Our poets explore themes of emotional turmoil, resilience, and change. Nicole Freezer Rubens’ “Day 331” reflects on the haunting impact of conflict and loss, capturing the sorrow and solidarity felt for Israel. Carol Ostrow’s “Taking The Good With The Bad” delves into the struggle of balancing work and self-care, advocating for moments of rest and reflection. Madlyn Epstein Steinhart’s “In One Ear and Out the Other” addresses the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing new relationships while letting go of toxic ones. Each poem offers a unique perspective on navigating life’s challenges.

Day 331

My hostage tag necklace
rattles and bangs against my heart,
echoing the cries
of those being torn
from the golden grounds
of milk and honey,
dancing and swaying one minute
and being dragged and raped the next.

As the precious metal clanks against my chest
with each step I take,
I hear the endless rockets
and missiles’ boom
seeking to solve the eternal unrest.

I hear the whines
of baby Kfir and Ariel,
haunting my eardrums.
My ears ring and throb
with the sobbing of the lovers,
sisters, brothers, children,
fathers and mothers
of the innocent captives
as their convoy stopped
on the edge of the envelope
to howl so deeply,
hoping their stolen ones
might know their presence,
their sorrow, longing and loss.

This wreckage moves with me wherever I go.
It inhabits my soul.
Israel, please know
we are with you.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens, author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

Taking The Good With The Bad

Not feeling my usual best self today,
A strange malaise getting in my way,
What could it be, I ask myself,
Some stale food eaten, left too long on the shelf?

Sometimes overwork leaves me very tired,
Seemingly exhausted, often over wired,
Never stopping a project until it’s done,
Then becomes a chore, bereft of any fun.

Where is that idea that says  just stop?
Do I need the services of a traffic cop?

All old habits from living alone,
Almost a sin from which I atone,
Who really cares if I stay in bed,
I will think pleasant thoughts instead

Of worrying and thinking of glitches
And simply turn off all the light switches.

Here’s to turning off!!

~Carol Ostrow is the author of “Poems from My Pandemic Pen” and “Poetry in Motion”

In One Ear and Out the Other

~Madlyn Epstein Steinhart, author of “Put Your Boots on in the Rain” and “Beautiful Heart”