families to conspire Life can be tough Others try to have a say But to satisfy others You let your dreams go astray Promise to yourself you will grow In both mind and in life In what you…
Fading Flames by Makaya Peister
Frayed edges of passion, worn out and thin, echoes of exhaustion in each weary grin. Lectures and deadlines, a relentless tide. In the sea of burnout, emotions collide. Now dimmed and strained, in the pursuit of success, oh what curse has remained. Fatigue paints shadows on determined faces, as burnout tightens its suffocating embraces.
Rib Cage by Onyx Hammond
My heart did not come from the rib of a man but from the womb of a grieving girl Thick as velvet, warm like blood young, naive visions of love: the sun is wide-eyed tangled in sheets there’s a choir in my chest. Crickets mock me with their symphonies presenting the antithesis of my imagination…
Love and Love’s Hate by Eli Lundgreen
I await that breeze, Coming from the West sunset, When it brushes right. Mine own place rings hot, But the home is oh so cold. Hath I sucked the air? Love, it doth consume. If He consumes as fire, Is love then our Lord? Breaketh His body. Let thy blood poureth out now, My sins…
The Unloved Boy by Kaylie Howard
There once was a boy, so brave and so true, But sadly, he was loved by few. He had no family, no friends to call his own, And he often felt like he was all alone. But he never let that get him down, And he never wore a single frown. For he knew that…
Whose Legacy? by Veronica Hook
Pass on Grandpa’s legacy, you say With Grandpa gone, memories and stories fade Great Grandchildren meet as babes Relationships lacking living history made Pass on Grandpa’s legacy, you say Grandpa told enchanting stories with such jazz to his grandchildren about generations past. How will I tell his story with as much pizzazz? Pass on…
The Wittiest Boy I Ever Knew by Stephanie Crabtree
Not only funny, he is smart Kind, loyal and family glue The first to cradle a broken heart This wittiest boy I ever knew. He lives in fear of boredom Even through a bout of the flu He can’t stand a life of ho-hum This wittiest boy I ever knew. At first he may seem…
Untitled by Madison
Amidst the warm summer days, we find ourselves nestled in the shade, sharing laughter with a dear friend. The sweet, crisp lemonade cools our senses as ice floats playfully within the glass. A gentle breeze caresses our skin, causing leaves to dance gracefully around us. In the distance the joyful giggles of children at…
The Cost of the Few by Katelea Diaz
Red, blue, and gold are the colors of the bold The few, the proud, not just a part of the crowd. Choosing to lose one’s freedom, So that others can have theirs. From completing all the chores while wearing this uniform Live in a dorm with 3 other people who call themselves leathernecks Everyone hit…