Christopher Queen lives in Franklin County and writes with Ruth Flohr’s creative writing group in Wendell. He has taught world religions, served as a university dean of students, and publishes on Buddhist social ethics. He wears his mask in public. What Lies Beneath Some look deeply into eyes To scan the silted depth Where the Read More
PANDEMIC
Botch Job by Saul Huggins
Saul Huggins: Mid-fifties, spent most of the past twenty years self-employed and because of that happy fact have been able to travel around a fair bit, sometimes to other countries. Not so much at present! No real experience regarding writing, certainly nothing published. Wrote a couple of poems to pass the time. Botch Job Exposing our leaders Read More
Crown of the Rosary – Easter 2020 by Suzanne Rancourt
Suzanne S. Rancourt, Abenaki/Huron descent, is a multi-modal artist with degrees in psychology and creative writing. Her book, Billboard in the Clouds, Curbstone Press / 2nd print at NU Press, received the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas First Book Award. Her 2nd, murmurs at the gate, 2019, Unsolicited Press. She is a Veteran. www.expressive-arts.com Crown Read More
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