Encounter by Lynn Olson

Lynn Olson: I moved to the Valley from Wisconsin, where I was happily retired. After an old college friend found me online, we bought an 1894 farmhouse and adopted a dog. Home. I am home. I write with the Main St. Writers, and look forward to discovering more of the writing life here. Encounter “Where Read More

Corona, you have laid me bare by Morning Star Chenven

Morning Star Chenven is a writer/musician/ choral director/mother/ grandmother. She is passionate about reversing climate change, singing in the duo “Moonlight and Morning Star,” leading The Wendell Community Chorus. She lives in Franklin County with her husband Moonlight Davis, beside the beautiful Millers River. Corona, you have laid me bare Corona, you have laid me Read More

New Day New World by Suzann Heron

Suzann Heron: A resident of Franklin Co. and new Straw Dog member, I find myself rather driven to writing. Writing is saving me at this time. It’s the lifeline I’m using to keep my head above water. The writing flows through charged with terror, redemption, calling and comfort all in an instant. New Day New World Read More

Proper Usage During a Pandemic by Marian Kent

Marian Kent is the author of three poetry collections, Heart Container, SUPERPOWERS or: More Poems About Flying, and Responsive Pleading. She lives in Easthampton (Hampshire County), Massachusetts with her family. You can follow Marian’s poetry and other missives at www.runawaysentence.com. Proper Usage During a Pandemic This week marked my first use of panic-spiral as a Read More

Waiting to Exhale by Thom Wright

Thom Wright: I am the CEO of Lathrop Community in Northampton, MA. This piece was shared with residents and staff the week of 5/24/20 as part of an ongoing series of COVID-related communique. I am a Ph.D. with over 25 years of service to elders. Waiting to Exhale When my children were born, I anticipated Read More

Six Feet Between and Under by Candace R. Curran

Candace R. Curran is a founding member of multimedia exhibitions throughout Western MA. Twice named Poet’s Seat Laureate, publications include, Bone Cages and Playing in Wrecks and journals, Raw NerVZ , Meat for Tea among others. A Straw Dog member from Franklin County, she lives on the Buckland side of the Iron Bridge. Six Feet Read More

White Carnation by Diana Norman

Diana Norman is an Easthampton resident. She is new to the publishing world, proud to have seven pieces recently accepted for publication. White Carnation Colorful tulips nod in the breeze, and clumps of yellow and white daffodils huddle together as early spring winds waft across the hill. My family has worshiped in this small red-brick Read More

Shopping during the Pandemic by Amy Landau

Amy Landau is a native New Yorker who lives in Easthampton, MA in Hampshire County. In her writing, she is fascinated by private states of emotional upheaval. Her work has appeared in Ducts.org, Word Riot and HopeDance. She is a member of the Straw Dog Writers Guild. Shopping during the Pandemic Big E I wear Read More

Out in the Yard by John Walker

John Walker lives in Hadley, Massachusetts. He moved to New England recently from his home in Kentucky to be with his partner. These days he spends many hours in the backyard learning about planting and birds while singing Appalachian folk songs. Out in the Yard Here outside is birdsong soft in the breeze, Quietly making Read More

Hearts Relate by Madlynn Haber

Madlynn Haber lives in Hampshire County. Her work appears in the anthology Letters to Fathers from Daughters, Anchor Magazine, Exit 13 Magazine and on websites including: The Voices Project, The Jewish Writing Project, Quail Bell, Mused Literary Review, Hevria, Right Hand Pointing, Mothers Always Write and Random Sample. www.madlynnwrites.com Hearts Relate Relating seems to be Read More