By Johnathan Nilsen Factions and fractions In religious interactions; Reforming through warnings Adorning a dawning mourning On theocratic doors. Schisms and divisions Erupt from envisioned missions. Legions with precision March to the beat Of an ordained king. Ringing and singing With apostles bringing Hostile clinging To immutable laws Claiming soul authority. Chasms and spasms Between sects: a phantasm Of enthusiasm for Derision Superstition And mythical permission To divi

By Bob W Christian I’ve learned to grin where the ground coughed fire. The shockwave a violent handshake Where night stitched shrapnel into our sleep. Not because it was easier, But because the dark pressed harder. Out there, laughter was contraband. We smuggled it between heartbeats; Called the crater a pool with a view… Rated incoming rounds for their customer service; Gave the Grim Reaper a nickname so he felt less like family. My jokes were tourniquets - Crude, necessary,

By Lady C Smith The fortune-teller said, ‘You are in love… with a man who is ugly’. Beauty is in the eye of those who behold, And I don’t see him as ugly, instead I see him foolish, lop-sided, Scooby-Doo. I see him double-denim, Half-mast trousers, moustachioed. I see him flailing, nervous, failing slow. I see him fuck it all up like billy-o. He smiles like a half-wit in kitchen photos. Teeth like George Washington, Looking twice as old. I see him Block, parry, dodge and stal