Monthly Archives: July 2013
Johnni Stanton
No Direction Turn right, turn right. But there’s no way out, the way out is barred. There is only a wall. It’s another dead end. You go back the way and turn to the left. praying it is an exit. … Continue reading
Gillian Prew
Moment from a Landscape Sudden, the sun throat-up. Gull after gull the sky fills silver. A ridge of hell rubbed out all easy sorrow. A swoop to the sea-line a brave bird breaking everything open. A … Continue reading
Mike Logue
Autumn into Winter The façade of summer has fallen Decorum has been dissolved in a season – there is no disguise on the land Hill and gully are etched in the contours – the climate is hard on the land … Continue reading
Hugh McMillan: Two poems
The Solid Night I look back at incidents sometimes like when that snow fell on our heads outside the Waverley Hotel and wonder if they ever cross your mind, and if they do what is it exactly you think? They’re … Continue reading
Joan McNerney
Night Slides under door jambs pouring through windows painting my room black. This evening was spent watching old movies. Song and dance actors looping through gay, improbable plots. All my plates are put away, cups hanging on hooks. The towel … Continue reading
Angela France: Two poems
Rough Sleeping Now, in the almost-light of 6 am, in this field bounded by bird-full hedge and scribbles of winter-bare willow, I could sleep. I lock my knees, think myself anthracite, carborundum, let my feet settle into muddy ground for … Continue reading
Robert Nisbet: Two poems
Americana We have huge cattle herds, the sweetest oranges and six varieties of rattlesnake (You have a great day, you guys) Polo and world-class fishing, up-state they hunt alligators (You just have a beautiful day) The snacks, The National Geographic … Continue reading
Robert Walicki
The Moment It’s like the moment someone reaches for your hand, but stops short. Like the space between the tree branches, a piece of sky, blue and visible. And the wind was throwing things around. This is how sound travels … Continue reading
Jim Murdoch: Two poems
The Only Way Lay siege to feelings. It’s the only way. You cannot best them. They’re sharper, smarter, crueller and strong and your only hope is to starve them out. Don’t engage with them. Don’t negotiate. Don’t trust their white … Continue reading
Rowena M Love
Preserving Poetic Genius This is not Milne’s Bar. No snug-filled pub with poetic worthies. No cardboard cut-out of castle silhouette props up the horizon. Don’t look for Rose Street ‘roses’ – their rouged cheeks and pallid language don’t feature here. … Continue reading
The Open Mouse 