After the Revolution by Carla Seratt

Fragments of the strange war are scattered everywhere on the Main Line of Philadelphia. At Valley Forge, Washington’s Army, over a harsh and unforgiving winter, became a fighting force. Rebel Hill, now a tony condo complex, is where sympathizers with the Revolutionary cause gathered. And on Widow’s Peak, soldier’s wives were deserted, according to legend, by husbands bedazzled by lovelier Southern women--the angry wives huddled together for comfort, I suppose.

Hiding the Moon by Chris Castle

Communion by James Claffey

It was a perfect spring day. A cloudless blue sky seemed endless above a world newly clothed in green. It was the day of Bernadette’s First Communion and for the occasion she wore a white dress and veil and white gloves. Uncle Conn and Auntie Sheila had bought her a missal with gold lettering embossed on the soft red covers and a rosary and her parents had bought her a silver cross and chain

Ashwini Alli by Peter Vilbig

Overall, the poem captures the essence of a memorable train journey, blending elements of surprise, contrast, and appreciation for the unexpected luxury encountered along the way.

The speaker expresses a desire to be brought back from a state of exile, perhaps metaphorical, to a place of comfort and belonging among familiar surroundings represented by "the hills with cherry blossoms and apple trees."

As the child embarks on his journey back home, there is a mixture of emotions -- sadness at the separation, yet also a sense of satisfaction in knowing that he will carry with him the warmth and security of his time spent with loved ones.

Overall, "Under the Morphane Tree" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant piece that explores the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Interpreter

The girl is invisible, an intruding
fog-like substance. She never wished for this.
They drink or argue, forget her in an elegant glass
and a glowing TV screen. Her blue dress wears
the demure air of indifference.
While they grate and crackle, scapegoat their hate,
she stands by the door with eyes wide as the sun;
her hair in doll's spirals and a hand-woven heart,
she aches vaguely to be someone else.
The girl stares from a photo, blank and lost.
I know who she is, what she fears. If only I could
reach back and urge her to run, mediate somehow.
I wish it was never my faults she grew into,
my mind to ruin her.

Gemma Meek

Fire Pantoum by Tobi Cogswell

'Chips in off white upturned witch hats,
pull face salt and vinegar smothered;
skiddy skating streaked white pavements
level skiing on leather shoe soles;'

Harris: A Colliery Boyhood

Perspective by Jim Hatfield

Enrico Zoff, gardener to Pablo Picasso, brushed earth from his apron and, as bidden, entered his employer’s studio.

The great man swung an arm over work worth millions. Tell me, Enrico, please, what do you think of these?

The Italian put on his spectacles and peered at a canvas on the wall. Eyes able to shape and size a garden at a glance could
see no form at all. Pardon my ignorance, Signor, but what is it I am looking for?

It is a woman Zoff!

The old man looked again, eyes straining, glasses off.

A woman you say?

A woman! I see women that way. The gardener fiddled with his hat.

And that?


A horse, Picasso sighed.
That is how you see a horse? Of course! his boss replied. Signor Picasso, forgive me.

The old man gently shook his head.

With eyesight as bad as yours, why do you paint at all? He said.

Throughout the poem, there is a deep appreciation for the rhythm of life in Quesada, where nature and tradition intertwine harmoniously. The poet's affection for this place is palpable, as they celebrate its beauty and enduring spirit.

"Phantasmagoria" offers a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the intricate interplay between memory, consciousness, and emotion.