World gaps, liminal spaces Glass cages for the dopamine-low A tree split by lightning, Dare you extend a hand, touch its raw flesh? Puddle-dust, obscuring infinite depth Questions not asked, your grandparents’ secrets, Histories or heroism too terrible to reveal The brick that crumbles when isolated Naked frailty, quickly unseen Behind carved privet The state’s … Read More

Today I fully inhabit my body, Watching the sunlight brighten Each flower on my pillowcase, Then move across the hardwood floor. I lie in bed and sip a cup of coffee So pungent Sumatra sings in my bones. Today I examine my travel companion With childlike curiosity As if looking at a squashed bug: How … Read More

The road spread out before me like a grey carpet I was on course for my destination, almost there, just a pair of traffic lights, veering into the light wind, a bump, slowing down, then navigating into my large compound, where light is cast over the roofs and trees as though the moon gave birth … Read More

This poem by M. Golda Turner was a first place winner in the 2023 Golden Quill Writing Contest. I earned my sea legs at the age of three, Coursing the Gulf, our small family. The Tomorrow was our ocean home, A yacht with bed and bath to roam. She cut into cresting waves so strong, … Read More