Winter 2013: Poetry
Mail Call
by Darlene Pagán
According to the postmark, the Messiah has been in Tampa all these years, promising to reveal His personal message of salvation if only I’d send money. The paper looks more like a party invitation, the block letters shimmering in neon blue and yellow above an illegible signature in green ink. Meanwhile, my uncle’s letter from prison is lined and covered in brown splotches that carry the faint scent of sour milk. Unlike the Messiah, my uncle can not spell, and he is not happy with any amount I can spare. He wants $57.99 to buy gym shoes after his were stolen. He needs a sponsor too when he gets out in a month and stamps so he can write to any other relative whose address I would kindly forward. He tells me, I don’t diserve thiscrapshit. I’m not like thesepoepleguys. And, You don’t have to write back, just let me know you got this. I haven’t seen my uncle in ten years since he left with my babysitting money to get gas, after promising to teach me how to drive a snowmobile. I’d turned eighteen, and born again that Sunday for a second time. These letters have chased me for years. At least the Messiah includes an envelope I can reuse with a stamp of the Virgin with open arms, looking down serenely at the address, above which the text warns: Now is the time to be saved!! My uncle swears he can save himself if someone somewhere would just give him the chance. He promises to look at the knock in my engine too when he’s back in town.
|
Enjoy the richness: thirteen poets, nineteen poems, and a diversity of style and craft. |
Three memoirists share their emotional truths in these slices-of-life. |
Our featured artist, as well as painters and photographers, provide colorful visions that will leave you seeing the world in new ways. |
Three emerging writers share talent and creativity far beyond their years. |
Learn more about the contributors who make us proud of our Winter 2013 edition. |