Creative Writing

Frost-fractured streets, a patchwork quilt of cracks,As winter’s icy grip leaves Rochester’s roads ransacked.Potholes swallow tires, suspension springs recoil,Commuters swerve and dodge, a treacherous urban foil.But spring’s thaw brings promise, a chance to mend,As asphalt fills the gaps where winter did rend.The city crews in reflective vests toil long,Repairing, repaving, making the streets strong.Though scars … Continue reading Edit My Review

a poem by Sandra Harkness

"The Creature of the Night" by Sandra Harkness is a poignant exploration of solitude, despair, and the quest for meaning within the embrace of the night. Harkness weaves a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery, drawing the reader into the shadowy realm of a being that exists between the realms of light and darkness. Through the journey of this nocturnal entity, born from virtue yet shaped by despair, the poem delves into the universal themes of isolation, the search for self, and the paradox of strength found in vulnerability.

A poem by S. Harkness

Hey, look at that.

A Poem.In Rochester’s embrace, where worn bricks whisper tales,Echoes of a bygone industry softly wail,Steel bones, in rust’s embrace, tell their frail tales.Halls once alive with laughter, now echo with silent gales,Theaters and shops, like forgotten fables,In Rochester’s embrace, where worn bricks whisper tales.Vines caress stone, in nature’s tender veils,A vivid reclaiming, in stark contrast, prevails,Steel bones, in rust’s embrace,…

In the tranquil suburban town of Applebee Heights, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air. It was the day of the much-anticipated annual bake-off, an event where neighbors gathered to showcase their culinary prowess and compete for the coveted title of Applebee Heights' Best Baker.The three main contestants this year were Mrs. Penelope Whittaker, a retired librarian with…

In the small, quaint town of Maplewood, Tom Reynolds was a man of many talents. He was the friendly neighbor who always had time for a chat, the master griller at the neighborhood barbecue, and the guy you could count on to help you out with just about anything. But there was one thing Tom had never experienced – fatherhood.…

Ilana Dziecko was always the most popular person in the room. Unfortunately, she was often by herself. This is in contrast to her neighbor, Leonardo Gonzales, who was rarely ever alone and was consistently the least popular person in the room. Leonardo, who had been going by “Chico” for 15 out of his 16 years … Continue reading Edit My Review

Essays

Sandra Harkness pauses from writing poetry so she can write about poetry. In this essay, she embarks on a captivating journey through the evolving landscape of modern poetry. Exploring themes from the free-spirited forms of contemporary verse to the deep societal reflections in today's poetic expressions, Harkness skillfully navigates the rich tapestry of identity, love, loss, and social commentary that defines modern poetry. With insightful observations on how the digital age has transformed poetic expression and accessibility, she sheds light on the diverse voices that resonate within this art form. Engaging and informative, this piece is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic world of poetry today