Beach Pebble’s Rondel, by Mona Voelkel

by | May 22, 2026 | Issue 11 poems

Sea Glass thinks she’s better than me but I was made from wonders, too. (I’ve learned to give myself my due.) When she’s found, folks shout with glee. Pastel-coloured I’ll never be. (But I was born from stars, who knew?) Sea Glass thinks she’s better than me but I was...

Villainelle, by Amanda McKenzie

by | May 22, 2026 | Issue 11 poems

To be a villain looks far more fun No matter what heroes might say A life lived fast and on the run Their scheming and plotting is second to none Sneaking around is their way To be a villain looks far more fun Lurking in lairs, their work’s never done Convinced that...

[haiku] by Pallavi Jesrani

by | May 22, 2026 | Issue 11 poems

Outstretched road beckons. Come, let us be companions. Adventure awaits.   * Pallavi Jesrani is a mom, a children’s books writer, and a poet. Her poems have been published in The Dirigible Balloon, Little Thoughts Press, The Best Haiku 2025 International...

The Wind and the Sun, by Jacqueline Shirtliff

by | May 22, 2026 | Issue 11 poems

A fable by Aesop, retold in ottava rima * “I say I’m stronger, yet you disagree! Look, there’s a traveller,” North Wind said to Sun. “Bet I can get his cloak off first. Just see!” So North Wind blew till all her strength was gone. The cloak stayed tightly on. Sun...

Critterhews, by Robert Schechter

by | May 22, 2026 | Issue 11 poems

A hippopotamus from top to bottom is easy on the eye… but only to other hippopotami.   To build a beast like a wildebeest use the highest quality manes and horns. If you do, your wildebeest will be as good as gnu.   The owl wears a scowl without reason...