ISSUE 6: raison d'être

contents page

editor's note

beautiful things by anna davis

outsider complex by lydia rae bush

wander/wonder by trinity day

through the trees by christ keivom

wisdom from the night sky by mardoqueuo arteaga

the children by halle preneta

simple route by diana beas soto

the correct answer is the correct question by em tolman

midnight prose by chris mardiroussian

the vain age of morrow by shamik banerjee

anti gerascophobic lessons by inimfon inyang-kpanantia

time loop by zoha sh.

to be by arundeepa deka

haikus for a home find by natalie fock

the death of my ars poetica by christiana smith

little reasons by nicole zamlout contributors list

editor's editor's editor's note note note

dearest friends, readers and writers alike we are incredibly dearest friends, readers and writers alike we are incredibly dearest friends, readers and writers alike we are incredibly thrilled to present to you the sixth issue of poetically to present to you the sixth issue of poetically thrilled to present to you the sixth issue of poetically aptly themed " aptly themed " aptly themed " RAISON D'ÊTRE" RAISON D'ÊTRE" RAISON D'ÊTRE" , this issue delves into the profound , this issue delves into the profound , this issue delves into the profound exploration of purpose, meaning, and the essence of existence exploration of purpose, meaning, and the essence of existence. exploration of purpose, meaning, and the essence of existence through a myriad of poetic voices, we embark on a transformative through a myriad of poetic voices, we embark on a transformative through a myriad of poetic voices, we embark on a transformative journey that illuminates the intricate tapestry of human journey that illuminates the intricate tapestry of human journey that illuminates the intricate tapestry of human experiences. experiences experiences.

from the introspective musings on the intersection of love and from the introspective musings on the intersection of love and from the introspective musings on the intersection of love and purpose to the existential contemplations of the human condition, purpose to the existential contemplations of the human condition, purpose to the existential contemplations of the human condition, the diversity of thought and emotion captured by 16 of our the diversity of thought and emotion captured by 16 of our the diversity of thought and emotion captured 16 of our wonderful writers has truly made this issue an evocative collection wonderful writers has truly made this issue an evocative collection wonderful writers has truly made this issue an evocative collection of poetic expression poetic expression. of poetic expression

the poetically team and i are so proud to have created such a the poetically team and i are so proud to have created such a the poetically team and i are so proud to have created such a remarkable issue and we hope that you enjoy reading it as much as remarkable issue and we hope that you enjoy reading it as much as remarkable issue and we hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it for you we enjoyed creating it for you we enjoyed creating it for you

outsider complex outsider complex

sometimes i would like to be a hero sometimes i would like to be a hero sometimes i would like to be a hero clean-handed, showing up, clean-handed, showing up, clean-handed, showing up, averting eyes while all the villains averting eyes while all the villains averting eyes while all the villains fall on their own swords. fall on their own swords fall on their own swords.

(after i stare morbidly (after i stare morbidly (after i stare morbidly while my beloved bargaining chips cry.) while my beloved bargaining chips cry.) while my beloved bargaining chips cry )

i would get all the credit, despite never accepting it i would get all the credit, despite never accepting it i would get all the credit, despite never accepting it vulnerable to my enemies, impenetrable to my friends, vulnerable to my enemies, impenetrable to my friends, vulnerable to my enemies, impenetrable to my friends, like i really did have a death wish for a messiah complex. like i really did have a death wish for a messiah complex. like i really did have a death wish for a messiah complex they would call me special, and i would agree, they would call me special, and i would agree, they would call me special, and i would agree, so no one would truly challenge me inside my 2-D fantasy so no one would truly challenge me inside my 2-D fantasy. so no one would truly challenge me inside my 2-D fantasy.

then, i think i’ll stay the villain, for the thread through fact then, i think i’ll stay the villain, for the thread through fact then, i think i’ll stay the villain, for the thread through fact and fiction is music, and fiction is music, and fiction is music,

and surely it is not the worst of lives and surely it is not the worst of lives and surely it is not the worst of lives with the best of songs. with the best of songs. with the best of songs

i long for something bigger than myself, i long for something bigger than myself, i long for something bigger than myself, a desiccating thirst that only a desiccating thirst that only a desiccating thirst that only being above ocean can quench being above ocean can quench. being above ocean can quench flying towards tomorrows flying towards tomorrows flying towards tomorrows despite the uncertainty of it, despite the uncertainty of it, despite the uncertainty of it, leaving behind the past, leaving behind the past, leaving behind the past, (assured emotional baggage) (assured emotional baggage) (assured baggage) one suitcase at a time. one suitcase at a time one suitcase at a time.

to wander all places. to wander all places to wander all places. without particular rhyme or reason. without particular rhyme or reason without particular rhyme or reason. measure of metered words measure of metered words measure of metered words in miles above the sea in miles above the sea. in miles above the sea in a traveler's trance, in a traveler's trance, in a traveler's trance, i have walked these streets before, i have walked these streets before, i have walked these streets before, floating in and out of places like a ghost, floating in and out of places like a ghost, floating in and out of places like a ghost, haunting cities that made my heart flatline haunting cities that made my heart flatline. haunting cities that made my heart flatline.

