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, delves into the inner world of a young woman with a troubled family.

“The Rotten Ones,” a short story by Sarah Szabo, chronicles a day in the life of a poverty-stricken boy and his mother in a repressive regime.

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 pastime.

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 marriage. 

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, shows how mothering habits can be passed down from generation to generation.

“Multiplication,” a short story by Kate Baggott, tells the story about how one mother of two re-discovered her creative life.

“If…Dog…Rabbit,” a poem by Marilyn Ringer, depicts the all-too-common fears of mothers when children assert their independence.

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 ask him again.
No, not again.

The second entry is a flash fiction piece by Amy M. Levy, which you can read at this link:

http://amylevy.com/wp/2010/05/upgrade/

You can vote only once, so please choose carefully! The poll will be open until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

The winner of the May contest will receive a Wild Violet rectangular sticker and will be eligible to compete as a finalist in the annual short-form contest.