When I read the beautiful poetry in your books, Mich, there are innumerable and compelling lessons shared, as well as joy and sorrow. In other words, they are filled with soulful and meaningful bits of real life, which make your work so enthralling. After Rain Skies is representative of so many women and men globally…
Category: Cruelty
“Polished Composure” by Joni Caggiano ©️2025 Now Live on HotelMasticadores
Polished Composure Timid love alights in garland eyes as I remember the tranquil sway of cattails in spring. Laughter and love permeate the air we breathe. My sun-kissed skin glistens with the reflection of the clear, chilly pond water. The yellowish-orange bills of the great egrets keep tune in this symphony of sound. Now wet,…
Editor’s Pick, “One Petal at a Time,” Live on HotelMasticadores
It is an honor to be featured today on Hotel Masticadores by Michelle Ayon Navajas as the “Editor’s Pick!” She did this for the anniversary of my book, One Petal at a Time. She is especially gracious, as she is releasing an anthology titled After Rain Skies – A Global Anthology to encourage a connection with…
“After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology” Available March 8, 2025
I am honored and proud to be included in this new anthology that Michelle Ayon Navajas has curated. There are more than two dozen talented authors who have contributed to this book with poetry and prose about survival after trauma. Be sure to pick up your copy when it becomes available next week! “I am…
The Cure – Live on HotelMasticadores
The Cure slow motion sobriety stirs direly like ticks on a thin-horned beast the black and white film resonates greasy black hair crawls like ants drunk for weeks, the smell lingers like a mucous trail of a banana slug blood dances a tango in your head vomit and snot, well-oiled fireworks explode on your white…
“Freezer Burn” Live Featured on IndiaMasticadores
Snow had fallen for five days in a row, and we were no longer allowed outside. Yet, my hateful sisters, Ruth and Elizabeth, somehow obtained mom’s approval to drive to the deli right up the street. Mom gave them money for sandwiches and hot cocoa. They both stuck their tongues out at me as they…
Kindle Sale on One Petal at A Time for .99 cents – Friday to Monday
Please pick up your 99 cent copy of the Kindle version of “One Petal At A Time.” You have from now until April 30th at 3:00 AM, EST. If you have friends or family who you would like to gift this book to, perhaps someone who grew up in a dysfunctional home environment, now is…
“False Security” Now Live On Hotel
Standing sideways, like a cool drink of water with sandy hair, freckles, and blue-green eyes, you wink. Lissom oaks that taste one too many tempests tire and lean upon false walls of hope. Your welcoming harbors were the key that unlatched my heart. Like the Crepe Myrtle, I shed my bark, to expose the pearly…
Scorn
fall upon and discard my saggy breast never good enough could never pass your family’s test other women your eyes linger and sink talk of my beauty, char crisp dust lust for others, your toxic deceitful wink someone else can taste your viscid hate I tire of you and your foul distain clog…
“Leaving the big four” live on masticadoresindia
Leaving the Big Four During the third year of school and living on the big four, I was divided into pieces by a swift sword, perching on my safety edge. My brown eyes must have turned black as I heard mom’s words, but I was sure I was suffocating. “Joy, honey, we are moving to…