to wonder about people. to wonder about people to wonder about people. inundated thoughts of their existence inundated thoughts of their existence inundated thoughts of their existence and the space they take up and the space they take up and the space they take up within the confines of my mind. within the confines of my mind within the confines of my mind the feeling of meeting somebody the feeling of meeting somebody the feeling of meeting somebody for the first time, for the first time, for the first time, then leaving them a nobody then leaving them a nobody then leaving them a nobody for the last time for the last time. for the last time

the reason for being: the reason for being: the reason for being: the lust for life, the longing to live. the lust for life, the longing to live the lust for life, the longing to live.

through the trees through the trees

where you and i walked, where you and i walked, where you and i walked, so quiet, as if silence were a kind of thread. so quiet, as if silence were a kind of thread. so quiet, as if silence were a kind of thread and words, the sharpness to cut it, we began speaking. and words, the sharpness to cut it, we began speaking and words, the sharpness to cut it, we began speaking. of many things: sunset as a person leaving of many things: sunset as a person leaving of many things: sunset as a person leaving behind a trail of footprints in the sand. behind a trail of footprints in the sand. behind a trail of footprints in the sand detachment; the past that slowly rises from the detachment; the past that slowly rises from the detachment; the past that slowly rises from the

bottom of a memory, like bubbles to the mind's surface bottom of a memory, like bubbles to the mind's surface. bottom of a memory, like bubbles to the mind's surface. god; a searchlight in the sky of dark and doubt. god; a searchlight in the sky of dark and doubt. god; a searchlight in the sky of dark and doubt death as an appointment that one cannot death as an appointment that one cannot death as an appointment that one cannot keep from meeting or put off the day of dying keep from meeting or put off the day of dying. keep from meeting or put off the day of dying. what we did not know about life what we did not know about life what we did not know about life was more of a gift than knowing was more of a gift than knowing was more of a gift than knowing though when our eyes met though when our eyes met though when our eyes met we fell in love, immediate and permanent we fell in love, immediate and permanent. we fell in love, immediate and permanent our lives awakened, alerted to the possibility for more our lives awakened, alerted to the possibility for more our lives awakened, alerted to the possibility for more of what life has been now translated to what will be, of what life has been now translated to what will be, of what life has been now translated to what will be, the years left in you and me the years left in you and me. the years left in you and me. suddenly saved, as a flower on the sidewalk. suddenly saved, as a flower on the sidewalk. suddenly saved, as a flower on the sidewalk

no matter what tomorrow could be, no matter what tomorrow could be, no matter what tomorrow could be, you and me, to remain one, what better poem can there be? you and me, to remain one, what better poem can there be? you and me, to remain one, what better poem can there be? our lives, reduced to ashes in a jar, scattered to the wind. our lives, reduced to ashes in a jar, scattered to the wind. our lives, reduced to ashes in a jar, scattered to the wind

wisdom from the wisdom from the night sky night sky

celestially aware they’re not alone, celestially aware they’re not alone, celestially aware they’re not alone, ttthe countless stars pay homage to the sun he countless stars pay homage to the sun he countless stars pay homage to the sun

a a as though the brilliance was their very own: s though the brilliance was their very own: s though the brilliance was their very own: iiit takes one to know one t takes one to know one. t takes one to know one

b b because our time on earth is deadly short, ecause our time on earth is short, ecause our time on earth is deadly short, lllet friendship be the first and last resort. et friendship be the first and last resort et friendship the first and resort. ttthough memories are a tangle of distraction, hough memories a tangle of distraction, hough memories are a tangle of distraction, ttthey soothe us with nostalgic satisfaction hey soothe us with nostalgic satisfaction hey soothe us with nostalgic satisfaction.

g g genius is expressed in every guise; enius is expressed in every guise; enius is expressed in every guise;

w w when yours appeared it still induced surprise. hen yours appeared it still induced surprise hen yours appeared it still induced surprise.

lllet life and love become the son and daughter, et life and love become the son and daughter, et life and love become the son and daughter,

w w who stir the dormant psyche of still water ho stir the dormant psyche of still water. ho stir the dormant psyche of still water

d d deeply silent is the soul at birth.

eeply silent is the soul at birth

eeply silent is the soul at birth

b b but clamorous assaults of joyless mirth ut clamorous assaults of joyless mirth

ut clamorous assaults of joyless mirth

ssso strike the spirit much to its chagrin,

o strike the spirit much to its chagrin,

o strike the spirit much to its chagrin,

hat finally the frenzied world breaks in ttthe metaphor of being deaf and blind he metaphor of being deaf and blind he metaphor of being deaf and blind

hat finally the frenzied world breaks in.

