Laura Rodley, a Pushcart Prize winner, has been nominated for the prize seven times and has also received five Best of the Net nominations. Her recent works include Turn Left at Normal (published by Big Table Publishing Company), Counter Point (published by Prolific Press), and Ribbons and Moths: Poems for Children (published by Kelsay Books). 

With a talent for capturing the essence of life, Rodley’s writing resonates with readers of all ages. Whether exploring the natural world or delving into human emotions, her words evoke a sense of wonder and connection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PClY8G6HQwk

Dear Hannah

How is it up there in heaven?
Do they have percolated coffee, French Roast?
Do they have chili made from scratch?
It’s a big kitchen—you could be busy for years.
Do they have Nikon cameras and your sharp eye?
Do they have friendships up there that lasted
through moves across country, across states?
Do they have Bloody Marys, your favorite?
Do they have cigarettes that
you can actually smoke?
The last time I saw you, you stood
at your bedroom window, mid-Covid,
and we talked through the screen,
and you said, “Everything’s weird, it’s so weird.”
Everything here is weird without you.
I can’t call when I’m low
and say, “Tell me you love me, Han,”
and you would, and the flickering light cells
in my heart would turn on again,
and you’d tell me about your latest lilies.
Miss you.