Misako Yarita/Japan

Distant Memory

Right now, I am strolling along the green sidewalks of Gaien Nishi Dori Avenue. I am 80 centimeters tall and proud of my long legs and pure white fur. I am called Borzoi, which means agile in Russian. However, I walk very slowly to keep up with my two males of the human animal followers. People say I'm proud, but I'm not like common dogs, so it's only natural. The memories that linger in my blood from my ancestors are vivid. I ran around in all directions chasing rabbits in the snowfield as far as the eye can see.I was also very good at zigzag running. I even competed with horses controlled by humans, and I could run long distances with ease. The sky and forests were big. I could see the frozen city of Petersburg in winter and the Neva River from the back of my eyes.

Chikae Taniguchi/Japan

The Bellybutton

Since having had that cord cut

I had to start being myself

Driven by the first breath

Breathing hard with all my might

I finally found my voice, and began to speak

I can’t expose my bellybutton to the public

John Smith/UK (England)

Summer Morning

(Reflection on 'Summer Evening' a sonnet by John Clare)

In the dew, footprints marked by silver jewels,

Lightfoot pads gently, raising paw to pose

boldly by the meadow's edge and views

the land and sniffs the breeze with wrinkled nose.

Below the pond the iris banks, plashed white and gold

half-hide the chicken coop, shut tight

Alan Doggett/England

A Day Out in London

I love a day out in London it’s not hard

With a one-day travel card

This will get me around without a fuss

By tube, train or bus

The first stop is Covent Garden for a coffee and a bun

And watch the street entertainers who are so much fun

David Birkett/England

Autumn Interim

The last, best embers

  Of the summer’s heat

     Are in September’s gift.

     A gentle, yellow thrift,

   Filtered by depleted

Trees. The air remembers.