![]() Fearless Finn by Mike Cooney |
![]() Flux Lines by John C Mannone |
![]() Three Pounds of Cells by Oonah V Joslin |
![]() Nine Romantic Stories by Carla Serett |
![]() John Saunders |
![]() Colm Scully |
![]() Larry Thomas |
![]() Bruce Harris Collection |
![]() The Linnet's Wings Contributors |
![]() The Linnet's Wings Contributors |
![]() The Linnet's Wings Contributors |
![]() The Linnet's Wings Magazine |
![]() Howie Good |
![]() Charlie Britten |
![]() Peter Taylor |
Perspective by Jim Hatfield Enrico Zoff, gardener to Pablo Picasso, brushed earth from his apron and, as bidden, entered his employer’s studio. The great man swung an arm over work worth millions. Tell me, Enrico, please, what do you think of these? The Italian put on his spectacles and peered at a canvas on the wall. Eyes able to shape and size a garden at a glance could see no form at all. Pardon my ignorance, Signor, but what is it I am looking for? It is a woman Zoff! The old man looked again, eyes straining, glasses off. A woman you say? A woman! I see women that way. The gardener fiddled with his hat. And that? A horse, Picasso sighed. That is how you see a horse? Of course! his boss replied. Signor Picasso, forgive me. The old man gently shook his head. with eyesight as bad as yours, why do you paint at all? He said. |
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"On His Toes" is a beautifully written reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the dangers of romanticizing or idealizing a partner based on limited interactions or shared activities. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and attraction, the importance of communication and shared values in building a lasting relationship, and the role of personal growth and self-awareness in navigating the challenges of intimacy. |
"A Shadow of Doubt" by Mary Jo Breen unfolds in a tender yet poignant exploration of aging, memory, and the thin line between the past and present. The story introduces us to Mrs. Taylor, an elderly woman grappling with the pains of aging and the haunting presence of a ghost she believes visits her at dawn. The ghost, with its "smug smile," seems to torment her with its silent presence, raising questions about the unresolved issues or memories Mrs. Taylor might be struggling with. |
"Water" by Ian Butterworth Water is not just a story about dying; it's a profound reflection on the complexities of human emotion, the tangled relationships that define us, and the quest for peace and love in the face of the inevitable. It invites readers to contemplate the depths of their own psyche and the nature of their relationships, making it a compelling piece for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the human condition, |
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Archie's adventures and misadventures, from his initial quest for a dime to his interactions with various characters in his community, reveal a society where children are forced to mature quickly, facing realities that test their ingenuity and moral compass. |
"Explore Artist at Work" by William Reese Hamilton, a gripping tale of love, art, and transformation. Dive into a complex relationship set against a backdrop of urban decay, where art becomes a metaphor for connection and self-discovery. A narrative rich in emotion and psychological depth. |
"Epic" serves as a meditation on the nature of creativity, the solitude often required for profound thought and work, and the complex relationship between an artist and the society that surrounds them |
"Gemini in Twilight" by Galen R.Faison weaves a poignant narrative that navigates through the realms of family legacy, the resilience born out of struggle, and the indelible marks left by our ancestors |
"Kindred" invites reflection on how closely tied we are to the whims of fate, the shared vulnerability of all human beings to sudden change, and the profound impact of loss. It is a meditation on the connections between us, sometimes forged in the most tragic of circumstances, and the indelible marks left on the living by those who depart unexpectedly. |
The poem "Fantastically Raw With Hatred" by April Michelle Bratten is a powerful exploration of anger and its cathartic release. Through vivid imagery and intense emotional language, Bratten delves into the complex nature of anger, not merely as an emotion to be feared or suppressed but as a force that can be both destructive and purifying. |
Gemma Meek has crafted a deeply moving and resonant work that invites readers to reflect on themes of visibility, identity, and the longing for change and recognition. Its a powerful reminder of the unseen struggles that many face and the profound impact of family dynamics on individual lives. |
Voices against Silence |
Climate Change Through the Eye of the Beholder |
"Reverance" by Nonnie Augustine is a vivid and evocative piece of writing, rich in imagery and sensory detail. Augustine's language is both lyrical and gritty, painting a vivid picture of the scene and characters. |