ttthat finally the frenzied world breaks in

m m means likewise “clear the clutter of your mind ” eans likewise “clear the clutter of your mind.”

eans likewise “clear the clutter of your mind ”

mardoqueo

arteaga mardoqueo arteaga mardoqueo arteaga

the children the children

there is a child’s voice playing over the loudspeaker, telling a story, and my smile at the there is a child’s voice playing over the loudspeaker, telling a story, and my smile at the there is a child’s voice playing over the loudspeaker, telling a story, and my smile at the sound is sound is sound is so bright it would’ve blinded you so bright it would’ve blinded you. so bright it would’ve blinded you

ttthere is a child bouncing a stuffed bear around my torso, making it speak to me, telling here is a child bouncing a stuffed bear around my torso, making it speak to me, telling is a child bouncing a stuffed bear around my torso, making it speak to me, telling me it likes me, and i play along in a high pitched voice you could hear from countries me it likes me, and i play along in a high pitched voice you could hear from countries me it likes me, and i play along in a high pitched voice you could hear from countries away away. away

ttthere are children running around a post, acting like i am evil and therefore need to be

here are children running around a post, acting like i am evil and therefore need to be are children running around a post, acting like i am evil and therefore need to be avoided, and i play with them among their hyena-pitched laughs and happy screams of avoided, and i play with them among their hyena-pitched laughs and happy screams of avoided, and i play with them among their hyena-pitched laughs and happy screams of delight delight. delight

ttthere is a child who is suddenly hugging me, saying “i like you ” muffled through my here is a child who is suddenly hugging me, saying “i like you ” muffled through my is a child who is suddenly hugging me, saying “i like you ” muffled through my hoodie and on instinct, i hug back and say “ aww, thank you. i think you ’ re pretty cool hoodie and on instinct, i hug back and say “ aww, thank you i think you ’ re pretty cool hoodie and on instinct, i hug back and say “ aww, thank you. i think you ’ re pretty cool too ”ttoo.” oo. ”

w w when i write to you later, i write that these kids are giving me a purpose through hen i write to you later, i write that these kids are giving me a purpose through hen i write to you later, i write that these kids are giving me a purpose through depression and anxiety and loss of love for life so full. they make life so bright, they see depression and anxiety and loss of love for life so full they make life so bright, they see depression and anxiety and loss of love for life so full. they make life so bright, they see the world changing before their very eyes, they tell wacky stories that take me on the world changing before their very eyes, they tell wacky stories that take me on the world changing before their very eyes, they tell wacky stories that take me on adventures i could never come up with on my own adventures i could never come up with on my own. adventures i could never come up with on my own

ou say i shouldn’t romanticize life and you ’ re right, maybe i shouldn’t but when my

yyyou say i shouldn’t romanticize life. and you ’ re right, maybe i shouldn’t. but when my

ou say i shouldn’t romanticize life. and you ’ re right, maybe i shouldn’t. but when my friend says “ you seem like the kind of person who won’t have kids of her own but friend says “ you seem the kind of person who won’t have kids of her own but friend says “ you seem like the kind of person who won’t have kids of her own but instead, will view your students as instead, will view your students as instead, will view your students as yyour your our kids,” i know she is right kids,” i know she is right. kids,” i know she is right

iii know i want to build a family around unknown souls. know i want to build a family around unknown souls know i want to build a family around unknown souls.

iii know i want to build a brighter world the more i see it through their magical wonder know i want to build a brighter world the more i see it through their magical wonder know i want to build a brighter world the more i see it through their magical wonder ffilter filter. ilter

iii know i want to build a safe space for them, a space where they can just be who they know i want to build a safe space for them, a space where they can just be who they know i want to build a safe space for them, a space where they can just be who they are without fear. are without fear are without fear.

iii know i want to build something that has a purpose, has a meaning, has life know i want to build something that has a purpose, has a meaning, has life know i want to build something that has a purpose, has a meaning, has life overflowing, glimmering like glitter in sunlight reflected as shadows on walls overflowing, glimmering glitter in sunlight reflected as shadows on walls. overflowing, glimmering like glitter in sunlight reflected as shadows on walls.

iii want to build a new world, a new future for the kids who hug me because they need want to build a new world, a new future for the kids who hug me because they need want to build a new world, a new future for the kids who hug me because they need iit. itt.

iii want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that plays with me because they want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that plays with me because they want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that plays with me because they have no one else to play with have no one else to play with. have no one else to play with

iii want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that’s ever felt alone because i want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that’s ever felt alone because i want to build a new world, a new future for every kid that’s ever felt alone because i know that feeling too well and no one deserves to feel it. know that feeling too well and no one deserves to feel it know that feeling too well and no one deserves to feel it.

