“The Crown” by Joni Caggiano ©️2025

The Crown Bougainvillea florets tremble likescarlet ribbons tied in bows on young flesh Archways of stone outstretchreposeful winds on muted statues with listless stares Foreboding leopard keeps vigila silent killer, her sentry will shield if a threat declares Pillars of light bring rays of respite yettears seal her withering heart within flouted ceiling Ferns rest…

”Red Ball” Now On Hotel Masticadores

Red Ball Hannah wept silently into her dusty apron.  She spun her thin face around, much like a donut, awaiting its freckling of powdered sugar.  Tears cast their agonies upon hand-stitched hydrangeas, petunias, and magnolias while honeybees clung close with their bulging pollen-laden legs. Ruth had spent six months embroidering this apron for her and…

”Arctic Hymns” Now On Hotel Masticadores

Arctic Hymns ornate, sea eagle, liberate God’s lapis lazuli skiesunfurl thy seven-foot wings for us this dayrise the spired scalp of acorns slice frigid, wintry soilmy fisherman of Kenai River rest from daily toil come with leathery hands to my rousing limbsnestle my steamy body as I sing my Arctic hymns sandy blonde hair lay…

she stares – an ameri-ku

Flat black hat resting as it framesthis exquisite yet somber and mournful face,  her elongated legs and armsstretching, as if an iron highway to nowhere lingering in a world of deathher other half, a year ago, took his last breath This beautiful sculpture was created by Louise McDowell.  It is cast bronze completed in 1996…