December 1994Anthony is sunken into the queen-sized mattress pulling his knees up to his chin. He clutches at his ankles withblistered hands. Hands that had built some of the structures that surround the city, but he would never notice.His palms are thick and brawny. Big blue veins emphasizethe muscles that gloat over his metacarpals. His…

Throughout my whole life I was always shy;Hiding behind a mask of my own design;Never did set free or fly way too high;But that mask has decided to resign.I will start to reveal what is below;All the cracks and scars that were never shownWill cry to the world “I will say hello!”I’ll be the girl…

Sensation gripped the fingers. I am anemia. Secluded; holding tighter to thechair.Bound and gagged, your hips moved closer to the floor as I took over. I fillyour lungs with this last breath as my gift.I won’t ever let go; to the paper wrapped around your fingertips.Burning it down to the filter. Arms shaking in celebration…

With apologies to Mary OliverFeeling her kicking, the waves of her motionKnowing my life was changing, I held my bellyAnd hoped, and I felt reassuredA higher power, I should think,Observing my willingness to take on a challengeHad presented me thisHad taught me to live and learnNot caring of the length of this lessonLooking to the…

Nicole Mezzanotte2013

I’ve always wanted to be scared to death. That’s why I lovehaunted houses so much. I’ve been to most of the good ones. I’vebeen to every haunted house, from the big theme parks to Vegas tothe home of witches in Salem. I love haunted houses just like I loveHalloween. I love to be scared. Many…