iii want to build a home for these kids, brimming with their wild wonder and curiosity and want to build a home for these kids, brimming with their wild wonder and curiosity and want to build a home for these kids, brimming with their wild wonder and curiosity and life so bright it might just blind you. life so bright it might just blind you. life so bright it might just blind you

halle preneta halle preneta halle preneta

simple route simple route

isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, that is only if you want it to be that is only if you want it to be. that is only if you want it to be because behind the smudged windows, a world unfurls because behind the smudged windows, a world unfurls. because behind the smudged windows, a world unfurls every passing scene is a glimpse of life that softly swirls every passing scene is a glimpse of life that softly swirls every passing scene is a glimpse of life that softly swirls.

it’s the perfect escape for moments of serendipity to break your gloom, it’s the perfect escape for moments of serendipity to break your gloom, it’s the perfect escape for moments of serendipity to break your gloom, a passerby’s smile, a knowing glance, where stories bloom. a passerby’s smile, a knowing glance, where stories bloom a passerby’s smile, a knowing glance, where stories bloom.

faces of strangers, each with a tale to be conveyed, faces of strangers, each with a tale to be conveyed, faces of strangers, each with a tale to be conveyed, different cultures, emotions and dreams become a varied parade different cultures, emotions and dreams become a varied parade. different cultures, emotions and dreams become a varied parade and for a moment on this bus ride, our journeys intertwine and for a moment on this bus ride, our journeys intertwine. and for a moment on this bus ride, our journeys intertwine we come from bustling cities to tranquil countrysides we come from bustling cities to tranquil countrysides. we come from bustling cities to tranquil countrysides

a sanctuary for our thoughts, where we can make big decisions, a sanctuary for our thoughts, where we can make big decisions, a sanctuary our thoughts, where we can make big decisions, or feel like the character in a movie. or feel like the character in a movie or feel like the character in a movie. where the ordinary confines, as we traverse through life. where the ordinary confines, as we traverse through life where the ordinary confines, as we traverse through life.

the bus ride, a conduit, from here to there. the bus ride, a conduit, from here to there the bus ride, a conduit, from here to there gives us time to ponder, to throw our ideas up in the air. gives us time to ponder, to throw our ideas up in the air. gives us time to ponder, to throw our ideas up in the air

i cherish these moments, although seemingly small i cherish these moments, although seemingly small. i cherish these moments, although seemingly small the simplicity of a bus ride so pure some take it with a grain of salt the simplicity of a bus ride so pure some take it with a grain of salt. the simplicity of a bus ride so pure some take it with a grain of salt

isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, isn’t it funny how mundane a bus ride can be, and yet, within its embrace, it’s a type of magic that can set us free, and yet, within its embrace, it’s a type of magic that can set us free, and yet, within its embrace, it’s a type of magic that can set us free,

diana beas soto diana beas soto diana beas soto

midnight prose midnight prose

chris mardiroussian chris mardiroussian chris mardiroussian

there are a hundred things there are a hundred things there are a hundred things we could be doing better we could be doing better we could be doing better to make our affair less to make our affair less to make our affair less h h hollywood tabloids ollywood tabloids ollywood tabloids a a and more youtube comments, nd more youtube comments, nd more youtube comments, but instead, all we do is send but instead, all we do is send but instead, all we do is send cataclysmic concoctions of cataclysmic concoctions of cataclysmic concoctions of clusterfuck chaos over text: clusterfuck chaos over text: clusterfuck chaos over text:

“i've been doing a lot of thinking, “i've been doing a lot of thinking, “i've been doing a lot of thinking, and our relationship just isn’t and our relationship just isn’t and our relationship just isn’t working out for me anymore working out for me anymore. working out for me anymore.

iii think it's time we both think it's time we both think it's time we both find happiness elsewhere.” her find happiness elsewhere ” her find happiness elsewhere.” her

“i want to be honest with you “i want to honest with you “i want to be honest with you and admit that my feelings have changed ” me and admit that my feelings have changed.” me and admit that my feelings have changed ” me

“i've realized that i'm not as invested in

“i've realized that i'm not as invested in “i've that i'm not as invested in our relationship as i used to be, our relationship as i used to be, our relationship as i used to be, and it wouldn't be fair to continue pretending ” her and it wouldn't be fair to continue pretending.” her and it wouldn't be fair to continue pretending ” her

“i never imagined i would be writing this message, “i never imagined i would be writing this message,

“i never imagined i would be writing this message, but i've come to a difficult decision but i've come to a difficult decision. but i've come to a difficult decision.

ii' i' ' ve realized that we want different things in life ve realized that we want things in life ve realized that we want different things in life and have different priorities. and have different priorities. and have different priorities

iit' it't's unfair to both of us to continue this relationship s unfair to both of us to continue this relationship s unfair to both of us to continue this relationship when our goals don't align.” her when our goals don't align ” her when our goals don't align.” her

“i hope you know that this decision hasn't been easy for me, “i hope you know that this decision hasn't been easy for me, “i hope you know that this decision hasn't been easy for me, but after much consideration, i believe it's the right one. ” me but after much consideration, i believe it's the right one ” me but after much consideration, i believe it's the right one. ” me