Here in Augustines' "Hogheads and Tricks" a person grapples with the passage of time, lost creativity, and a desire to escape or confront the mundane realities of life, possibly looking for new experiences or inspirations to reignite their lost spark. |
Heavisides' work, as exemplified in this piece, showcases a talent for blending the profound with the practical, infusing traditional narratives with modern sensibilities and concerns. |
![]() Book One: High Hedges |
![]() Book Two: Indigo |
![]() The Crafts |
![]() Spring |
![]() Summer |
![]() Autumn |
![]() Winter |
Oonah V. Joslin's tankas offer our readers a poetic glimpses into love, nature, and life's fleeting moments. Each verse weaves emotions and memories, revealing the beauty in the mundane and the eternal dance of change. Dive into a world where words paint lasting impressions on the heart and mind. |
"Very Warm for March" beautifully intertwines the awakening of the natural world with the awakening of human desires and connections. Blossom's use of imagery and intimate details creates a piece that resonates with the joy of early spring and the timeless nature of love. |
The poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of sibling relationships, the process of mourning, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. Through its exploration of these themes, "Red Rewind" speaks to the universal experience of grappling with the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition. |
Dark Snow by Linda Shok is a narrative that seems to revel in contrasts: the tangible with the abstract, the domestic with the natural, and the intimate with the expansive. The prose is rich with metaphor and imagery, suggesting a deep undercurrent of emotion and longing beneath the surface of everyday actions. |
The Linnet's Wings website contains a collection of literary and artistic works, including poetry, short stories, and translations. It features works from various authors and poets, with a diversity of themes and styles. The collection showcases a mix of contemporary and historical pieces, reflecting a wide range of emotions and experiences. Each work offers a unique perspective, contributing to the overall richness of the compilation. This archive is work in progress
The first duty of a man is to think for himself
![]() Archive in Progress, Winter 2014 |
A Charging Tree for Birds
#thelinnetswings
Modern democracies will face difficult new challenges--fighting terrorism, adjusting to globalization, adapting to an aging society--and they will have to make their system work much better than it currently does. That means making democratic decision-making effective, reintegrating constitutional liberalism into the practice of democracy, rebuilding broken political institutions and civic associations. Perhaps most difficult of all, it requires that those with immense power in our societies embrace their responsibilities, lead, and set standards that are not only legal, but moral. Without this inner stuffing, democracy will become an empty shell, not simply inadequate but potentially dangerous, bringing with it the erosion of liberty, the manipulation of freedom, and the decay of a common life.
FAREED ZAKARIA, The Future of Freedom
The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose.
Press conference, Feb. 9, 2009
Columibade by Jane Burn is a vivid and evocative poem exploring themes of purity, sacrifice, and the natural world. The poet portrays the birds as burnt offerings, their shoulders dusted with ash, symbolizing purity and the human desire for cleanliness. The imagery of magicians, snowy feathers, and scarlet yarn highlights the contrast between perceived purity and the harsh reality of life. The poem delves into the coexistence of pigeons and humans, emphasizing the pigeons resilience and their larger, faster-beating hearts. It touches on spiritual themes, referencing the dove as a symbol of innocence and divine connection. The poem concludes with a reflection on human limitations and the enduring purity of birds.
Robin Flower was born at Meanwood in Yorkshire, and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Pembroke College, Oxford.
He worked from 1929 as Deputy Keeper of Manuscripts in the British Museum and, completing the work of Standish Hayes O'Grady, compiled a catalogue of the Irish manuscripts there.
The Scholar and His Cat, Pangur Ban
In "There Were Balloons" by Cathy S. Ulrich, a child's experience at an old woman's funeral is poignantly depicted through his innocent perspective. Balloons, usually symbols of joy, ascend like colorful punctuation marks in the sky, released by a grandly fat man. The child, uncomfortable in his formal attire, recalls the old woman's dry kisses and butterscotch candies, and moments like watching a kitten or listening to his mother play the piano at her house. As the balloons disappear, one yellow balloon remains caught in a tree, mirroring the child's confusion about the event, which he mistook for a party.
