A journal of rediscovery
As I begin my second semester of the MFA program at Western Connecticut State University, I am excited to start writing my thesis. I’ve chosen to write a screenplay about my grandfather’s life growing up in Poland during World War II, the country’s seizure by Nazi Germany, and how my grandfather’s life changed because of the trauma he experienced. … Continue readingUncovering My Grandfather’s Past by Michaela Lawlor
I always wondered where the expression “as the crow flies” originated. A crow does a lot of things during a day: scrabbling for a piece of roadkill, fending off territorial interlopers, terrorizing the neighbor’s cat and so on. It doesn’t go from A to B in a straight line; it
Continue reading“The Distance Between Two Points” by Ken Post
I believe in permanence,your brass head whirlingdroplets into the seared August air,without complaint or growing pains, sans giggles or adolescent drama,but I also believe in the slippery childskipping now through the rainbow miston a green New Hampshire lawn, impermanence boogying beneath you,sprinkler, in her red bathing suit,this one, thin-strapped and
Continue reading“Ode to a Lawn Sprinkler in Contoocook, New Hampshire” by Suellen Wedmore
My hand slides into my left front pocket, reaching for my iPhone. It’s not blind reflex or mechanical routine. It‘s a practice. I have decided quite intentionally to do less of other things so I can do more of this. When I grab my iPhone, I’ve trained myself to be ready, curious, and alert. I try to frame a photo so that I’m seeing what interests me, eliminating what doesn’t, and keeping my own image out of it. … Continue reading“Beauty, Prayer, and the Sticky Image: My iPhone Practice” by Randall VanderMey
Loss can be a terrible thing, but not always. In some cases, “gone” is good. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. People who lose weight are happy.
But it’s not only what we lose that changes us. It’s what we keep, as well. … Continue reading“An Eternal Light” by Mara Fein
In May, we invited the writing community to contribute to this special issue addressing the chaos, isolation, and uncertainty the world has been coping with throughout the ongoning COVID-19 pandemic.
We asked for (very) small stories or poems about isolation, quarantine, cabin fever, and the discoveries we make about ourselves, our families, and the world at large in times of crisis.
With the utmost gratitude for everyone who submitted, the Poor Yorick team is proud to present our special themed issue, In the Time of Corona. … Continue readingIn the Time of Corona: a Poor Yorick Special Publication
one yard of faded pale hair,
braided; (tied off with a bow—
stored inside the next-to-bottom drawer
of the desk near the window
with no view)
… Continue reading“Inventory” by Claire Van Winkle
USA Today recently announced that the Broadway show Hamilton, winner of eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is also being recognized by the National Archives Foundation. Lead actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Tommy Kail, and biographer Ron Chernow will receive the Records of Achievement award. In the words of Foundation Chair
According to local traditions, the rock formation was a gathering place for the Schaghticoke tribe. Chief Squantz, who held sway over the Schaghticoke in the early 1700s, could stand there, as if at a pulpit, and address a large gathering of his tribesmen. Today it is hidden in the thick
Thirteen-year-old Charley King was the youngest soldier killed in the war. Orion Howe received a Medal of Honor for the bravery he displayed, also at age thirteen. William Horsfall was not more than fifteen when he rescued his wounded captain and he, too, received a Medal of Honor for his