“ our relationship has been struggling for a while now,

“ our relationship has been struggling for a while now,

“ our relationship has been struggling for a while now, and we both deserve to find someone who and we both deserve to find someone who and we both deserve to find someone who can make us truly happy.” me can make us truly happy.” me can make us truly happy ” me

“i've realized that i don't see a future for us as a couple.” her

“i've realized that i don't see a future for us as a couple.” her

“i've realized that i don't see a future for us as a couple ” her

“it's better to end things now rather “it's better to end things now rather

“it's better to end things now rather than prolong the inevitable. than prolong the inevitable than prolong the inevitable. iii hope we can both find hope we can both find hope we can both find happiness separately ” her happiness separately.” her happiness separately ” her

“i think it's best if we end things now ” me

“i think it's best if we end things now. ” me

“i think it's best if we end things now. ” me

a a all we do is collide and combust ll we do is collide and combust ll we do is collide and combust with our callused hands. with our callused hands. with our callused hands

sssometimes, i imagine our bodies ometimes, i imagine our bodies ometimes, i imagine our bodies in open, polished caskets in open, polished caskets in open, polished caskets that drift endlessly at sea that drift endlessly at sea that drift endlessly at sea cutting, cutting, cutting, clashing, clashing, clashing, a a and making a nd making a nd making a d d dirty iirty rty ssplash. splash. plash

the vain age of the vain age of

loiter not in this vain age of morrow; loiter not in this vain age of morrow; loiter not in this vain age of morrow; rather come to poetry's sorrow, rather to poetry's sorrow, rather come to poetry's sorrow, to make your gated speech fit any tune to make your gated speech fit any tune to make your gated speech fit any tune and, from its oceanlike clavis borrow and, from its oceanlike clavis borrow and, from its oceanlike clavis borrow your motioning platoon. your motioning platoon your motioning platoon.

fffor such sorrow, is more a sweet recluse, or such sorrow, is more a sweet recluse, or such sorrow, is more a recluse, than the glamour, all middling lives effuse; than the glamour, all middling lives effuse; than the glamour, all middling lives effuse; stay here ennoble; romanticize, stay here ennoble; romanticize, stay here ennoble; romanticize, never will its bower, your thoughts refuse; never will its bower, your thoughts refuse; never will its bower, your thoughts refuse; come! your muse idolize! come! your muse idolize! come! your muse idolize!

h h here dwell in the many orbits of bliss, ere dwell in the many orbits of bliss, ere dwell in the many orbits of bliss, unlike smug worlds that only vaunt of this; unlike smug worlds that only vaunt of this; unlike smug worlds that only vaunt of this; here, the recondite universe explore here, the recondite universe explore here, the recondite universe explore to converse with the outflow of gnosis, to converse with the outflow of gnosis, to converse with the outflow of gnosis, and leave earth's morbid door. and leave earth's morbid door and leave earth's morbid door.

ssso come from your land to its crystal skies;

o come from your land to its crystal skies;

o come from your land to its crystal skies; leave your egritude; come to this emprise leave your egritude; come to this emprise leave your egritude; come to this emprise rich in philosophy, vitality; rich in philosophy, vitality; rich in philosophy, vitality; and, where an eternal sturnidae flies, and, where an eternal sturnidae flies, and, where an sturnidae flies, with immortality with immortality. with immortality

anti-gerascophobic anti-gerascophobic llessons essons

inimfon inyang-kpanantia inimfon inyang-kpanantia inimfon inyang-kpanantia

you'll grow you'll grow you'll grow child child child en route eternity en route eternity. en route eternity. the veld the veld the veld

you never see its blessed tip stabbing the air, you never see its blessed tip stabbing the air, you never see its blessed tip stabbing the air, its busy roots trespassing but by sunrise its busy roots trespassing but by sunrise its busy roots trespassing but by sunrise watch it swallow a chunk of sky watch it swallow a chunk of sky watch it swallow a chunk of sky

kkknow this: now this: now this: by default existence is a rebel to stillness by default existence is a rebel to stillness by default existence is a rebel to stillness

n n not an algebraic equation where ot an algebraic equation where ot an algebraic equation where x and y are definite integers minus x and y are definite integers minus x and y are definite integers minus e e every variable very variable. very variable.

fffancy not yourself a square, ancy not yourself a square, ancy not yourself a square, prim and proper about the edges. prim and proper about the edges prim and proper about the edges. yyyou are not destined for small spaces. ou are not destined for small spaces ou are not for small spaces. w w wing. unwind. lend yourself to dragonflame. ing unwind lend yourself to dragonflame ing. unwind. lend yourself to dragonflame.

