Susan Isla Tepper is a twenty-year writer and the author of 11 published books of fiction and poetry and 5 stage plays. She has been nominated 20 times for the Pushcart Prize in both fiction and poetry. Her play ‘Crooked Heart’ concerning artist Jackson Pollock premiered on October 25, 2022 at the Irish Repertory Theatre in NYC. In May of this year it will be featured at ORIGIN THEATRE COMPANY PLAYS IN MAY. Adapted from an earlier novel, it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Another play, LADY IN A POST BOX, co-written with poet and writer Ciaran O’Driscoll is moving toward production in Ireland. Her third play, 28 MARVIN AVENUE is making the rounds. Two new Novels are forthcoming. Susan is a Brand Ambassador for The Galway Review. http://www.susantepper.com

HOMECOMING

I covered you blank
a dark shroud
which your face managed
to shine through.
I put a tin lid over
and out came some silly song.
Then I found a shovel and
piled you in moss
but masses of white flowers
gathered like a homecoming.
Wringing my hands
I walked the halls
gleaming with your grin
across the mirrors.
The sun went down
only to be replaced
by a monster moon.
You might be gone but you
are not about to be denied.

Glenn Bowie is a published poet, lyricist, and photographer from the Boston area. He also owns and operates an elevator company that supplies custom-built elevators for clients from New England to Hollywood. Author of two poetry and photograph collections (Under the Weight of Whispers and Into the Thorns and Honey) on Big Table Publishing, he donates all profits from his books to various charities for the homeless and local animal shelters.