LSD & Zen by Rue Matthiessen

LSD & Zen by Rue Matthiessen

In 2010, I went with my father to a memorial service at St. Annes, in Bridgehampton. I noticed how confidently he sang the hymns, knowing every cadence, every word. For him they were second nature. I was touched by the quaintness of this. Before, I had only seen him...
The Suitcase by Steve Denehan

The Suitcase by Steve Denehan

At the end of our road was a streambeside the stream ran a paththat became dirt and lonelyif followed we were especially aimlessone dull summer daywalking the pathfurther than we had walked before until we came upon a suitcasesitting in the middle of the pathas though...
Editor’s Swing: Free State Review 15

Editor’s Swing: Free State Review 15

In Youngstown, Ohio, and Austin, Texas, and Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and Wachapreague, VA, and Southwest Harbor, Maine—most places I’ve learned the zip codes to this year— people ask me, “What is totally limited omniscience?” And sure, I could say, an aught band from...
My Cousin Ruth by Marlene Olin

My Cousin Ruth by Marlene Olin

February, 2017.  We’re sitting at a swank, expense account kind of restaurant. I’m in D.C. for the AWP conference and visiting my cousin is an added perk. Since I’m stranded at the downtown Marriott, Ruth has come to me. Once her father worked with mine building...
Katrin Arefy: Reflections

Katrin Arefy: Reflections

Friday, February 11th The piece has a quality of an unfinished work, almost dirty, almost messy, that makes it raw and vulnerable. The unpolished quality brings me closer to the artist. It’s like having a coffee with the master in his pajamas and robe. This strike the...