Table of Contents for Stone Soup

A young person takes advantage of their mother's illness to occupy the kitchen, wearing her apron like armor, and cooks with passion and care, hoping to surprise her with a homemade pizza.

The poem explores the theme of depression as a misunderstood and invisible struggle, where the speaker feels isolated and judged despite appearing to have a perfect life to others.

A tense moment sparks reflection on friendship, highlighting how friends shape each other like ocean waves on a cliff, and how they navigate through trouble together, ultimately finding resolution and shared understanding.

Two next-door neighbors, who have been friends since childhood, share a quiet afternoon together, reminiscing about past experiences and enjoying each other's company on a windy spring day in California.

Tallulah struggles with moving to a bigger house, leaving behind her friends and familiar home. Despite initial reluctance, she begins to enjoy her new surroundings and meets new friends, finding comfort in family and familiar.

Lily reflects on her journey to the dance nationals, recalling the struggles and triumphs her team faced, from a disappointing regional performance to their ultimate victory at nationals, fueled by determination and support from her.

Olivia Judertt, determined to bring color to her gray town, buys mysterious "flowers that live forever" despite skepticism. She plants them, sparking conflict with her parents and the mayor, but ultimately transforms the town into.

Spring symbolizes new life and beginnings, offering hope and renewal after winter's challenges, as seen in nature's rebirth and human experiences of growth and transformation through difficult times.

A young hiker, Peri Gordon, narrowly avoids a rattlesnake during a family hike, thanks to a warning from another family, transforming a potentially disastrous moment into a cautionary tale of gratitude and safety.

A narrator, spooked by a strange noise while reading in a fort, hides under covers, then cautiously investigates, finding nothing, attributing the sound to the wind before falling asleep.

The writer recounts the difficult day of euthanizing her pet rat, Cody, who had tumors and an infection. Memories of Cody's life and antics are shared, highlighting the emotional struggle of losing a beloved pet.

In a whimsical world, objects come to life when humans sleep, transforming into a lively disco scene. They dance, gossip, and snack until the morning, when they return to their inanimate states.

The poem explores the natural world through vivid imagery, capturing the interaction of elements like rain, shadows, and wind with the environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and its creatures.

City girl Luxi Carbonelli, drawn to Oakwood’s wild forest, befriends magical animals and the Great Brown Bear, who reveals Oakwood’s hidden wonders and time-bending secrets; after a decade of research, Luxi vows to protect the.

A poignant reflection on life, loss, and memory, where a memorial tree symbolizes the passage of time and the complexities of human existence, contrasting expected life paths with reality's unpredictability.

Adventurers approach a mountain giant, riding metal lions, and enter its mouth, where they face darkness, guided only by lightsabers, as the mouth closes behind them, trapping them in an eerie, saliva-drenched environment.

A young girl's journey to the Ecuadorian jungle prompts her to reflect on the comforts and challenges of her life in the U.S. compared to the simplicity and struggles of indigenous communities.

The poem describes a serene swan gliding across a lake, its tranquility spreading throughout the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encompasses everything.

Lotus, an aspiring painter, hopes her latest work will bring her fame. However, her life is marred by financial struggles and a strained relationship with her husband, Joe. Her painting is bought by Kopil, a.

A family's magical camping trip to Yellowstone is filled with adventure and imagination, as they explore the park's natural wonders and create their own world amidst the beauty of nature and the thrill of discovery.

Orson, feeling lost and disconnected, decides to run away from his family's latest temporary home in New York City. He escapes via the fire escape and embarks on a journey to find a new life,.

The poem describes the moon as cold and beautiful, glowing in darkness, abandoned by all, evoking a sense of isolation and loneliness, with imagery that contrasts beauty with desolation and abandonment.

An alien from Watercolors dreams of becoming an explorer but finds his planet too well-explored. He decides to explore Earth instead, builds a spaceship, and embarks on a journey, facing challenges like language barriers and.

As dawn breaks, the world awakens with a quiet joy: the sky ignites in color, gentle light filters through homes, birds sing, and families gather for breakfast, their laughter and aromas mingling in the morning.

