I just wanted to see what it would do when I say—
From behind its aluminum dermis, / the machine transcribes the living, / studying the sound a muscle makes skipped / across roof of mouth.
Contest Winner
CNN’s correspondent thinks afghani means Afghan
By Liala Zaray
“My afghanis are quietly pressed into palms and secretly traded / When ready for purchase, I place my afghanis face side up”
Theodicy
“About our bodies, strangers in white / deliver the news; in some places, the only option / is the option Mary had.”
2022 Emerging Poet Prize: Winners & Finalists
We are honored to share with everyone the winners and finalists of the 2022 Emerging Poet Prize! Please join us in congratulating these remarkable poets. Winners were selected by Safia Elhillo.
Partition Homes
How many words do I / know for hunger? What is the nestling space /
between two countries / of conflict called?
Self-Portrait in Lust
I vulture myself when I touch you, /
my stomach its own feast, my tongue a prayer for a tongue.
Who Is This Grief For?
By K. Iver
There are so many gods wanting my soreness. / I can bruise my forehead bowing before so many statues.
2022 Previously Published Poem Prize: Winners & Finalists
We are honored to share with everyone the winners and finalists of the 2022 Previously Published Poem Prize! Please join us in congratulating these remarkable poets. Winners were selected by the editors.
Restoration
“Goldmanite, / use what seeds you can to drape / this mountain in clouds, Muses / in the forest”