iii know responsibility confounds you, know responsibility confounds you, know responsibility confounds you, & the mire of expectations pose in the & the mire of expectations pose in the & the mire of expectations pose in the guise of garlands around your neck guise of garlands around your neck. guise of garlands around your neck

fffear not young spirit, ear not young spirit, ear not young spirit, stallions were never made for taming stallions were never made for taming stallions were never made for taming.

m m make merry with your ake merry with your ake merry with your

w w wildling & levitate. you chaste mutation. you ildling & levitate you chaste mutation you ildling & levitate. you chaste mutation. you mongrel cloud breaker. mongrel cloud breaker mongrel cloud breaker.

fffind your place among the stars ind your place among the stars ind your place among the stars

iiin the palm of careless explosion

n the palm of careless explosion n the palm of careless explosion

b b burn with the potential of an endless day, urn with the potential of an endless day, urn with the potential of an endless day,

o o of light au courant with the stretch of its brilliance f light au courant with the stretch of its brilliance f light au courant with the stretch of its brilliance

& & & kknow know now it's all worth it. this scissoring of your it's all worth it this scissoring of your it's all worth it. this scissoring of your soul for the infallible ink. soul for the infallible ink soul for the infallible ink.

rrremember: emember: emember: life can be ice life can be ice life can be ice let it thaw, let it thaw, let it thaw, drip, trickle drip, trickle drip, trickle give it time to ocean give it time to ocean. give it time to ocean

time loop time loop

iii. .

i think i’ve been here before. i remember the absence from decades i think i’ve been here before i remember the absence from decades i think i’ve been here before. i remember the absence from decades later, a perpetual light from a long extinguished star. later, a perpetual light from a long extinguished star later, a perpetual light from a long extinguished star.

this winter i’m relearning how to live without having people to this winter i’m relearning how to live without having people to this winter i’m relearning how to live without having people to die for, though given half a chance i’d lie on train tracks for the stranger die for, though given half a chance i’d lie on train tracks for the stranger die for, though given half a chance i’d lie on train tracks for the stranger who smiled at me on the subway, would who smiled at me on the subway, would who smiled at me on the subway, would

iii. ii. i

i think i’ve been here before i recognise the silence like i was the i think i’ve been here before i recognise the silence like i was the i think i’ve been here before. i recognise the silence like i was the first to stumble across yearning and give it a name first to stumble across yearning and give it a name. first to stumble across yearning and give it a name.

maybe i was, maybe i keep discovering it into existence again maybe i was, maybe i keep discovering it into existence again

maybe i was, maybe i keep discovering it into existence again and again, like a doomed pendulum swinging in hypnosis, begging to be and again, like a doomed pendulum swinging in hypnosis, begging to be and again, like a doomed pendulum swinging in hypnosis, begging to held and stopped for a moment of held and stopped for a moment of held and stopped for a moment of

iiii. iiiii.

i think i’ve been here before i’ve been breaking my heart along these

i think i’ve been here before. i’ve been breaking my heart along these i think i’ve been here before i’ve been breaking my heart along these same cracks until they’re self-fulfilling prophecies. same cracks until they’re self-fulfilling prophecies. same cracks until they’re self-fulfilling prophecies

you could read them like palm lines and see a reminiscence for you could read them like palm lines and see a reminiscence for you could read them like palm lines and see a reminiscence for lifelong delusions, a longing for an imagined love with unconditional lifelong delusions, a longing for an imagined love with unconditional lifelong delusions, a longing for an imagined love with unconditional specificity and miraculous mundanity and specificity and miraculous mundanity and specificity and miraculous mundanity and

zoha sh. zoha sh. zoha sh.

iiv iv. v

i think i’ve been here before. i fall to the floor at 27 but hear myself i think i’ve been here before i fall to the floor at 27 but hear myself

i think i’ve been here before. i fall to the floor at 27 but hear myself hit the ground at 17, resigned and brazen blue hit the ground at 17, resigned and brazen blue. hit the ground at 17, resigned and brazen blue. and i’m crying about this now but i’ve cried about it before and and i’m crying about this now but i’ve cried about it before and and i’m crying about this now but i’ve cried about it before and i can already hear myself crying about it from millennia away, a plaguing i can already hear myself crying about it from millennia away, a plaguing i can already hear myself crying about it from millennia away, a plaguing echo soundtracking my every move until echo soundtracking my every move until echo soundtracking my every move until

vvv. .

i think i’ve been here before i end each year with the same lightbulb

i think i’ve been here before. i end each year with the same lightbulb

i think i’ve been here before. i end each year with the same lightbulb epiphanies and spend months forgetting them anew epiphanies and spend months forgetting them anew. epiphanies and spend months forgetting them anew

like how are we all so united in our own separate un-lovings, separate like how are we all so united in our own separate un-lovings, separate like how are we all so united in our own separate un-lovings, separate un-belongings, separate un-knowings and un-seeings and un-needings and un-belongings, separate un-knowings and un-seeings and un-needings and un-belongings, separate un-knowings and un-seeings and un-needings and yet so unable to cross and close the distance of yet so unable to cross and close the distance of yet so unable to cross and close the distance of vvi vi. i.