The issue explores themes of finding one's place in the world, reflecting on displacement and identity through both written works and imaginative art pieces, which evoke emotions and thoughts in the viewer.

A narrative unfolds as a character awakens, walks through a dewy forest, feeling the chill of morning mist and dew, and experiences the cold as they return home, likening it to winter's chill.

A child’s earliest memory centers on the warmth and comfort of being held by their mother, recalling feelings of love and happiness, and the sense of security experienced during a cherished, formative moment.

On her birthday, Cinka’s wish for a puppy comes true in a magical way: her drawings come to life, including a puppy and even a copy of herself. Together, they seek help from a fairy.

Asher recounts his difficult experiences in school, facing bullying and a lack of support from his school. He eventually finds a better environment after switching schools, where he makes supportive friends and has positive teachers.

Rosin, a curious girl from a struggling family, discovers hidden money and paper in an old house, inspiring her to create her own newspaper, Sully Times, and ultimately finds friendship and purpose at school.

A person stands in their room, overwhelmed by a feeling of impending doom, reflecting on life's path while folding clothes, exhausted and uncertain about the future's outcome.

Elenora faces intense anxiety as she prepares to kick in a game of kickball, fearing her classmates' reactions and reflecting on her life and relationships with her family.

The poem describes a moment of anxiety alleviated by the simple act of making and sipping green tea, highlighting the calming effects and the return to a state of simplicity and peace.

The narrator, a young girl, struggles to adjust after moving back to New York from Chile, facing challenges in school due to language barriers and cultural differences. She finds solace in a story about a.

Dawn, a fifth-grader, struggles for years to answer her second-grade teacher’s question about her future, haunted by it after Ms. Lavender’s sudden death, until she finds solace in a simple, meaningful answer.

The poem explores the changing moods of a week, from happiness on Sundays to various emotions like tiredness, depression, and relief on other days, reflecting the ups and downs of a student's life.

A student reflects on their favorite English teacher, Mr. McGraw, who inspired creativity and freedom in learning, allowing exploration of literature and personal writing styles, impacting their life positively.

The narrator recounts a lifelong aversion to physical activities, contrasting with their sister's natural aptitude. They eventually learn to ride a bike, overcoming fears and finding joy in the process, marking a significant personal milestone.

A serene watercolor scene features a lighthouse with a boat on the horizon, set against a rainbow sky. The boat moves gently with the waves, creating a peaceful and hypnotic atmosphere, complemented by a stray.

The content reflects on human nature, highlighting people's tendency to believe they are always right, while often being closed to new ideas and acknowledging collective stupidity.

The narrative describes a sweltering summer day filled with frustration and despair, as the protagonist struggles with a malfunctioning gas pump and reflects on personal losses and family dynamics amidst the oppressive heat.

Westway Primary School's children are busy and active, but when Mike goes missing, the school panics. A search party follows clues to a haunted palace and eventually finds Mike in the Stone Age via a.

The content combines imagery of ancient Egypt with poetic references to the sun, moon, and cells, creating a dreamlike narrative that juxtaposes historical and scientific elements with imaginative storytelling.

The poem explores the mind's activity and silence, memory, and the emergence of "mind music," which prompts humming, suggesting a connection between mental states and musical expression.

A young girl reflects on her life with two dads, highlighting their love, support, and presence in her life from birth. They encourage her passions and help her navigate challenges like bullying and identity.

The pandemic brought families closer, with increased time together fostering unique experiences and reflections on family dynamics, both positive and negative, highlighting the central role of parents in personal narratives.

A poignant narrative unfolds with vivid imagery, exploring themes of loss, isolation, and the human condition through fragmented scenes and emotional reflections.

A tree's life cycle is marked by challenges and resilience, from germination to maturity, facing storms, fires, droughts, and human activities, yet finding moments of peace and purpose amidst adversity and eventual decline.

Plastic, more enduring than ancient monuments, pervades our world as a shapeshifting, chemical-laden material, contaminating waterways and soil, threatening life, and symbolizing humanity’s self-destructive relationship with the environment.

The story recounts the life of the narrator's great-grandfather, a successful businessman in Changchun, China, who built a prosperous business selling fresh products and land management. His wife managed the land and houses, but their.

