Mayari Literature Volume 2, Special Issue ii: #sixwordlovestories
21 February 2025-27 February 2025, Part III
“Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.” - Louis de Bernières
I only am, because you are. - Cozzy Coz
His name is Cozzy Coz. He's 50 years young from Allentown's School of Hard Knocks. He's been writing since age 14.
Daydreaming? Useless. Apply “Stealth Mode” smile. - Diane Murray Ward
Diane Murray Ward: My “brains” caught attention which someone claimed “mind-blowing” though betrayed their intent by his lowered side-swinging gaze because my brains are still located above my neck! He “racked” another potential-date-candidate erasure in my undergrad Little White Book. I knew that “even liking” requires a cogent IQ and unmeasurable attributes!
Planted one kiss on left eyebrow. - Rebeca Lois Lucret
Rebeca Lois Lucret is a Puerto Rican-Cuban poet, playwright, and performer who calls New York City home. Her writing is a heartfelt celebration of her Afro-Latino heritage, weaving culture and personal experiences into narratives that deeply connect with readers and audiences alike. Rebeca’s work has been published in Contemporary Haibun Online (CHO), The Abuela Stories Project Anthology, and Brilliant Flame! Amiri Baraka: Poems, Plays, Politics for the People Anthology. For more information visit rebecaloislucret.com.
Poetry rose and broke oppressive spells. - Danielle (Dee) Stelluto
Danielle “Poetical Dee” Stelluto (she/they) is a womanist, writer, and audio engineer based in the Bronx. A proud single mother of two, Dee is of Boricua and Italian descent, identifying as a lesbian and a multidimensional being. They earned an AAS degree in Digital Music Engineering from Hostos Community College and were recognized as a 2022 Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) awardee for their nonfiction book in progress. Their work has been awarded and supported by the Bronx Council on the Arts and the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!).
love’s eviction notice, divorce petition served - Joseph A. Farina
Joseph A. Farina is a retired lawyer hoping he still hasn't lost his appeal while writing his poetry in the winter of his years.
Lusting was not enough for happiness. - Jennifer M. Garnatz
Jennifer M. Garnatz is a Jamaican poet who grew up in a multiracial environment, thus befriending people of all races, ages, nationalities, spiritual beliefs. Her writings are inspired by diverse happenings in the world, personal experiences, photos, words read or heard. Her heart feels pain whenever she sees elderly & child beggars.
You’re the ocean to my shore - Marianne Tefft
Marianne Tefft is a poet who has never met a box of chocolates, a dozen roses or the sender of either that she didn’t love! (Okay, appreciate, a lot!)
Even in distance, love is near. - Alexis Garcia (Vexed Lex)
Alexis Garcia (Vexed Lex) is a queer Hispanic writer from East Harlem, NY. Her debut poetry book is titled, Ask Me Again in Six Months.
He slipped away holding my hand. - Louise Moises
Louise Moises writes poems in her mind while driving cross country with her cat in her 23-foot RV. Sometimes she remembers them when she has a pen in hand. She thinks her cat writes poems, too.
You devoured my heart.
Thank you.
- Bryan FrancoBryan Franco is a neurodivergent, gay, Jewish poet from Brunswick Maine who believes every day should be poetry day because poetry is a gift that keeps on giving. Because once a poem is released into the ether and breathed in, it might go places its poet never expected.
smile-wrinkled hands on a girlfriend’s shoulder - Lynda V. E. Crawford
Lynda V. E. Crawford writes to sneak behind eyes, blow through years, and stretch voices.
He set her free and followed. - klipschutz
klipschutz is the author of The Erection of Scaffolding for the Re-Painting of Heaven by the Lowest Bidder and other volumes. He has co-written over 100 songs released by international recording artist Chuck Prophet, including 8 on Prophet’s 2024 disc Wake the Dead.
the wives had found love together. - linda m. crate
Linda M. Crate (she/her) is a Pennsylvanian writer who has been widely published. She has twelve published chapbooks the latest being: Searching Stained Glass Windows For An Answer (Alien Buddha Publishing, December 2022).
Wonderful love bites!
I love Lynda's and klipschutz's this time around. Thank you!