by Vanessa Blakeslee Since 2008, the year I originally wrote this essay as part of my application for the Gift of Freedom Award, the conversation about the challenges women writers face in […]
Pura Vida, or Reflections on “The Good Life”
“When I Heard About the Gunman”
In light of last night’s shooting at my daughter’s school, this poem reminds me that despite the undertow of fear, peace reigns for us, and for that, I’m grateful. Be safe.“When I […]
In a Black Tank Top
by Danielle DeTeberus, in Rattle #44 Love Poems
The Darker Side of Motherhood
by Marley Andretti I knew I shouldn’t have worked that night. It was so cold and the snow had already accumulated to more than a foot. It was still snowing when […]
Metaphors (a poem)
Metaphors by Sylvia Plath I’m a riddle in nine syllables, An elephant, a ponderous house, A melon strolling on two tendrils. O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers! This loaf’s big with […]
Back to School: Time to Let Go
by Suzannah Gilman Not that long ago, I packed my four children into my mommy-van, making sure everyone was buckled in, prepared for the shopping trip in which […]
September: Labor Day
Work it, Girl! All through September, the Sirens will be singing songs of labor, whether it be childbirth labor, laboring toward artistic goals, or laboring to be the best selves we can […]
Nina and the Snakeslayer
by Wendy Goddard As roommates go, Mark the Stonemason possessed many qualities to recommend him, none more crucial than his being the recipient of my friend Charlotte’s love. Mark could size up […]
August: Dog Days
A Month of Animal Heat All through the month of August, in cicada song and steam, the Gloria Sirens will bring you animal stories, songs, poems, and pictures. We’ll feature summertime with our […]
Observations Brought Back From The Zoo
by Marcia Aldrich Nothing is simple. Nothing is pure. Sorrow folds inside the wings of happiness. And, as Louise Bogan says, “At midnight tears run into your ears.” ••• Late last April, […]
The Gloria Sirens 