IN

THE DEVIL’S HOUR

I

STAND AMONG THE STONES ALONE

by Dr. Mel Waldman

In

the Devil’s Hour, I stand among the stones alone, with the dead

Mother

Father

gone

so long ago, Yesterday, far away & now, forever here

trapped in the madness of a fractured Mind’s Eye

asleep

in my broken brain cells, & awakening suddenly & strangely

to speak to me & disappear again, coming & going & never

saying goodbye

Why? I do not know.

In

the eerie desolation of the Devil’s Hour, I stand among the

stones alone, with the dead

Mother

Father

in

the cemetery of my mind, waiting for them to speak to me again

if

they can find me in the invisible universe across the unfathomable

chasm

if

I can find them among the weeping stones of mourning pressed

against my wounded soul, blessed, however, by the Without End

with everlasting love in the holy cosmos 

Dr. Mel Waldman is a psychologist, poet, and writer whose stories have appeared in numerous magazines including HARDBOILED DETECTIVE, ESPIONAGE, THE SAINT, PULP METAL MAGAZINE, and AUDIENCE. His poems have been widely published in magazines and books including A NEW ULSTER, CLOCKWISE CAT, CRAB FAT LITERARY MAGAZINE, ESKIMO PIE, INDIANA VOICE JOURNAL, LIQUID IMAGINATION, THE BROOKLYN LITERARY REVIEW, BRICKPLIGHT, SKIVE MAGAZINE, ODDBALL MAGAZINE, PABLO LENNIS, POETRY PACIFIC, POETICA, RED FEZ, SQUAWK BACK, SWEET ANNIE & SWEET PEA REVIEW, THE JEWISH LITERARY JOURNAL, THE JEWISH PRESS, THE JERUSALEM POST, HOTMETAL PRESS, MAD SWIRL, HAGGARD & HALLOO, ASCENT ASPIRATIONS, YELLOW MAMA, THE BITCHIN’ KITSCH,  SOUL-LIT, TWO DROPS OF INK, and NAMASTE FIJI: THE INTERNATIONAL ANTHOLOGY OF POETRY.  A past winner of the literary GRADIVA AWARD in Psychoanalysis, he was nominated for a PUSHCART PRIZE in literature and is the author of 11 books.

Katherine Sikes is a talented mixed media collage artist known for her unique approach to combining heavy body acrylics and photographic transfers with texture mediums like Venetian plaster. Her work often incorporates floral and natural elements, creating visually rich pieces that invite viewers to explore the depth of her artistic vision.

Born in central Massachusetts, Katherine's artistic journey has taken her to Rhode Island, where she continues to create and exhibit her work. She has showcased her art in various galleries throughout South County, RI, and New Bedford, MA, earning recognition for her innovative techniques and captivating designs.

Katherine’s passion for art extends beyond personal projects; she has completed numerous commissions for friends and relatives across the globe, sharing her artistic spirit and connecting with communities far and wide. With each piece, she brings a distinctive blend of nature and texture, offering a glimpse into her creative world. Through her art, Katherine Sikes not only expresses her individual style but also invites others to appreciate the beauty found in everyday elements.