*
Isaiah O'Kane was an incredibly gifted poet. He wrote passionately and unyieldingly, writing a collection that he was in the process of having published. He took a summer class at Pratt Institute and spoke to me, and our friends, about his experience, exhibiting excitement about his writing. He planned on submitting work to the Olivetree Review, and becoming a Poetry Editor next semester, which I know only would have strengthened the magazine. It is truly a shame that only a select few were able to see Isaiah's poetry, but this is one small way for more people to appreciate his immense talent. On behalf of all those who knew Isaiah for the few short months he was with us, I can safely say, as well as being the light in the room, he was the writer who put the spark on the pages.-Stefania D'Andrea
At the end of the day
We are just twisted beings
Pretending we have a sense of order,
Even as our little worlds
Fall to pieces.
Two become one
And one become two again,
As our fragile identities
Intertwine and break apart
To the rhythm of our hearts.
Conventions of love
Collide with the enormity
Of our emotions and complications
That cannot fit the convenience
Of our limited understandings.
Until we understand that,
We are doomed to complete this cycle,
Over and over again.
