Issue 1
Summertime Melody by Rona Wang
Not only is the image in the background a perfect fit for the poem, the writing itself summons nostalgic memories of summer and school, fireworks and food. History and the modern era fuse together as a revolution is described as a “pressure-cooker” and grilled cheese sandwiches are the traits of a loved one. The beauty in the way the words are phrased allow this poem to be a emotional joy to read. The last line “call it poetry” allows the reader to step back and grasp for more.
Cat by Nicholas Sum
The story itself was hard to predict, which made it an exciting read. We can easily relate to the reader as we see everything that has happened in his point of view. I like how the author recognizes the “black cat-bad luck” association. The dialogue in the story added a nice other dimension to it. Great short story for any type of reader!
Gone Kiss by Rona Wang
This short yet satisfying poem conveys the cliché “girl in the city” feeling but in a fresh way. I like the way multiple words were turned into one such as “stickyelasticAltoid”—I’ve never seen a mouth described that way! It leaves me wondering what were these four letter words.
Not only is the image in the background a perfect fit for the poem, the writing itself summons nostalgic memories of summer and school, fireworks and food. History and the modern era fuse together as a revolution is described as a “pressure-cooker” and grilled cheese sandwiches are the traits of a loved one. The beauty in the way the words are phrased allow this poem to be a emotional joy to read. The last line “call it poetry” allows the reader to step back and grasp for more.
Cat by Nicholas Sum
The story itself was hard to predict, which made it an exciting read. We can easily relate to the reader as we see everything that has happened in his point of view. I like how the author recognizes the “black cat-bad luck” association. The dialogue in the story added a nice other dimension to it. Great short story for any type of reader!
Gone Kiss by Rona Wang
This short yet satisfying poem conveys the cliché “girl in the city” feeling but in a fresh way. I like the way multiple words were turned into one such as “stickyelasticAltoid”—I’ve never seen a mouth described that way! It leaves me wondering what were these four letter words.
Issue 2
Round by Jessica Shen
I liked the mention of the cassette tapes throughout the passage- the detailed description of the cassette tapes and how they were “bought at a garage sale one time” give background, and the story becomes more relatable.
I liked the mention of the cassette tapes throughout the passage- the detailed description of the cassette tapes and how they were “bought at a garage sale one time” give background, and the story becomes more relatable.
Issue 3
Self Infliction by Albert Leng
This painting is amazingly created. The human almost has a surreal quality to it. The symbolic cages in the back align with the theme of self vs self. I would buy this and hang it up if possible.
Nolan by Grace Tan
Really creative way to tackle the same-sex conversation. The second person fits well for the purpose. The idea of “reprogramming” a brain was very creative as well as the repetition of “one step forward and two steps back.” Enjoyable story to read!
The Nurse by James Valvis
The idea behind this poem is very original and it turned out to be not at all what I expected. I expected the narrator to want to say everything to his father, rather than repeat the same thing. The simplicity of the message is remarkable.
This painting is amazingly created. The human almost has a surreal quality to it. The symbolic cages in the back align with the theme of self vs self. I would buy this and hang it up if possible.
Nolan by Grace Tan
Really creative way to tackle the same-sex conversation. The second person fits well for the purpose. The idea of “reprogramming” a brain was very creative as well as the repetition of “one step forward and two steps back.” Enjoyable story to read!
The Nurse by James Valvis
The idea behind this poem is very original and it turned out to be not at all what I expected. I expected the narrator to want to say everything to his father, rather than repeat the same thing. The simplicity of the message is remarkable.
About the Author
LISA ZOU is a senior at Hamilton High School and a creative writing student at Mesa Community College. She is an intern for Canvas Literary Journal. Her work has been published in the Paha Review and the Claremont Review, and is forthcoming in the Apprentice Writer, Five Quarterly, and DoveTales Anthology. Her favorite authors, who have inspired her writing, are Joyce Carol Oates and Amy Tan. She lives in Chandler, Arizona. When she’s not struggling with her love-hate relationship with Physics, she is on Tumblr.
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