Claire reflects on her name’s Latin and French roots, meaning “clear,” and its many variants like Clara and Clare. She struggles with confusion and teasing at school, wishing for a unique identity. Inspired by a.

A personal reflection on the profound impact of art and music in life, detailing the joy of creative freedom, the journey of learning piano, and the deep connection to a cherished instrument, highlighting self-expression and.

A young writer reflects on the obligation to act against climate change, despite feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, and plans future environmental actions like recycling and working in environmental research.

A poem explores the concept of time through the perspective of a clock, highlighting its endless nature and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst life's transitions and promises.

A child reflects on their grandmother's passing, contrasting memories of her kindness with the reality of her illness and eventual death, leading to a profound understanding of loss and memory.

A young girl presses her face to a window, blowing circles of air and drawing her name in vapor, observing blurred reflections and her own shadow cast on the lawn, capturing fleeting moments of introspection.

The passage describes a word game where players use letter tiles to form words, observing how many words can be created from random letters, though the words seem meaningless in the context of the game.

After Earth becomes uninhabitable, humanity flees to Mars, but two teens—Jayson and Kira—are accidentally left behind. Living alone for years, they eventually find each other, forming a deep bond and daring to hope there may.

A mountain journey unfolds with sensory details: trees, pine scent, rain, and steam evoke calm. The experience blends natural beauty, seasonal change, and the joy of movement on slopes and gondola.

A summer spent at a rural Chinese camp in Liangshan, Sichuan, taught the narrator about gratitude and appreciation for life's privileges. The camp, BLOOM, aimed to provide educational opportunities to local children, fostering cultural exchange.

A foggy bus ride home triggers a dreamy state, where the narrator reflects on a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, focusing on Islamic art's swirling arabesques, which evoke vivid imagery and inspire.

Ruby, a red wolf, gets separated from her pack and must find a new one to survive. She encounters humans and a drone, faces danger, and eventually meets Ash, who leads her to a welcoming.

The poem challenges stereotypes about Muslims, emphasizing that they are not terrorists and that Islam teaches peace and love. It highlights the beauty of Muslim communities and the importance of understanding and acceptance.

The magazine features winners of the Personal Narrative Contest, showcasing narrative nonfiction's literary depth through poignant stories like "Locked Out of Kindergarten" and "Gratitude," highlighting its beauty and interest.

A circus transforms into chaos as performers morph into animals and objects, only to return to normal the next day, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the circus world.

At ten, I stayed in an old Upper West Side hotel, surrounded by dusty paintings and my father’s warnings. I watched parents at a French bistro, sensing their mix of anxiety and hope as graduates.

The poem explores the paradoxical nature of a person who is both a friend and an enemy, standing in a corridor with a mix of peaceful and loving hints, reflecting inner conflict and higher influences.

The poem describes a morning scene where dew and fog envelop the landscape, and a coyote chases a small dog, leading to a moment of mystery and wonder as the fog clears with sunrise.

In Yelets, Russia, an old women's high school stands, having survived wars and destruction. The building has been restored except for a cast iron staircase, which holds memories of young women's dreams of freedom.

A former police officer now maintains lawns and sells oysters, reflecting on his past as a brave and fearless cop, now replaced by mundane tasks and a longing for his former life.

The poem describes books as captivating, with words that evoke emotions and tell stories of love and loss, referencing famous authors like Pushkin, Frost, and Steinbeck.

The poem describes a serene winter scene with snowflakes and contrasts it with disturbing images of violence and sorrow, highlighting the peacefulness of nature amidst human turmoil and emotional pain.

A poem reflecting on Santiago’s afternoon landscape, the Andes, and a sense of longing for home. The speaker muses on gliding through the scene, blending natural imagery with personal anticipation and introspection.

The poem describes a scene where an old typewriter is found on the kitchen table, still functional, and used to type in Russian, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to heritage through writing.

The poem describes a serene scene of running with a silver poodle, experiencing the sea breeze, and engaging in conversations about politics before drifting off to sleep under the stars.

