Alec Solomita’s fiction has appeared in the Southwest Review, The Mississippi Review, Southword Journal, and The Drum (audio), among other publications. He was shortlisted by the Bridport Prize and Southword Journal. His poetry has appeared in The Ekphrastic Review, Gnashing Teeth Publishing, The Galway Review, Bold + Italic, Litbreak, Subterranean Blue Poetry, The Blue Nib, Red Dirt Forum, and elsewhere. His chapbook, “Do Not Forsake Me,” was published in 2017 and is still available at Finishing Line Press and Amazon. His first full-length book of poetry was published this past April by Kelsay Press. He lives in Massachusetts.

The Songs I’ve Sung

The songs I’ve sung are withered
though traces remain when I sleep
piano cylinder half-notes
dotting a rolling scroll

My first real girl strolling
into the Blue Parrot just
after we split and is it
my heart that springs
into my throat
when I hear her voice?

I nearly faint
before slipping away
then doubling over
in the crowded hallway