by Xiera Younce Digital Xiera Younce is an accomplished illustrator, surface designer, and animator currently completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration. Their artwork features vibrant colors and diverse characters, inviting viewers into imaginative worlds. Passionate about storytelling, Xiera fosters meaningful connections through their creative narratives.
Author Archives: Xiera Younce
Water Belly
by RF I see your arms:tree trunks, deep umber, shell smoothcurved and bulging deltoidswith slender wristswrapped around and close and undera chickenheld with just enough tension to still a ragged wing. The chicken has water belly.We are setting up an impromptu operating tableand I am to be the one to drain herwith my inexperiencedpremedical hands.YouContinue reading “Water Belly”
Hawks Overhead
by Day Gonzalez Courageously fighting with no hope for valor,Honor and death before survival in surrender.I’ve never understood why cowards are called “chickens,”Kings of their domains, every one of them.Cowards they are not, though foolish might fit,Ego and pride often outweighing sense,No chicken I have met has ever died hiding. Day Gonzalez has spent hisContinue reading “Hawks Overhead”
Staying Alive
by Bill Brymer Chickens will survive us.The true cocks of the walk.They’ll set the pecking order.become leaner, craftierversions of their ‘roided brethren.Strutting down our desolate streetslike Travolta in platform shoes.Taking to sagging rooftops,broadcasting the morning prayer. Bill Brymer lives in Louisville, Kentucky. A Pushcart-nominated poet, his work has appeared or is forthcoming in Sheila-Na-Gig Online,Continue reading “Staying Alive”
Booming Grounds
by Chris Mesch “a reputation as poor man’s food for beingcheapand plentifuland servants would sometimes bargain with a new employer to not be given heath hen for food more often thantwoor three days a week.” The greater-prairie chicken,they are boomingat the pasture rose altarof the oak savanna. Fire four roundsand a blank,a blindfolded canbackstopped byContinue reading “Booming Grounds”
Vale Nutmeg
by J K Hughes Nutmeg is almost perfectly round; like she has stalked out of Stardew Valley, a chibi drawing, a Disney movie. Everybody knows what a chicken looks like. A ball of softness and light, her tail like the bustle on a cartoon Victorian lady.But when I pick her up, my fingers disappear intoContinue reading “Vale Nutmeg”
The Nesting Nook
by Xiera Younce Digital Xiera Younce is an accomplished illustrator, surface designer, and animator currently completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration. Their artwork features vibrant colors and diverse characters, inviting viewers into imaginative worlds. Passionate about storytelling, Xiera fosters meaningful connections through their creative narratives.
The Little Red Hen
by Shira Musicant Thelma glares at me, laser-light little eyes. She is a movie reference—my husband thought of that. The other chicken, Louise, had died in the night. It seems Thelma blames me. “Hey, I’m doing this for you,” I say, when I change her water. But she pecks my hand, drawing blood, taking little morselsContinue reading “The Little Red Hen”
The Rooster Next Door
by Dreama Weaver Every day, it starts againA warbled screech, my feathered bane.The sun’s not up, but he sure is,That rooster lives to scream “showbiz!” He crows like he’s announcing doom,And I sincerely hope it’s coming soon.No gentle coo, no pastoral charm,Just full-blown barnyard fire alarm. I’ve counted sheep, I’ve begged and pleaded,But that bird’sContinue reading “The Rooster Next Door”
Rock n Roll Chicken
by Alexis Ashe When I ignite my American spirit,I set the peacocks’ hearts ablaze causeI’m the chick with all thezippers on my jacket,stockings and the white feather stripeI’m the rock n roll chicken Why be some sorrow dovewhen there’s a rockstar on the bird brain?I know, let’s feaston my psychedelic chicken feeduntil the coop’s pinkContinue reading “Rock n Roll Chicken”