The poem describes a journey through adversity, where life's challenges lead to drifting, running, and seeking refuge in a dark cave with a shimmering light, symbolizing resilience and hope.

The poem reflects on old tennis racquets, symbolizing the past and forgotten memories, while the souls of relatives continue to resonate, contrasting with their new pursuits on a celestial tennis court.

A trumpet teacher visits, sharing stories of Sicily, Mount Etna, and his grandfather's village, where he feels at home, amidst lessons and family tales of distant visits.

The poem explores themes of isolation and change, as the speaker describes being placed in a bag, experiencing vivid light, and ultimately falling onto a cold floor, symbolizing loss and disorientation.

The poem describes the arrival of spring with imagery of sprouts, raindrops, and singing buds, highlighting the beauty of the season.

A journey from Boston to St. Petersburg involves visiting a Jewish graveyard, reflecting on ancestral connections, and contemplating the impact of family history on personal identity and dreams.

The poem explores the loneliness and anger of a crab, highlighting its fear and vulnerability as it hides and pinches swimmers, contrasting with the indifference of humans after capturing it.

A poem describes a stormy day on Cape Cod, with a tornado causing destruction, including downed trees and a church steeple lying on the ground, symbolizing the power of nature.

On a cloudy morning, fathers and children head to the docks with buckets and coolers. A city girl boards a rusted boat, observing young men preparing bait, and reflects as the shoreline fades away.

A poem reflects themes of forgetting personal attributes and talents, suggesting a desire for anonymity or humility, while referencing a young girl named Analise Braddock from Katonah, New York, in a poetic context.

A poem explores the paradox of belief and action, suggesting that what is impossible to believe or do would cease to exist if achieved, with inner reflections fading and reality remaining unseen externally.

Analise Braddock, a young poet from Katonah, New York, is featured for her creative work, highlighting her talent and contributions to children's literature and art, alongside her peers in a competitive environment.

A cat fiercely guards its vulnerable spots, like the belly, using hisses and scratches to protect itself, illustrating its instinctual defense mechanisms, though it dislikes violence and its own aggressive reactions.

Analise Braddock, a young artist from Katonah, New York, is recognized for her creative work, including poetry and artwork, showcasing her talent at a young age with notable publications and contest wins.

Analise Braddock's poem captures the vibrant imagery of a spinning disk, confetti, and dancing, contrasting with dread, while her work is celebrated in Stone Soup Magazine for its unique style and creativity.

The space beast lives in the sky, consuming vast amounts of food, and its roar can break doors. It moves between environments, from the sky to the deep sea, where it doesn't belong, eventually ceasing.

The poem humorously describes a teacher with a distinctive appearance and teaching style, highlighting his humor and challenging math lessons, while students admire him and wish he was their teacher.

Analise Braddock's poem emphasizes the importance of preserving the Earth and its biodiversity, highlighting the consequences of animal extinction and the interconnectedness of all living beings in a delicate ecosystem.

A desolate place, old and quiet, with no heart, only emptiness that hollows out the narrator’s own heart, making it feel stolen; urgency grows as time slips away, leaving a sense of loss.

The poem reflects on the passage of time, emphasizing the uniqueness of each day and the inevitability of returning home as the cold breeze sets in, contrasting long nights with short days.

The poem explores the limitations and unpredictability of imagination, suggesting it cannot be controlled or recreated, and is often misplaced or stuck in deep thinking, despite the desire to remake it.

Daisy, a young girl, visits a mysterious baby in the woods, admiring it daily. The baby's glory spot deteriorates, leaving nothing. Daisy remembers a rocking chair, a poignant memory from her visits.

This double summer issue features two poetry books: Analise Braddock's "The Golden Elephant," a whimsical collection of poems exploring language and thought, and Tatiana Rebecca Shrayer's "Searching for Bow and Arrows," which delves into personal.

Elana, the Chosen One, disguises herself in Casey’s castle, befriends Hau’oli and Philadelphia, and with Tweetle, devises a plan to confront evil Casey, ultimately defeating her and freeing everyone from her magical tyranny.

The poem explores a moment of adventure and fear as the speaker peers into a dark abyss, feeling the wind's presence, and ultimately takes a leap of faith, surrendering to the unknown.

