David is a poet, playwright, lyricist and short story writer from the North West of England. He is a member of the international poetry study group Worldly Worders. He has been published in a number of magazines both on-line and in print. In 2016 his poem ‘Home Straight’ featured at the Fermoy International Festival. The stage play ‘Intervention’ was produced for World Peace Day. The main influences on his writing include; Ted Hughes, Ann Sexton, W. D. Snodgrass, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Charles Bukowski, James Baldwin, Pablo Neruda and his favourite poet Philip Larkin. His poetry has been published in … Continue reading David Ratcliffe

Mather Schneider was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1970. His poetry and prose have been published in many places and he has 6 books available. He lives in Tucson, Arizona and works as an exterminator. THE SAFE Dad and I stood in grandpa’s garage staring at the 3-foot-tall safe which sat on the concrete floor against the back wall. The safe was the only thing left in the garage. All the wooden shelves were empty and the floor was cleared.             “Jesus Christ,” he said.             It was mid-summer, hot and humid. We were both sweating from trying to move … Continue reading Mather Schneider

Peter Lingard, born a Briton, sold ice cream on railway stations, worked as a bank clerk, delivered milk, laboured in a large dairy and served in the Royal Marines.  He has also been a barman, an accountant and a farm worker.  He lived in the US for a while and owned a freight forwarding business in New York.  He came to Australia because the sun often shines here and Australians are a positive bunch who speak English.  Peter (plingaus@bigpond.com) is a member of the Phoenix House Writers.  He has 60+ short stories and poems published, as well as having a … Continue reading Peter Lingard

Widely published over many years in numerous magazines, journals, anthologies and competitions, most recently first prize in the Brian Nisbet poetry award. DEFINABLE SILENCE The remains of the night peek through the curtains not sure if duty is over. Suddenly the sun gives orders, defines territory for occupation, inspects new conquests. I balance a tray of tea into the floodlit bedroom, reclaim my side of the bed. Your warm arms hold me, and we find ourselves ready for a coming ceremony. Drinking tea in bed in a silence made for two is a valued, shared rite. Total communication in a … Continue reading Gordon Scapens

Currently residing in Greece, George Gad Economou has a Master’s degree in Philosophy of Science and is the author of Letters to S. (Storylandia), Bourbon Bottles and Broken Beds (Adelaide Books), and Of the Riverside (Anxiety Press). His words have also appeared in various places, such as Spillwords Press, Ariel Chart, Cajun Mutt Press, Fixator Press, Outcast Press, Piker’s Press, The Edge of Humanity Magazine, The Rye Whiskey Review, and Modern Drunkard Magazine. Methamphetamine River a fierce dragon soars through the purple skies, setting dwarf suns aflame; once, we could hardly stand without our medicine. the endless salty tears rolling … Continue reading George Gad Economou

Michael Ceraolo is a 65-year-old retired firefighter/paramedic and active poet who has had two full-length books (Euclid Creek, from Deep Cleveland Press). Paired monologues by James Garfield and Charles Guiteau This is a selection of 5 days from the full 80 of the piece. August 23, 1881 Garfield: With the vomiting and the not eating any more, I am wasting away I heard the staff say my weight is down to 130 lbs. No more handsprings for me for awhile Guiteau: In my life I have not always eaten regularly But here in jail, with a guaranteed three squares, I … Continue reading Michael Ceraolo

Pulkita Anand is a student of literature. She likes to listen to music and play badminton. She loves to absorb life to the fullest. At times, she loves to write too. Her creative works have been published in various journals: Setu Journal, Indian Periodical, Shortstory kids, Twist and Twain, Tint Journal, Lite Lit One, Indian Ruminations, Langlit, Ashvamegha,Lapis Lazuli, Conifer Call, The Creativity Webzine, Winc Magazine , Stanza Cannon, Superpresent, Muse India, Madwomen in the Attic, Poetica#11& 12  The Uglywriters, Literary Yard and among others. I am a born lover I am a born lover Just peel the layer To … Continue reading Pulkita Anand

Jeremy Boyce lives in the south of France, working in a variety of fields including French – English translation/re-writing, authoring three instruction books about Kitesurfing and Power Kiting, in addition to many years of experience writing copy for press promo, marketing and sales in the music, leisure sports and tourism industries. More recently he’s ventured into creative work, some flash fiction singles and series, short stories, concrete poetry… Don’t try following him on social media, he’s not there ! Just read his stuff where you find it, starting right here, right now.   No Sweat I was sitting in a … Continue reading Jeremy Boyce

Ahmad Al-Khatat was born in Baghdad, Iraq. His work has appeared in print and online journals globally. He has poems translated into several languages such as Farsi, Chinses, Spanish, Albanian, Romanian. He has published some poetry chapbooks, and a collection of short stories. He has been nominated for Best of the Net 2019 and was also nominated for the Pushcart Price 2020. Asking The River Why are you feeling sad my friend? Why are your tears like black Onyx? I know for sure that your heart is a rainforest-like green jade. I advised you before, life is a colourful & … Continue reading Ahmad Al-Khatat

Juan Pablo Mobili was born in Buenos Aires, and adopted by New York. His poems appeared in The American Journal of Poetry, The Worcester Review, Thimble Magazine, Otoliths (Australia) Impspired (UK), and Bosphorus Review of Books (Turkey)among others. His work received an Honorable Mention from the International Human Rights Art Festival, and nominations for the Pushcart Prize and the Best of the Net, in 2020 and 2021. His chapbook,  “Contraband,” was published this year. My Teacher For Ronn Dundon My teacher listened like a brook babbles, or magpies collect trinkets for their nest. He had the instincts and patience of an owl. I spoke loudly, hurried, twitching on my … Continue reading Juan Pablo Mobili