In Amerasian, poet Lam Ho unravels the generational weight of identity, beauty, and belonging. This poignant piece explores the haunting legacy of war and mixed heritage through the eyes of a daughter tracing the myth and mystery of her mother—searching, remembering, and reckoning with what lingers in the bloodline.

In "Away the Water Drains," Radiyah Nouman crafts a powerful coming-of-age tale set along a dying river in rural Pakistan. Through the eyes of Aasiya, a bright young girl turned weary woman, the story explores the slow erosion of dreams, identity, and livelihood under the weight of poverty, patriarchy, and loss. Lyrical, tender, and haunting, this multigenerational narrative is a sobering reflection on what remains when the water—and hope—run dry.

Author Nicole Doyley makes a poetic plea from a mother’s heart, challenging the cost of conflict. With heartbreaking tenderness, Doyley reclaims the sacred purpose of motherhood from the violence that threatens it.

Battle of Broom: Sweeping Mindsets by Vernica Goel unveils the poetic soul and painful truth behind India’s most humble tool. Through the broom’s voice, caste, gender, and cultural inequalities are laid bare. This eye-opening narrative challenges readers to confront prejudice and sweep away centuries-old biases with every turn of the page.

Gaazal Dhungana Speculative Poetry from the Iridescence anthology Breathe in… breathe out…  I have to consciously and desperately remind...

A visceral descent into psychedelic chaos, the poem captures a mind unraveling under the weight of drug-induced delirium. Disoriented senses, distorted reality, and fractured consciousness pulse through surreal imagery, as the narrator's craving for answers is drowned in neon hallucinations, chemical manipulation, and existential dread coded in binary cries of “DEAD.”

Hilda receives a mysterious bulul statue that ignites her creativity—but at a terrifying cost. As her isolation deepens and the statue grows, an eerie presence takes root. A chilling tale of inspiration, obsession, and ancestral power, The Winnower leaves readers questioning what’s truly sacrificed in the pursuit of art.

Elysium Haigh’s "Shackled Remorse" is a poetic descent into the depths of captivity.

Liz Johnston What them drums say?  What them drums mean?  I could hear them talkin’—  I think they talkin’ to me.  A whisper in the crowd...

In Bold Moves with Bold Colour, Audra Gordon shares how she transformed her passion for color into a global fashion brand.

"Roberta" by Akin Jeje is a lyrical tribute to Roberta Flack, weaving memory, music, and nostalgia into a timeless reflection on love and lo

"Lament for My Skin" by Wayne Benson Jr. is an evocative poem that explores the weight of history, heritage, and Black identity.

Clara Zimban explores Gwoka, the soul of Guadeloupean identity—born and transformed from the pain of enslavement.

In Mirror Broken, Cathy Millangue crafts a striking and poignant exploration of identity, destruction, and the painful echoes of time.

Thomas B. Franz explores the true purpose of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion beyond political debate.

A Defiled Manhood by Sunday Abel – A Gripping Tale of Tradition and Truth

"A Text for My Loves" by Cobain Overton of Pebblebrook High is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love in all its forms.

Zaria Black won KQ Avenue’s slam event with her riveting poem "Validation," a bold anthem of independence and pride.

Nicole Negron shares practical steps to move beyond resolutions and build habits that honor your current abilities.

Monique Franz’s "A Christmas Affair" explores the complexities of love, temptation, and rediscovery in a marriage spanning decades.