A young person takes advantage of their mother's illness to occupy the kitchen, wearing her apron like armor, and cooks with passion and care, hoping to surprise her with a homemade pizza.

The poem explores the theme of depression as a misunderstood and invisible struggle, where the speaker feels isolated and judged despite appearing to have a perfect life to others.

A tense moment sparks reflection on friendship, highlighting how friends shape each other like ocean waves on a cliff, and how they navigate through trouble together, ultimately finding resolution and shared understanding.

Two next-door neighbors, who have been friends since childhood, share a quiet afternoon together, reminiscing about past experiences and enjoying each other's company on a windy spring day in California.

Tallulah struggles with moving to a bigger house, leaving behind her friends and familiar home. Despite initial reluctance, she begins to enjoy her new surroundings and meets new friends, finding comfort in family and familiar.

Lily reflects on her journey to the dance nationals, recalling the struggles and triumphs her team faced, from a disappointing regional performance to their ultimate victory at nationals, fueled by determination and support from her.

Olivia Judertt, determined to bring color to her gray town, buys mysterious "flowers that live forever" despite skepticism. She plants them, sparking conflict with her parents and the mayor, but ultimately transforms the town into.

Spring symbolizes new life and beginnings, offering hope and renewal after winter's challenges, as seen in nature's rebirth and human experiences of growth and transformation through difficult times.

A young hiker, Peri Gordon, narrowly avoids a rattlesnake during a family hike, thanks to a warning from another family, transforming a potentially disastrous moment into a cautionary tale of gratitude and safety.

A narrator, spooked by a strange noise while reading in a fort, hides under covers, then cautiously investigates, finding nothing, attributing the sound to the wind before falling asleep.

The writer recounts the difficult day of euthanizing her pet rat, Cody, who had tumors and an infection. Memories of Cody's life and antics are shared, highlighting the emotional struggle of losing a beloved pet.

In a whimsical world, objects come to life when humans sleep, transforming into a lively disco scene. They dance, gossip, and snack until the morning, when they return to their inanimate states.

The poem explores the natural world through vivid imagery, capturing the interaction of elements like rain, shadows, and wind with the environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and its creatures.

City girl Luxi Carbonelli, drawn to Oakwood’s wild forest, befriends magical animals and the Great Brown Bear, who reveals Oakwood’s hidden wonders and time-bending secrets; after a decade of research, Luxi vows to protect the.

A poignant reflection on life, loss, and memory, where a memorial tree symbolizes the passage of time and the complexities of human existence, contrasting expected life paths with reality's unpredictability.

Adventurers approach a mountain giant, riding metal lions, and enter its mouth, where they face darkness, guided only by lightsabers, as the mouth closes behind them, trapping them in an eerie, saliva-drenched environment.

A young girl's journey to the Ecuadorian jungle prompts her to reflect on the comforts and challenges of her life in the U.S. compared to the simplicity and struggles of indigenous communities.

The poem describes a serene swan gliding across a lake, its tranquility spreading throughout the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encompasses everything.

Lotus, an aspiring painter, hopes her latest work will bring her fame. However, her life is marred by financial struggles and a strained relationship with her husband, Joe. Her painting is bought by Kopil, a.

A family's magical camping trip to Yellowstone is filled with adventure and imagination, as they explore the park's natural wonders and create their own world amidst the beauty of nature and the thrill of discovery.

Orson, feeling lost and disconnected, decides to run away from his family's latest temporary home in New York City. He escapes via the fire escape and embarks on a journey to find a new life,.

The poem describes the moon as cold and beautiful, glowing in darkness, abandoned by all, evoking a sense of isolation and loneliness, with imagery that contrasts beauty with desolation and abandonment.

An alien from Watercolors dreams of becoming an explorer but finds his planet too well-explored. He decides to explore Earth instead, builds a spaceship, and embarks on a journey, facing challenges like language barriers and.

As dawn breaks, the world awakens with a quiet joy: the sky ignites in color, gentle light filters through homes, birds sing, and families gather for breakfast, their laughter and aromas mingling in the morning.

