When you ate the seed that sealed your fate
did a pomegranate sprout in your stomach
so in the habit of making things grow
or was your new status as Queen enough to let it die?

You struck a deal with the devil, so to speak
the results never turn out quite as planned
still, being ruler of this dark place isn’t so bad
on the bright side, winter is almost over
it’s nearly time for fresh beginnings
spring is coming, sweet Goddess, and we’ve all missed you dearly.

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McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Most recently, her stories are featured in Black Hare Press’ drabble anthologies, Hate and Oceans, as well as Dragon Soul Press’ anthology, Reign of Queens, to be published later this year. Her stories and poetry have also been featured in many collections through Dreaming Spirit Press. McKenzie has published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, available on Amazon, as well as a poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way. She is currently working toward a master’s in Library Science.
For more updates, follow her on:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/
Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Selected by the editor as a featured submission, August 2020

Originally posted on the site: 06/04/2020

the sun peeks out through mist and haze
but still it is there
despite what the cold, barren winter sky suggests
its presence is undeniable
its warmth begins to creep into frozen things
the dirt starts to thaw
allowing us to push our way up to greet the sun
to take root
and breath the air we have so longed for
finally, I grow.

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McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Most recently, her stories are featured in Black Hare Press’ drabble anthologies, Hate and Oceans, as well as Dragon Soul Press’ anthology, Reign of Queens, to be published later this year. Her stories and poetry have also been featured in many collections through Dreaming Spirit Press. McKenzie has published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, available on Amazon, as well as a poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way. She is currently working toward a master’s in Library Science.
For more updates, follow her on:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/
Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Originally posted on the site: 30/03/2020

Selected by the editor as a featured submission, October 2020

I love it when it rains
wash the hurt away
watch the pain
float down the storm drain
with all of the other unwanted debris.

I love the springtime rain
droplets gathering
as the flow
courses, cleanses, cleans
leaving the world the loveliest shade of green.

---

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Most recently, her stories are featured in Black Hare Press’ drabble anthologies, Hate and Oceans, as well as Dragon Soul Press’ anthology, Reign of Queens, to be published later this year. Her stories and poetry have also been featured in many collections through Dreaming Spirit Press. McKenzie has published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, available on Amazon, as well as a poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way. She is currently working toward a master’s in Library Science.
For more updates, follow her on:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/
Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Originally posted on the site: 27/03/2020

Wipe the sleep from your eyes
warm wind whispers hello
straighten out your back
each vertebra cracks
to the sound of melting snow.

Step out of the darkness
squint into splendid sun
let your toes uncurl
your petals unfurl
sensing winter now is done.

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McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Most recently, her stories are featured in Black Hare Press’ drabble anthologies, Hate and Oceans, as well as Dragon Soul Press’ anthology, Reign of Queens, to be published later this year. Her stories and poetry have also been featured in many collections through Dreaming Spirit Press. McKenzie has published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, available on Amazon, as well as a poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way. She is currently working toward a master’s in Library Science.
For more updates, follow her on:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/
Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Originally posted on the site: 20/03/2020

little honeybee, let me witness your dance,
lead me to those pollen-soaked petals.

little honeybee, help me harness the sunshine,
build a mansion of hexagonal gold.

little honeybee, show me how to live,
share the secret of your sugary feast.

little honeybee, teach me to be free,
sprout wings and fly with the winds.

---

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Most recently, her stories are featured in Black Hare Press’ drabble anthologies, Hate and Oceans, as well as Dragon Soul Press’ anthology, Reign of Queens, to be published later this year. Her stories and poetry have also been featured in many collections through Dreaming Spirit Press. McKenzie has published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, available on Amazon, as well as a poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way. She is currently working toward a master’s in Library Science.
For more updates, follow her on:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/
Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Originally posted on the site: 16/03/2020