Ruining the fun again With my nervous expression A smile that isn’t quite convincing Stifling the chemicals rushing around Coursing through my body Telling me I’m in danger I know I’m not in danger; I am safe But my brain betrays me Preparing for a battle Or the run of my life This fight is getting old Amy Shankle is based in Bakersfield, California. She is currently studying English and works as a freelance copyeditor. She regularly writes poetry surrounding her own

An art exhibit where the A stands for art. And that's all it ever stood for, all it ever will. Stake your claim under the vast, endless skies, show the world your prowess before untimely death. I would not ask for that which you could not provide; I merely wish to see. Work your fingers raw and bloody, commit charts of chemicals to the crust of your corneas, act until acting is more real than not, sing until talking is impossible, and burn planets of pages to your eyelids;