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Escape.Elisha SchoepleinThe South American air makesAll of us performersReek.The costumesCling to our sweatBefore we even start.His eyes are now smeared with liner,Skin powdered like a strung-out drugaddict.I pray in my head.The music starts.His hand hits my face,My arms,Time and time again.Dramatizing his “hit,”I fall,Hands first into the dirty street.The CottageChelle SkinnerAs July comes to a close there’s one thing on my mindThe anticipation builds for weeksI can’t wait for the smell of freshly fallen pine needles,carrying the salt shaker down to the beachjust in case leeches find their way between my toesEating a chocolate malt for breakfast at Tom’s,and the frustration of tennis balls constantly hitting the net.I long for the adrenaline as I hit a wave;my jet ski barely touching the top of the water.Conversations with people I haven’t seen in a yearbut who have known me my whole life.I begin to hear the drums from the Wampum Shopand see the booths that line the streets on Loon Day.As these things start to creep into my mind,I know the time is hereto finally leave for the cottage.The crowd of 300Stares and whispersTo themselvesIn Spanish“Is she ok?”His minions tear at my t-shirt and jeans,Surrounding me on all sides.I reach out for stale air,Knowing of no escape.Someone moves from behind meDressed in white garment.Jesus.His eyes stare right through mine,Concerned,Like they knowExactlyWhat I need.Saying nothing, he walksAround the figuresSurrounding me,And lifts me to my feet.I cling to him,Unable to stand on my own.And all he does is hold me,As all our enemiesHitTheFloor.These have I feared...Marie BurkardThe all encompassing darkness of the storage cooler where I usedto work, the way it would swallow you wholethen spit you out a more unfriendly, frigid person.The spaces that lie in between,In between the light and darkness,In between my mind and reality.I fear myself, what I have done, what I am capable of.The power that a secret can posses over people.I fear human nature and what I cannot control.Things unseen, things unknown, what hides around the corner.I fear the suffocating walls of confmement,the ones that increase the rate of my heart.The dark water that steals my breath with its icy claws.These things also, I fear:Disappointment.Failure.Need.Love.afterglow 5