KALEIDO ZINE

A rusted hinge still swinging
in autumn-crisp wind.
The scent of cedar burned hours past.
Petals pressed between unread pages.
Fingerprints fossilized on the lip
of rose-tinted glasses.
The fading hum of a song that
none recall its tune.
Empty jars, once full of fireflies
and wild cherries.
A breath held too long, caught in silence.
A story cut short mid-verse.

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Claire Kroening is an award-winning writer of picturesque poetry and prose based in the upper midwest, with their works published in a plethora of international literary publications including Young Writers Journal, Indie Earth Books, and New Words Press, among others. When not working on their upcoming chapbooks, they appreciate exploring the coastlines and reading at a local coffee shop. More of their work can be found on Instagram @clairerosek.