We sat, gazing into choreographed flames

they sparked up high, kissing the darkening air

as we warmed ourselves to its crackling tune

we watched the sun set over the water

one fire rising to the sleep of another

that summer was boundless, an eternity of new

as the hearts in our trunks grew, strengthened, stretched

sometimes branches crack, leaves are shed, limbs fall

but still we stand, three trees in a forest

our branches forever intertwined.

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Recently, her work has been featured in various anthologies through Black Hare Press, Iron Faerie Publishing, Dragon Soul Press, and Eerie River Publishing. She has also published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, as well as poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/

Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

We walked down streets we’d never seen

every turned corner another adventure.

We went through countless well-worn doors

always with a new surprise on the other side.

We rested upon emerald grass

and climbed up endless stairs.

We scaled a hill, a garden, a tower, a castle.

We tackled the world hand-in-hand.

I’m thankful for the summers we’ve had

and for those we have yet to share.

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Recently, her work has been featured in various anthologies through Black Hare Press, Iron Faerie Publishing, Dragon Soul Press, and Eerie River Publishing. She has also published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, as well as poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/

Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

I miss…

… summer days, bikes rides, walking to the park

… board games, writing your name, stop and go along the way

… dance parties, belly laughs, a smile that filled my heart

I miss the time we spent  ̶  laughing and talking and playing

speaking in our own language, for only us to understand

I miss memories I cherish and hold, and those I have forgotten

it’s hard when people grow apart

it was hard turning away from you

I hope the sun still makes you laugh the way it used to do.

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Recently, her work has been featured in various anthologies through Black Hare Press, Iron Faerie Publishing, Dragon Soul Press, and Eerie River Publishing. She has also published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, as well as poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/

Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

The waves the waves the waves the waves

crash against the shore

splash our feet as sand tickles our toes

rooted as we are to this spot.

The waves the waves the waves the waves

can’t free my gaze from the expanse

this seemingly infinite body before us.

My hand finds yours, fingers intertwined,

with you, I could stay here forever,

endlessly standing at the edge of the world.

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Recently, her work has been featured in various anthologies through Black Hare Press, Iron Faerie Publishing, Dragon Soul Press, and Eerie River Publishing. She has also published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, as well as poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/

Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Selected by the editor as a featured submission, December 2020

Flickering flames as you caught fire

dancing too close to the sun

you looked it dead in the eye

laughed at the pain

you’ve known hardship your entire life

feel the heat on your skin

and it’s nothing compared

to all the places you’ve already been

the summer sun settles, night creeping on

you’ve out-danced the sun, little firebird.

McKenzie Richardson lives in Milwaukee, WI. Recently, her work has been featured in various anthologies through Black Hare Press, Iron Faerie Publishing, Dragon Soul Press, and Eerie River Publishing. She has also published a middle-grade novel, Heartstrings, as well as poetry collaboration with Casey Renee Kiser, 433 Lighted Way.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckenzielrichardson/

Blog: http://www.craft-cycle.com

Selected by the editor as a featured submission, September 2021