Tobi Cogswell Our apologies linger unspoken and large, I no longer remember the origin of hurt. Please tell me which is the way to forgiveness? I look out the window, I say “Tree, tell me a secret”. I am half-poised on the brink of treasure and don’t know which way to turn. Water rushes across slate, carpeting the stones, the colors winking and sly. Empty is the negative space between joy and song and I feel safe there, but inside the...

Tobi Cogswell She dreams name tags. White tights, and blue harlequin glasses like the bridge ladies, but she’s your daughter. She turns sideways, disappears in department store windows. She can’t even say her name. Her stories become your stories, you cut yourself, she bleeds. 27 cents you won on Tuesday up the ante, copper to gold. Let her learn to pass a mirror, not want to smash her fist, make a mosaic, her shattered face. Tobi...

Tobi Cogswell Pomegranate and pale green leaves shimmer their bean shapes on the brick wall, anchored by ancient stems twisted like rage. They beat out an endless message of “look at me” and true, it is impossible to look away. Other leaves broad, webbed, open palms in mid-slap shiver on each side of the road. The fanned branches capture an engaging light, an easing of the sun into its horizon. All the miracles that haven’t healed...