The issue explores themes of finding one's place in the world, reflecting on displacement and identity through both written works and imaginative art pieces, which evoke emotions and thoughts in the viewer.

A narrative unfolds as a character awakens, walks through a dewy forest, feeling the chill of morning mist and dew, and experiences the cold as they return home, likening it to winter's chill.

A child’s earliest memory centers on the warmth and comfort of being held by their mother, recalling feelings of love and happiness, and the sense of security experienced during a cherished, formative moment.

On her birthday, Cinka’s wish for a puppy comes true in a magical way: her drawings come to life, including a puppy and even a copy of herself. Together, they seek help from a fairy.

Asher recounts his difficult experiences in school, facing bullying and a lack of support from his school. He eventually finds a better environment after switching schools, where he makes supportive friends and has positive teachers.

Rosin, a curious girl from a struggling family, discovers hidden money and paper in an old house, inspiring her to create her own newspaper, Sully Times, and ultimately finds friendship and purpose at school.

A person stands in their room, overwhelmed by a feeling of impending doom, reflecting on life's path while folding clothes, exhausted and uncertain about the future's outcome.

Elenora faces intense anxiety as she prepares to kick in a game of kickball, fearing her classmates' reactions and reflecting on her life and relationships with her family.

The poem describes a moment of anxiety alleviated by the simple act of making and sipping green tea, highlighting the calming effects and the return to a state of simplicity and peace.

The narrator, a young girl, struggles to adjust after moving back to New York from Chile, facing challenges in school due to language barriers and cultural differences. She finds solace in a story about a.

Dawn, a fifth-grader, struggles for years to answer her second-grade teacher’s question about her future, haunted by it after Ms. Lavender’s sudden death, until she finds solace in a simple, meaningful answer.

The poem explores the changing moods of a week, from happiness on Sundays to various emotions like tiredness, depression, and relief on other days, reflecting the ups and downs of a student's life.

A student reflects on their favorite English teacher, Mr. McGraw, who inspired creativity and freedom in learning, allowing exploration of literature and personal writing styles, impacting their life positively.

The narrator recounts a lifelong aversion to physical activities, contrasting with their sister's natural aptitude. They eventually learn to ride a bike, overcoming fears and finding joy in the process, marking a significant personal milestone.

A serene watercolor scene features a lighthouse with a boat on the horizon, set against a rainbow sky. The boat moves gently with the waves, creating a peaceful and hypnotic atmosphere, complemented by a stray.

The content reflects on human nature, highlighting people's tendency to believe they are always right, while often being closed to new ideas and acknowledging collective stupidity.

The narrative describes a sweltering summer day filled with frustration and despair, as the protagonist struggles with a malfunctioning gas pump and reflects on personal losses and family dynamics amidst the oppressive heat.

Westway Primary School's children are busy and active, but when Mike goes missing, the school panics. A search party follows clues to a haunted palace and eventually finds Mike in the Stone Age via a.

The content combines imagery of ancient Egypt with poetic references to the sun, moon, and cells, creating a dreamlike narrative that juxtaposes historical and scientific elements with imaginative storytelling.

The poem explores the mind's activity and silence, memory, and the emergence of "mind music," which prompts humming, suggesting a connection between mental states and musical expression.

A young girl reflects on her life with two dads, highlighting their love, support, and presence in her life from birth. They encourage her passions and help her navigate challenges like bullying and identity.

The pandemic brought families closer, with increased time together fostering unique experiences and reflections on family dynamics, both positive and negative, highlighting the central role of parents in personal narratives.

A poignant narrative unfolds with vivid imagery, exploring themes of loss, isolation, and the human condition through fragmented scenes and emotional reflections.

A tree's life cycle is marked by challenges and resilience, from germination to maturity, facing storms, fires, droughts, and human activities, yet finding moments of peace and purpose amidst adversity and eventual decline.

Plastic, more enduring than ancient monuments, pervades our world as a shapeshifting, chemical-laden material, contaminating waterways and soil, threatening life, and symbolizing humanity’s self-destructive relationship with the environment.

The story recounts the life of the narrator's great-grandfather, a successful businessman in Changchun, China, who built a prosperous business selling fresh products and land management. His wife managed the land and houses, but their.

