~Jenunine I will not hide my laughter– I will let smile burst forth and shine upon those in whom I delight I will not be robbed of my light and my joy, I will glow in spite of those who would snuff me out I will not cower in fear– for those who prowl and [...]

~Bethany Lauren Grigsby Winter’s teeth bit our bones as we all huddled close Passing around the yerba mate and sipping it quickly, Hoping to unfreeze parts of our body that had froze It was June But instead of donning tank-tops and shorts and flip flops I was in scarves and coats and boots in rural [...]

~Makisha Lawrence Half- truths marinated in mango juices traipse slowly down the back of an arm The eager tongue of naiveté sweeps them onto the palate where taste buds are obliged to slowly absorb contradictions of: You just a little on the chubby side And Baby here, have some more macaroni ‘n’ cheese And A [...]