Blog - The MockingOwl Roost

May 16, 2026

Square image in deep red-purple. One 1/4 of the image (far left) has mixed colors in paper textures. The image features the cover of the Wide, Wild World magazine issue of the MockingOwl Roost. TEXT: Quarterly Issue, Volume 6, Issue 2: Wide, Wild World. MockingOwl Roost contributors and staff

Published by The MockingOwls at May 16, 2026

Categories

Quarterly Issue

Wide, Wild World

Come play with the saiga, mustangs, and bobcats in the latest issue of the MockingOwl Roost: Wide, Wild World. Every story, every poem, every essay wanders the world with curiosity with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and invigorating delight...

June 9, 2026

A silhouette of a rifle with a soldier's helmet placed on top stands upright. The outline of Uganda in the background is filled with the Ugandan flag colors of black, yellow, and red with a crested crane emblem in the center. Three silhouettes of soldiers stand in a row saluting along the bottom. comrade TEXT: Honouring Comrade, Poetry, Aliker p’Ocitti

Published by Aliker p'Ocitti at June 9, 2026

Categories

Honouring Comrade

The brass band sounded the bugle call — the final roll call to signal ‘lights out’ for a man who will never die.

June 6, 2026

Teal/aqua background with colorful laser beams in blue and magenta, with planets floating on a starry grid. Text: Book Review - C.S. Lewis Out of the Silent Planet - review by Evan Grey

Published by Evan Grey at June 6, 2026

Categories

Book Reviews - Fiction

Out of the Silent Planet: The Sci-fi Series No One is Still Talking About

The book brings out theological issues like the concept of falling from grace, and the impact of a planet’s god on the entire world. Sometimes genre fiction can fall flat when it comes to deeper meanings, but Out of the Silent Planet is not one of those novels.

June 5, 2026

An old painting of a close up of an elephants face and trunk painted with decorations and hand prints. Holi festival Text: Radiance, Susan Shea, Poetry

Published by Susan Shea at June 5, 2026

Categories

Poetry

Radiance

I had to find a place for the pigment painted elephant from India who wanted me to be part of the Holi festival so we could all splash each other with the bright colors of knowing more

June 1, 2026

A single vintage-style microphone stands on a tall black stand at center stage, illuminated by a circular spotlight. Behind it, deep red theater curtains hang in soft folds, filling the background from top to bottom. romantic comedy TEXT: A Twist In The Tail, Bruce McRae, Poetry

Published by Bruce McRae at June 1, 2026

Categories

Poetry

A Twist In The Tail

We’ll put the audiences onstage, Hamlet, a romantic comedy now. Macbeth on rollerblades and naked.

May 28, 2026

A warm, joyful scene of a mother sitting on a soft rug embracing her young daughter tightly. The mother is smiling with both of her eyes closed tight. The cozy living room behind them includes light-colored furniture, soft decor, and sunlight that adds to the peaceful, serene mood. speak the truth Text: Mama’s Prayers, Linette Rabsatt, Poetry

Published by Linette Rabsatt at May 28, 2026

Categories

Poetry

Mama’s Prayers

I’m gonna boldly speak the truth.” She’s worried, “You know you can’t trust the system.” I shrugged, “I don’t plan to be a victim of the system

May 27, 2026

The book cover of Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft, on a color block background. Wings of Starlight Text: Wings of Starlight, Book Review, Lucas Aranda.

Published by Lucas Aranda at May 27, 2026

Categories

Book Reviews - Fiction

Wings of Starlight – A Young Adult, Romantasy Book Review

Allison Saft captures the essence of the Disney Fairies films in Wings of Starlight through a perfect balance of magic, whimsy, and romance — although starcrossed — while ensuring a clear-cut mix of plot and characterization.

May 26, 2026

Cover of the book Atomic Habits, by James Clear - set on a background of cream, with yellow dots. Text: Book Review - Houda Boyahia

Published by Houda Bouyahia at May 26, 2026

Categories

Book Reviews - Nonfiction

How My Brain Rewired for Success: A Review of Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits can help anyone feeling overwhelmed by their goals with these suggested changes, especially professionals who need precision and structure like I do.

May 25, 2026

A soldier in uniform stands with their back to the viewer, saluting against a backdrop of an American flag and a glowing sunset sky. twenty-one-gun salute Text: Memorial Day, Paula Frew, Memorial Day Poetry.

Published by Paula Frew at May 25, 2026

Categories

Memorial Day Cinquain Chain

Praise the fallen soldiers with poppies and roses, diminutive flags fly in the Graveyard.

May 23, 2026

A gold ornate picture frame surrounds an abstract image composed of small rounded shapes in shades of brown, tan, cream, black, and blue, arranged to resemble a human eye at the center. The background is a light textured surface. best friend TEXT: Plenty, Susan Shea, Poetry

Published by Susan Shea at May 23, 2026

Categories

Poetry

Plenty

you wanted to be my best friend even before you knew my whole name you spoke to this plain girl out of every one of your pores

May 19, 2026

A young child with long blonde hair stands among tall sunflower plants, lifting a large green leaf to look beneath it. The child wears a colorful flower headband with blue, white, and yellow blossoms, surrounded by bright yellow sunflowers filling the background. sunflowers TEXT: My Hiding Place, Lynn Hess, Poetry

Published by Lynn Hess at May 19, 2026

Categories

Poetry

My Hiding Place

When I was little, my next-door friend and I believed we could hide among the sunflowers. Of course, our mothers saw us, but they never let on, so we never knew.

May 14, 2026