by Toni Ortner | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems
Alone we burn Alone we burn through dark catastrophes of grief the death of bone and flesh each moment a new green leaf where hope holds sway over deceit. As Earth Rides Earth rides waves of light and air Pink clouds float behind the dark bark of trees. We cannot...
by Toni Ortner | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems
What’s left when you are dead? I used to hold your hand but your flesh is dust and your bones are buried in mud. My brother and I tossed you into the Bay like you wanted and added a huge rose bouquet. We made sure it was red. My fingers gnarled like the roots of...
by Toni Ortner | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems
Lights out or the weather of the apocalypse When water rolls in sudden over land, the pink marble steps that led to the museum will be thrust apart & scattered over sand as if by a giant’s hand. Cans will burst and tin will turn to rust. Beans and corn will rust....
by Toni Ortner | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems
Call from Scientologist Friend Hi Terry, It’s me. Marcia. I had to tell you that Scientology has saved my life. I haven’t heard from you since you left Brattleboro. What’s going on? Well, for one thing I have no more financial stress. How come? I live on community...
by Toni Ortner | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems
Omyra Sanchez The camera is my eye. I open and shut the lens. I sweep the horizon clean. It is hard to focus with so much dust. My eyes burn. Focus I must. That is my job. That is what I am paid for and that is why I am here. I turn and all that I see stretching...
