Ronald by Kevin R. Farrell,

 

Kevin R. Farrell, Jr. is a New York based artist, poet, and educator whose work has been published in BONED – Every Which Way, Burning House Press, Rumble Fish Quarterly, Adroit Journal, Ink in Thirds Magazine, Foxhole Magazine, Yo-NEWYORK! and others.

In 2021 Farrell released Best of the Worst which consists of 20 poems that have risen to the top of the trash heap that is his constant documentation of a life spent toeing the line between spiritual bliss and emotional upheaval. As a recovering addict each day can be a struggle when dealing with the dumpster fire that is modern day existence. Sometimes Farrell attempts to put out the fire, on other days he warms his hands by the flames.

Plastic Letters by Glen Armstrong

Thunder gathers above the punk
rock club.
 
The sky’s mascara runs.
It’s a Moe and Curly world.
 
I love the song
about a kidnapper but worry
 
that what’s funny
in New York City might be 
 
triggering elsewhere.
I love Debbie’s 
 
shiny red boots but worry 
about the weather.
 
The rain falls down 
like hammer claws.
 
I poke my shoe in the eye.

Glen Armstrong edits a poetry journal called Cruel Garters and has three current books of poems: Invisible Histories, The New Vaudeville, and Midsummer.