i think i’ve been here before. i think i’ve always been here, fleeing

i think i’ve been here before. i think i’ve always been here, fleeing

i think i’ve been here before i think i’ve always been here, fleeing from endings destined to become inescapable beginnings. from endings destined to become inescapable beginnings from endings destined to become inescapable beginnings.

all the clocks are beating in reverse but it’s not enough to all the clocks are beating in reverse but it’s not enough to all the clocks are beating in reverse but it’s not enough to take me back, not when time is an immortal circle spinning around my take me back, not when time is an immortal circle spinning around my take me back, not when time is an immortal circle spinning around my head and god, i’m so fucking tired of a survival that never ends. head and god, i’m so fucking tired of a survival that never ends head and god, i’m so fucking tired of a survival that never ends.

i think i’ll always be on my way here, rearranging the puzzle

i think i’ll always be on my way here, rearranging the puzzle i think i’ll always be on my way here, rearranging the puzzle pieces of my life and pretending there’s any other way they could fit, pieces of my life and pretending there’s any other way they could fit, pieces of my life and pretending there’s any other way they could fit, giving in to every deceptive promise of a reality free of fate. giving in to every deceptive promise of a reality free of fate. giving in to every deceptive promise of a reality free of fate

this is a very old story, one with an inherited emptiness as this is a very old story, one with an inherited emptiness as this is a very old story, one with an inherited emptiness as my outline and a desperation to rewrite it until being known is more my outline and a desperation to rewrite it until being known is more my outline and a desperation to rewrite it until being known is more than an invented memory, until than an invented memory, until than an invented memory, until

haikus for a home haikus for a home ffind ind

sub-zero gelato sub-zero gelato sub-zero gelato churning continuously, churning continuously, churning continuously, share your cup with me. share your cup with me share your cup with me.

c c crushing pistachio rushing pistachio rushing pistachio it’s cheaper where the heart lives it’s cheaper where the heart lives it’s cheaper where the heart lives here, all is quiet here, all is quiet. here, all is quiet.

ssspiritual sweetness: piritual sweetness: piritual sweetness: our prayer for star-dripped milk our prayer for star-dripped milk our prayer for star-dripped milk hold me here, and here hold me here, and here hold me here, and here

and here you will find and here you will find and here you will find in the fridge, cut oranges, in the fridge, cut oranges, in the fridge, cut oranges, we’ll juice them later we’ll juice them later. we’ll juice them later.

ttthe kitchen’s love is he kitchen’s love is he kitchen’s love is presently available presently available. presently available.

m m melting chocolate elting chocolate elting chocolate

on the countertop, on the countertop, on the countertop, iii draw a heart on pancakes, draw a heart on pancakes, draw a heart on pancakes, sunlight walking in sunlight walking in sunlight walking in

our little home of our little home of our little home of lily, fig, pothos and cane, lily, fig, pothos and cane, lily, fig, pothos and cane, shades of simple green shades of simple green. shades of simple green

w w welcome back, darling. elcome back, darling elcome back, darling. this space we carved from hoping, this space we carved from hoping, this space we carved from hoping, is for our keeping. is for our keeping is for our keeping.

natalie fock natalie fock natalie fock

the death of my ars the death of my ars poetica poetica

christiana smith christiana smith christiana smith

stuck in this prison of their making stuck in this prison of their making stuck in this prison of their making ||| waiting to be freed waiting to be freed waiting to be freed ||| i will wait no longer i will wait no longer i will wait no longer ||| i will make them watch me from inside these bars | i will create a weapon that can slip i will make them watch me from inside these bars | i will create a weapon that can slip i will make them watch me from inside these bars | i will create a weapon that can slip between the gaps | pencil touches paper | the words are etched into their skin | burned into between the gaps | pencil touches paper | the words are etched into their skin | burned into between the gaps | pencil touches paper | the words are etched into their skin | burned into their brains their brains their brains ||| i will force them to watch i will force them to watch i will force them to watch ||| ssilenced silenced ilenced ||| as their burns heal over as an open as their heal over as an open as their burns heal over as an open wound wound wound ||| i will force them to stay i will force them to stay i will force them to stay ||| echoing in their head until they are in the ground echoing in their head until they are in the ground echoing in their head until they are in the ground ||| buried and still never at rest buried and still never at rest buried and still never at rest ||| with my sapphic throat with my sapphic throat with my sapphic throat ||| i will sing for the whole choir that i will sing for the whole choir that i will sing for the whole choir that i am tender and yielding and sweet i am tender and yielding and sweet i am tender and yielding and sweet ||| that our love is not their forbidden fantasy that our love is not their forbidden fantasy that our love is not their forbidden fantasy ||| not not not their fetish their fetish their fetish ||| i will staple their eyes to my graphite on the paper i will staple their eyes to my graphite on the paper i will staple their eyes to my graphite on the paper ||| their lids pried open their lids pried open their lids pried open with my fingers with my fingers with my fingers ||| and when i read these words aloud and when i read these words aloud and when i read these words aloud ||| i will force them to understand i will force them to understand i will force them to understand ||| chain their ears to my lips so they can not miss a single word | i will force them to finally see chain their ears to my lips so they can not miss a single word | i will force them to finally see chain their ears to my lips so they can not miss a single word | i will force them to finally see ||| to finally hear to finally hear to finally hear ||| to finally comprehend reality to finally comprehend reality to finally comprehend reality ||| they will know that these words on the they will know that these words on the they will know that these words on the page are my oxygen page are my oxygen page are my oxygen ||| my water my water my water ||| my sustenance my sustenance my sustenance ||| but they refuse to let me free but they refuse to let me free but they refuse to let me free ||| my words strong enough to reach them my words strong enough to reach them my words strong enough to reach them ||| but not powerful enough to save me but not powerful enough to save me but not powerful enough to save me