There Were Balloons by Cathy S Ulrich
Come Back Out
by Michael McGlade
In "Come Back Out" by Michael McGlade, Cathal spends a summer assisting his aging father, Da, in laborious farm work in rural Ireland, forming a rich tapestry of familial legacy and folklore. As they excavate a drainage trench, their dialogue weaves through Irish myths and personal histories, reflecting on life's transitions. Amidst the physical labor, Cathal uncovers artifacts of his past, each a poignant reminder of the layers that form one’s identity. Their work not only reshapes the land but also their relationship, culminating in a profound and unexpected conclusion.
Based on how frequently she saw the stork and heard the bird’s clacking beak, the hare knew she was kilometres ahead of the tortoise. Comforted by this, she stopped to graze at a particularly emerald patch of nettles and dandelions. The run had famished her, but the hare did not want to eat her fill at the banquet. Not in front of the other animals.
“The victor must be genteel," she told herself.
The hare ate. The afternoon sun wallowed in the soft light on her calico coat and in the brilliancy of the tender leaves. The hare thought about how she had arrived at this life juncture. “What am I doing in this race? If I win, I look like a bully. If I lose, I look like a liar and a slowpoke, slower than a tortoise! If only I’d kept my mouth shut…nothing gained, all lost. The tortoise did insult me! But only after I made fun of him."
The hare nibbled on another rumination.
“Will a lion be at the feast? Did the fox invite lions? Or wolves? Great. Win or lose, I still lose. Why go on? Maybe if I’d thought, I could stay here and munch quietly in this lovely spot." She did just that, for a moment.
Knotted Fables by John P. Bourgeois
by Ian Butterworth
We live, my Grandfather and I, in a large grey house, past which the buses rattle late into the night. There is an armchair, matching the dull red curtains, positioned so the old man can look into the street. Medical equipment waits in the dusty shadows cast by the tall lamp. The light is dim. I wipe a damp flannel over his chest; push aside his tiny penis, avoiding his eyes as I do so. His skin is the colour of mushrooms. I fear bruising him, as if my fingers will mark his flesh. The nurse left a plastic sheet to place under him as he bathes, but I cannot treat him as if he is a child.
A sweet biscuit leans, damp in the saucer of his lukewarm tea.
Without the thick lenses of his ridiculous glasses, now folded by his chair, his eyes are yellow and blank. Without his clothes, once impeccably creased, he has faded away. I love him. In my childhood he held me when my father would not. Through my divorce, he refused to judge, though all else knew that the fault was mine. He took me in, when my wife and children left. He taught me to pray, though I was a man.
A haunting reminder of how past conflicts shape our present, an eternal waltz between history and the now as a young woman twirls with the ghost of a WW1 pilot!
Study: Mixed Media Oil, Mari 2016
A Book of War Poems, Essay and Art from The Linnet's Wings
In "Once They're Gone, They Keep Going" by Mir-Yashar Seyedbagheri, the narrator reflects on life with his mother, Sylvia Drew, an English teacher with fiery red hair and a turbulent past. Living in a small apartment near the steel mills, Sylvia and her son Mattie navigate a world of broken dreams and fleeting ambitions. Sylvia, a once-aspiring actress from a family of lawyers, wrestles with the constraints of her life and the absence of Mattie's father, a labor leader with a mysterious departure. The story explores themes of loss, identity, and the longing for something beyond the confines of a constrained existence.
Vox explores a steadfast refusal to conform, with a protagonist wielding negation as affirmation. Amidst ancient calls of war and the incessant demands of society, they choose a path of resistance, finding strength in the relentless seas that surround and define them. Each plea and confrontation sharpens their resolve, as they navigate through exile, identity, and the echoes of their defiance.
The Path of the Pollinator
In the garden, the early summer sun nudged the bee awake. It emerged from its honeycomb as its fuzzy body, a tapestry of black and gold, launched itself into the day.
The air was thick with the sweet scent of honeysuckle as sunlight streamed through a canopy of leaves to dapple the flower beds in a mosaic of light and shadow. The scent hung with the promise of good weather as dewdrops, like scattered diamonds, clung with a fierce tenacity to the blades of grass, sparkling like miniature suns.
The Path of the Pollinator by Mari Fitzpatrick
Voices against Silence |
Climate Change Through the Eye of the Beholder |
Among Women