elementia

The War Between Kids and Adults

By Ian O’Brien

As our war rages on, I’m caught in a crossfire.

One side shrieks its anthem of misguided hope.

The other, facing reality’s certain dread head on.

While I, a teenager caught in the midst of battle, seek refuge.


I Was a Kid

By Annie Barry

I was sitting in my private school, around age 8

The religion teacher said, everyone sit in a circle

Don’t speak

Close your eyes

Raise your hand when you hear God speaking to you

One by one each child raised their hand

I sat


heavy named girl

By Kahill Perkins

heavy named girl, 

Your value is that of the anchor tied to your feet, the depth of your mother’s tongue when she looked upon you,

saw your grandmother’s eyes in your soft brown face and


A Refuge Without Light

By Alice Wu

“Ma, it’s morning. It’s time to get up.”