Featured Works: Week of May 17 (Hardship)
In our global community, no problem — whether it’s hunger, teen pregnancy, or government repression — stands alone. Such complicated issues as poverty, crime and discrimination are interwoven. This week, our contributors show us stories of hardship, desperation, and the rarest glimpses of hope. “Refugees,” a poem by Leslie Philibert, depicts the hearbreak and determination of those forced out of their homes. “Gasoline,” a poem by Terry Minchow-Proffitt, is told from the point of view of a young man who feels compelled to steal. “Eggs,” a short story by A.D. Sams,...
Read MoreFeatured Works: Week of May 10 (Humor on Writing)
What more perfect way to follow the National Poetry Writing Month challenge than with humorous works about the writing process? This week’s contributors give us reason to smile. The poem “Survey Says” by Lara Dolphin imagines “bad poetry” as the topic on the game show “Family Feud.” “Dear Mr. Shakespeare” by Janice Canerdy is a spoof rejection of “Macbeth.” The haiku “Fishing” by Donald Gaither compares writing poetry to a popular...
Read MoreFeatured: Week of May 13 (Retirement)
While many people spend every working day dreaming of retirement, upon actually retiring, they may discover new challenges. This week our contributors explore the mixed feelings that can arise: “Old Man” by Michael Lee Johnson, a portrait in poem form of a senior writer at his beachfront home. “Retirement” by Gwendolyn Jensen, a poem about the feelings of uselessness that can accompany retirement. “Retirement: Phase II” by Susan Knox, an essay about the way retirement can change a...
Read MoreFeatured: Week of May 6 (Mother’s Day)
In recognition of Mother’s Day, which is coming up on Sunday, May 12, this week we are featuring a range of pieces about mothers and motherhood: “Nymph in the Bathtub,” an essay by Lynne Huffer, delves into the mixed emotions of a daughter whose mother is dealing with a medical problem. “Nature’s New Generation,” a flash-humor piece by Jennifer A. Powers, delivers a clever punch line. “Mother Psalm 3,” a poem by Rachel Barenblat, contemplates the experience of a baby in the womb. “Choking Up,” a short story by Melissa Pheterson,...
Read MoreMay Contest Poll
It’s time to vote for the first Wild Violet monthly short-form contest. For this first contest, only two entries were received. Please get the word out to your friends, so that we can have more participants in the June contest! The May topic was “My Favorite Mistake.” The first entry is this poem by Mary Ellen Walsh, which was received over e-mail: Impact I park my car In a circle Of wind savaged trees. Branches Leap from their mothers. One babe Taps my door, But I stay inside, in uteri. I harbor my thoughts. They fold within. Pride Is a constant tiller. I will— Not...
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