The dream starts off with a girl entering a salon to get her makeup done. She is escorted quickly to a station. And having seated herself, the makeup artist proceeds with the makeover. He starts off with several coats of foundation – a couple shades lighter on her already, pallid face. Next, he presses white face powder to give her a caked look. He then applies heaps of blush – thick, bright pink on the apples of her cheeks. While he puts red lipstick on her plump lips, she started to look at everyone around her. She grew envious seeing them all look beautiful. But he was not quite done yet. He holds the corners of her mouth, and with a needle and thread, stitches a permanent smile on her face. To her horror, the man was turning her into clown. But it was too late. — A Series of Weird Dreams, part V

They cut off your wings Flightless, not hopeless, not dead You learned how to walk

— Wayfarer | d.m.l.r.

You will taste love – the beautiful, forbidden fruit. But to taste does not mean to eat. You chew but you do not swallow. It will settle on your tongue and rest in between your teeth, but you do not devour. So you take a bite knowing it is poisoned. You survive by choking on it. — Lessons from Snow White | d.m.l.r.

Bonifacio Global City

What My First Year of University Taught Me

• I am not as smart as I think I am. • As opposed to freshmen 15, the idea that first year students will experience a supposed weight gain of 15 pounds, freshmen –15 is also real. • 200 dollar textbooks aren’t worth it 90% of the time. • Sometimes success rate depends on the professor. This is why Rate My Professors exists. • I learned how to appreciate home-cooked meals. • Sleep is my best friend. • Ironically, coffee is also my best friend.

I’ve met men like you before Men like you come with a tireless rage, A toolbox with only a hammer inside, Breaking my walls to get in Men like you are built with calloused hands That won’t fix these cracked foundations Men like you have eyes The shade of apathy, Staring at the shambles – The veneer peeling, The ceiling collapsing Men like you are quiet, Skilled in the art of abandonment, Of leaving without making a sound Even with the floorboards creaking I’ve loved men like you before Men that don’t knock, Men that don’t stay, Men that linger long enough Until the house of my heart falls apart I’ve learned to anticipate All men to be the same So I leave the door open Knowing a man like you will come and go Again — Men Like You | d.m.l.r.

Your tongue likes playing fire Your teeth – crushed glass, Burn like light bulbs And my mouth was the eager moth That flew too close — Chasing Light and Catching Fire | d.m.l.r.

Ten Word Story | d.m.l.r.

Town fair

How do I say “I want to punch you in the face” poetically? • These knuckles have been meaning to kiss your face hard. • My fist, like billows, will break the shores of your face. • Oh, how I wish to deliver a violent smite to thy visage!

I The first time we held hands, We tore open the sidewalks And the first time we prayed, The church caught fire When we said "Amen" We don't apologize, we never do We say we never meant to II "It's raining," I say And you call it a blessing But I looked up And empty, empty, empty was the sky III Right now, I'm not quite sure Of angels anymore If there were any of them I think we slew one Each time we kissed IV All I know is that Hell was underneath where we stood You held my hand Kissed it tenfold and said, "One day, hell will leave us" — Angels and Demons | d.m.l.r.

Most girls go for bathroom breaks in groups, and my friends and I were no different. Even in my dream, where I was suddenly back in high school, we took our time chatting and prepping ourselves. But in the midst of our conversation, we suddenly noticed that at the very last stall, with water running from the shower head, was a figure in white. My friends kept pointing at it, but I dared not look, afraid that my dream will suddenly turn into a nightmare. They informed one of the teachers, who happened to be right outside. The teacher bravely entered the washroom. And moments later, she exited with two boys with plain white shirts over their heads. Apparently, they were there for a booty call. — A Series of Weird Dreams, part IV

Even Icarus knew this: To kiss the sky was not enough With lips like feathered wings Smeared with wax I will fly and fall Over and over Just to hover across Your mouth like the sun — Mouth Like the Sun | d.m.l.r.

Quick sketch of Allison Harvard

Ten Word Story | d.m.l.r.

Prairie 360

I had a dream about walking along a seaside deck. The sun was setting over the cityscape and I could see its pink-hued reflection over the clear waters. But high up in the sky was a cloud formation I have never seen before – thin, wispy disc-shaped clouds piled on top of each other. A tree stood at the very core with branches spread out. I kept walking and found that at the end of the long, wooden walkway was a portal of some sort. It was shaped like an orb, glowing bright yellow with streaks of orange and red. I stepped inside the portal and was transferred to the island in the clouds. It was foggy, but I could see how the seemingly cedar tree towered, piercing the upper floors that they looked like rings of cloud. An array flowers, shrubs and evergreen plants adorned every floor. Everything else around me was nothing but a sea of clouds. It reminded me of the Garden of Eden – it was like paradise. My dazed and dreamy self even thought, “Was I in heaven?” — A Series of Weird Dreams, part III