John Bishop is an abstract expressionist painter based in Houston, Texas, who creates gestural mixed media work in acrylics, ink, collage, pencil and marker. His work centers on layering color and mark-making to create works that allow a different experience up close than at a distance. His art draws one deeper into discovery and recognition. Though his passion for art began as a teenager, he was steered away from an artistic career by well-meaning parents. Instead, he became an English teacher and later a librarian, working in five different countries over the course of three decades.
Cockroach
I wouldn't want my presence to sully your carefully curated space,
Like a cockroach crossing an expertly set dinner table,
A sore to the eye and a threat to your
Illusion of perfection.
If God made all the sheep, even ones with black wool,
Did he not make me as well?
“Of course He did and thank goodness!” you say
As you back away slowly and reach for
The fly swatter.
Alexandra Nimmo is a writer, actress, and artist from Nashville TN. Her poetry explores the many challenges of living with a chronic illness, mental illness, and generational trauma. Alexandra is working on her first poetry book, which she hopes will offer some overdue understanding and compassion for those with similar struggles. @lexinimmo