Claire reflects on her name’s Latin and French roots, meaning “clear,” and its many variants like Clara and Clare. She struggles with confusion and teasing at school, wishing for a unique identity. Inspired by a.

A personal reflection on the profound impact of art and music in life, detailing the joy of creative freedom, the journey of learning piano, and the deep connection to a cherished instrument, highlighting self-expression and.

A young writer reflects on the obligation to act against climate change, despite feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, and plans future environmental actions like recycling and working in environmental research.

A poem explores the concept of time through the perspective of a clock, highlighting its endless nature and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst life's transitions and promises.

A child reflects on their grandmother's passing, contrasting memories of her kindness with the reality of her illness and eventual death, leading to a profound understanding of loss and memory.

A young girl presses her face to a window, blowing circles of air and drawing her name in vapor, observing blurred reflections and her own shadow cast on the lawn, capturing fleeting moments of introspection.

The passage describes a word game where players use letter tiles to form words, observing how many words can be created from random letters, though the words seem meaningless in the context of the game.

After Earth becomes uninhabitable, humanity flees to Mars, but two teens—Jayson and Kira—are accidentally left behind. Living alone for years, they eventually find each other, forming a deep bond and daring to hope there may.

A mountain journey unfolds with sensory details: trees, pine scent, rain, and steam evoke calm. The experience blends natural beauty, seasonal change, and the joy of movement on slopes and gondola.

A summer spent at a rural Chinese camp in Liangshan, Sichuan, taught the narrator about gratitude and appreciation for life's privileges. The camp, BLOOM, aimed to provide educational opportunities to local children, fostering cultural exchange.

A foggy bus ride home triggers a dreamy state, where the narrator reflects on a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, focusing on Islamic art's swirling arabesques, which evoke vivid imagery and inspire.

Ruby, a red wolf, gets separated from her pack and must find a new one to survive. She encounters humans and a drone, faces danger, and eventually meets Ash, who leads her to a welcoming.

The poem challenges stereotypes about Muslims, emphasizing that they are not terrorists and that Islam teaches peace and love. It highlights the beauty of Muslim communities and the importance of understanding and acceptance.

The magazine features winners of the Personal Narrative Contest, showcasing narrative nonfiction's literary depth through poignant stories like "Locked Out of Kindergarten" and "Gratitude," highlighting its beauty and interest.

A circus transforms into chaos as performers morph into animals and objects, only to return to normal the next day, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the circus world.

At ten, I stayed in an old Upper West Side hotel, surrounded by dusty paintings and my father’s warnings. I watched parents at a French bistro, sensing their mix of anxiety and hope as graduates.

The poem explores the paradoxical nature of a person who is both a friend and an enemy, standing in a corridor with a mix of peaceful and loving hints, reflecting inner conflict and higher influences.

The poem describes a morning scene where dew and fog envelop the landscape, and a coyote chases a small dog, leading to a moment of mystery and wonder as the fog clears with sunrise.

In Yelets, Russia, an old women's high school stands, having survived wars and destruction. The building has been restored except for a cast iron staircase, which holds memories of young women's dreams of freedom.

A former police officer now maintains lawns and sells oysters, reflecting on his past as a brave and fearless cop, now replaced by mundane tasks and a longing for his former life.

The poem describes books as captivating, with words that evoke emotions and tell stories of love and loss, referencing famous authors like Pushkin, Frost, and Steinbeck.

The poem describes a serene winter scene with snowflakes and contrasts it with disturbing images of violence and sorrow, highlighting the peacefulness of nature amidst human turmoil and emotional pain.

A poem reflecting on Santiago’s afternoon landscape, the Andes, and a sense of longing for home. The speaker muses on gliding through the scene, blending natural imagery with personal anticipation and introspection.

The poem describes a scene where an old typewriter is found on the kitchen table, still functional, and used to type in Russian, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to heritage through writing.

The poem describes a serene scene of running with a silver poodle, experiencing the sea breeze, and engaging in conversations about politics before drifting off to sleep under the stars.

The poem describes a journey through adversity, where life's challenges lead to drifting, running, and seeking refuge in a dark cave with a shimmering light, symbolizing resilience and hope.