i have poetry for my last meal

i have poetry for my last meal i have poetry for my last meal

little reasons little reasons

nicole zamlout nicole zamlout nicole zamlout

when someone talks about when someone talks about when someone talks about their reason for being their reason for being their reason for being it is tangled often it is tangled often it is tangled often with love songs with love songs with love songs or artistic goals so or artistic goals so or artistic goals so lofty the gods lofty the gods lofty the gods cannot help but cannot help but cannot help but chuckle. chuckle chuckle.

these pursuits are noble these pursuits are noble these pursuits are noble but for me but for me but for me

it is the smell of it is the smell of it is the smell of coffee in the morning, coffee in the morning, coffee in the morning, a blank page a blank page a blank page that is always willing that is always willing that is always willing to embrace the ink to embrace the ink to embrace the ink i lovingly place upon it. i lovingly place upon it i lovingly place upon it. it is the dinners with friends it is the dinners with friends it is the dinners with friends that connect us as we pass that connect us as we pass that connect us as we pass into that odd realm called into that odd realm called into that odd realm called adulthood adulthood. adulthood.

it is the stars in my driveway, it is the stars in my driveway, it is the stars in my driveway, orion ever reminding me orion ever reminding me orion ever reminding me of strength and folly of strength and folly. of strength and folly. it is my favorite stories it is my favorite stories it is my favorite stories that shock me no that shock me no that shock me no matter how many times i read them matter how many times i read them. matter how many times i read them. these may seem rote, these may seem rote, these may seem rote, a sentiment as well worn a sentiment as well worn a sentiment as well worn as a loved pair of socks as a loved pair socks as a loved pair of socks but it really is true: but it really is true: but it really is true: it’s the little things, it’s the little things, it’s the little things, these thousands of little reasons, these thousands of little reasons, these thousands of little reasons, that give life meaning. that give life meaning that give life meaning.

contributors list contributors list contributors list

ISSUE SIX: RAISON D'ÊTRE ISSUE SIX: RAISON D'ÊTRE ISSUE SIX: RAISON D'ÊTRE

l y d i a r a e b u s h l y d i a r a e b u s h l y d i a r a e b u s h

c h r i s t k e i v o m c h r i s t k e i v o m c h r i s t k e i v o m

h a l l e p r e n e t a h a l l e p r e n e t a h a l l e p r e n e t a

n i c o l e z a m l o u t n i c o l e z a m l o u t n i c o l e z a m l o u t

s h a m i k b a n e r j e e s h a m i k b a n e r j e e s h a m i k b a n e r j e e

a n n a d a v i s a n n a d a v i s a n n a d a v i s

m a r d o q u e o a r t e a g a m a r d o q u e o a r t e a g a m a r d o q u e o a r t e a g a

n a t a l i e f o c k n a t a l i e f o c k n a t a l i e f o c k e m t o l m a n e m t o l m a n e m t o l m a n i n i m f o n i n y a n g - k p a n a n t i a i n i m f o n i n y a n g - k p a n a n t i a i n i m f o n i n y a n g - k p a n a n t i a

z o h a s h . z o h a s h z o h a s h .

t r i n i t y d a y t r i n i t y d a y t r i n i t y d a y

c h r i s t i a n a s m i t h c h r i s t i a n a s m i t h c h r i s t i a n a s m i t h

c h r i s m a r d i r o u s s i a n c h r i s m a r d i r o u s s i a n c h r i s m a r d i r o u s s i a n

d i a n a b e a s s o t o d i a n a b e a s s o t o d i a n a b e a s s o t o

a r u n d e e p a d e k a a r u n d e e p a d e k a a r u n d e e p a d e k a

ffor for or wordsmiths, wordsmiths, wordsmiths, sstorytellers storytellers torytellers & the & the & the poetically poetically poetically iinclined. inclined. nclined.

and the poetically inclined.