“Present Moment, Wonderful Moment” (Ticht Nhat Hanh)
Issue: 2025
A Conversation
So, my mental illnesses and I are talking in my head, and it looks like one of those therapy-based support groups. I’m sitting in the middle since it’s my turn to go. They all have their outfits. Autism wears the third new outfit that day, bright and m … Continue Reading
A Funeral
I hate open casket funerals. Grandpa looks more alive now than he did before he died. His hands are fastened together on his chest over a smart black suit jacket. They’ve tastefully applied rouge to his cheeks, like the final flush of life. And if you … Continue Reading
A History of Picking Stone
Joseph Anderson came to the farm late in life. A teacher, retired, but not worn out, going blind, but working for his keep. Each day when weather and his knees allowed, he hobbled in hay fields and sheep pasture, piling circles upon circles of stones a … Continue Reading
A Minor Rebellion
She turns off the news and watches the yellow and black fat waxy caterpillar make its steady trek through the goldenrod and the ferns over and under the leaves and up the milkbane to find the perfect slender stalk. She watches while it sleeps then turn … Continue Reading
Afternoon with an Elderly Dog
Your limbs quiver as the wood floor slips under your nails and your flanks knock into furniture. You’re braving your longest trek: from couch to kitchen to water dish. With lightning in my heart, I watch you unlearning how to walk—a puppy in reverse. T … Continue Reading
almost pottery
unearthen shards from where they lay encase you now in my clay sculpt and mould from what I find a beating heart undoubtedly mine a kiln for you akin to me brings forth ceramic poetry … Continue Reading
An Interview with Martín Espada
Martín Espada graciously agreed to be interviewed by GCC student and Plum intern Tommy Nielsen. The interview took place on March 21, 2025, in Shelburne Falls, MA. Below is a transcript of that interview, which has been lightly edited. TN: I read that … Continue Reading
And Then the Geese Were Gone
On Monday, December 29th, the geese were suddenly gone. I know it shouldn’t be a surprise. Geese are supposed to migrate, but it was December, and this particular flock of Canada geese had decided to stay in the city’s park all year long. I don’t know … Continue Reading
Angelique
She didn’t deserve this. She deserved a full life. To be a wife. To have children. A rose wilted, petals flying away, drifting in the breeze. She didn’t deserve this. Such a kind soul. We release butterflies With love in our hearts, Tears in our eyes. … Continue Reading