The poem reflects on old tennis racquets, symbolizing the past and forgotten memories, while the souls of relatives continue to resonate, contrasting with their new pursuits on a celestial tennis court.

A trumpet teacher visits, sharing stories of Sicily, Mount Etna, and his grandfather's village, where he feels at home, amidst lessons and family tales of distant visits.

The poem explores themes of isolation and change, as the speaker describes being placed in a bag, experiencing vivid light, and ultimately falling onto a cold floor, symbolizing loss and disorientation.

The poem describes the arrival of spring with imagery of sprouts, raindrops, and singing buds, highlighting the beauty of the season.

A journey from Boston to St. Petersburg involves visiting a Jewish graveyard, reflecting on ancestral connections, and contemplating the impact of family history on personal identity and dreams.

The poem explores the loneliness and anger of a crab, highlighting its fear and vulnerability as it hides and pinches swimmers, contrasting with the indifference of humans after capturing it.

A poem describes a stormy day on Cape Cod, with a tornado causing destruction, including downed trees and a church steeple lying on the ground, symbolizing the power of nature.

On a cloudy morning, fathers and children head to the docks with buckets and coolers. A city girl boards a rusted boat, observing young men preparing bait, and reflects as the shoreline fades away.

A poem reflects themes of forgetting personal attributes and talents, suggesting a desire for anonymity or humility, while referencing a young girl named Analise Braddock from Katonah, New York, in a poetic context.

A poem explores the paradox of belief and action, suggesting that what is impossible to believe or do would cease to exist if achieved, with inner reflections fading and reality remaining unseen externally.

Analise Braddock, a young poet from Katonah, New York, is featured for her creative work, highlighting her talent and contributions to children's literature and art, alongside her peers in a competitive environment.

A cat fiercely guards its vulnerable spots, like the belly, using hisses and scratches to protect itself, illustrating its instinctual defense mechanisms, though it dislikes violence and its own aggressive reactions.

Analise Braddock, a young artist from Katonah, New York, is recognized for her creative work, including poetry and artwork, showcasing her talent at a young age with notable publications and contest wins.

Analise Braddock's poem captures the vibrant imagery of a spinning disk, confetti, and dancing, contrasting with dread, while her work is celebrated in Stone Soup Magazine for its unique style and creativity.

The space beast lives in the sky, consuming vast amounts of food, and its roar can break doors. It moves between environments, from the sky to the deep sea, where it doesn't belong, eventually ceasing.

The poem humorously describes a teacher with a distinctive appearance and teaching style, highlighting his humor and challenging math lessons, while students admire him and wish he was their teacher.

Analise Braddock's poem emphasizes the importance of preserving the Earth and its biodiversity, highlighting the consequences of animal extinction and the interconnectedness of all living beings in a delicate ecosystem.

A desolate place, old and quiet, with no heart, only emptiness that hollows out the narrator’s own heart, making it feel stolen; urgency grows as time slips away, leaving a sense of loss.

The poem reflects on the passage of time, emphasizing the uniqueness of each day and the inevitability of returning home as the cold breeze sets in, contrasting long nights with short days.

The poem explores the limitations and unpredictability of imagination, suggesting it cannot be controlled or recreated, and is often misplaced or stuck in deep thinking, despite the desire to remake it.

Daisy, a young girl, visits a mysterious baby in the woods, admiring it daily. The baby's glory spot deteriorates, leaving nothing. Daisy remembers a rocking chair, a poignant memory from her visits.

This double summer issue features two poetry books: Analise Braddock's "The Golden Elephant," a whimsical collection of poems exploring language and thought, and Tatiana Rebecca Shrayer's "Searching for Bow and Arrows," which delves into personal.

Elana, the Chosen One, disguises herself in Casey’s castle, befriends Hau’oli and Philadelphia, and with Tweetle, devises a plan to confront evil Casey, ultimately defeating her and freeing everyone from her magical tyranny.

The poem explores a moment of adventure and fear as the speaker peers into a dark abyss, feeling the wind's presence, and ultimately takes a leap of faith, surrendering to the unknown.