By Jonathan Koven
swallow these pains
unconscious
beautiful
creation . . .
brain to foam
obsidian listener
the sob resets
dew reflow
petaled conjoining
sap red
sap red
sap red!
vapid groan!
stupid sun spiral!
blading quick
before calamity
leak red
as grief rouses
palest filter . . .
core fantastic
scarlet
out
the heart riverbed
before no color remains
Jonathan Koven grew up on Long Island, NY, embraced by tree-speak, tide’s rush, and the love and support of his family. He holds a BA in Literature, and Creative Writing from American University, works as a technical writer and is Toho Journal’s head fiction editor and workshop coordinator. He lives in Philadelphia with his best friend and future wife Delana and cats Peanut Butter and Keebler. Credits include Lindenwood Review, Night Picnic, Iris Literary, and more. His debut chapbook Palm Lines is available from Toho Publishing. His award-winning novella Below Torrential Hill is expected winter 2021 from Electric Eclectic.
