Spring/Summer 2026

Masthead for Spring/Summer 2026

Gabrielle Punzalan — Editor-in-Chief & President
Zeena Yasin — Vice President & Nonfiction Editor
Kelsey Fletcher — Fiction Editor
Shreyon Rajesh — Poetry Editor
Samuel “Sammy” Dyson Giles — Art Editor
Kiana Givens — Marketing Coordinator

Ivy Breinig & Percy Mines — Poetry Readers
Jalyn Lankford — Nonfiction Reader
Mikayla Paradas, Jessica Henry, Des Van Holten, Bhagwati Narwate, Jessica Romero, & Aislyn Smith — Fiction Readers
Ella Hawkins — Fiction Reviewer
Kylie Wilmarth — Poetry Reviewer
Jennifer Huynh, Amanda Gonzalez — Graphic Designers & Social Media Managers
Kennedy Foster & Monique Mclaren — Podcast Technicians

Visual Art

Fiction

“Companionship” by Emma Greathead

The Abyss no longer looked like The Abyss. Glowing letters intruded upon the heart of Cody’s  black, comforting void, reading:  “Companionship is crucial for maintaining satisfactory levels of ‘Health and Wellbeing.’ Please consider the ‘Explore’ option to revive your ‘Health and Wellbeing’.”   But Cody didn’t want to explore.   He’d already spent…

“The Dog Days of Winter” by Hunter Nixdorf

Trigger Warning: Death of a pet. Another day of monotonous work called for me as soon as I stepped through the doors of the post office. I’d driven the same route over, and over, and over again, delivering mail that I knew served no purpose other than to be thrown…

“The Bowl” by Shae Noble

My mouth is filled to the brim. I can taste it in my own material as liquid swirls inside me—the fragrance of something polished and chemically scented stinging my skin. I feel as if my whole being has scattered itself in the gray, waiting to be sucked into the black…

“You Won’t Forget Me” by Raya El-Hajjar

She drives 95 in her car with the top down. There’s a dent in the right side, her work, but she doesn’t care. He bought this one as an apology. A tacky red, more his style than hers. An apology for one of countless offenses, which one in particular she…

Creative Nonfiction

“Is This Really Your First Time” by Percy Mines

There’s something suffocating in the air of this movie theatre. Maybe it’s the buckets of popcorn that go stale every shift, or the gleam of yellowish oil fermented onto laminate countertops. It could be how the low ceilings seem to compress the air, or how the breakroom carpet is thick with mildew stench, or how…

“THINGS THAT FEEL EASY BUT ARE DIFFICULT” by Vedi Patel

Things that feel easy but are difficult ‒ Packing your entire life into two suitcases and stepping alight into a country that does not know your name yet. Leaving behind your parents, your siblings, your childhood friends, and every familiar comfort to build something uncertain and new. Saying goodbye to your parents for the second…

“I Cannot Make This Up” by Lorelei Vincent

A 21 year old wakes up, looks in the mirror and finds every imperfection about herself. All of her insecurities. She blots and covers it all with makeup; she conceals her discoloration and bronzes her paleness. She then goes to school, and all she gets is comments about her makeup looking artificial, and how she’s…

“Volcanic Grilled Cheese” by Stephanie Thomas

The smell of sulfur doesn’t belong in a kitchen. It belongs somewhere distant, somewhere dangerous, somewhere the ground breathes instead of rests. But every now and then, when a grilled cheese browns just a little too far, something in the air pulls me back, not to a stove, but to heat rising from the earth…

“1.5-Mile Bus Commute” by Ryne Willever

It’s just a 10-minute bus commute from my apartment to campus. And I’m patiently awaiting my arrival, but my eyes can’t help but wander towards the other passengers. There’s a man in the back of the bus guarding his bike between his chopstick legs. He must have gotten on before me, since I would have…

Poetry

“07-14-2003” by Lily Suckow Ziemer

Carlos (16) rides his skateboard to workI (14) scoop popcorn for eight dollars an hour He’s nice And the first person I meet who also has two last names, no hyphen He asks how old I am“15 in one month” “You’re 14?”15 in one month * Luke (22) is a bricklayerI…

“Apocalypse of the Serpent-Skull-God” by Yucheng Tao

Birth In the dampened corners of the cities,every car exhales exhaust; every body breathes greed.The Skull-God is born in human minds,stirring as a mass of slime; growing up a red snake,reeking of the ancient beast’s primordial hungerIt swallows the souls of businessmen in tailored suitsand wandering robbers in rags.It infests…

“Rainforest” by Yucheng Tao

In the burning forest,I keep wishing for God to hear me.I keep trying to crawlinto a vast cocoon.Is it my rightful homeor God’s own chamber? Smoke and stray bulletsare the only real language.But in prayer,somewhere behind the heart; Does God open the doorhidden in the room —the one leadingto a…

“What we held” by Jade Jones

Lovers at the altar,  hands clasped tight,  a touch the world would not bless.   A lifetime of love,  but only a few feet apart— an entire world built between them,  a world that existed only in their gaze.   A prayer at the altar  for peace,  for protection,  for the stars to align,  that the world would allow this.   An…

“Weeping Moon” by Edwina Dessaint

The moon weeps for recognition, While I held firm in my position. Quivering breathlessly where I stand, With a sword clutched in my hand. Faith and morals, torn Questioning what it is I’m fighting for. Is this the will of God, Or just a cruel facade? If this is fate,…

“Living in the Night” by Edwina Dessaint

It was 12amWhen everyone was fast asleep. It was 1am When she heard her neighbors arguing again. It was 2am When she decided to try and fall asleep. It was 3am When she realized what was wrong. It wasn’t the loud noises, Nor was it the fact that she was…

“A Sparrows Pull on the Thread of Peace” by Mallory Fee

Close your eyes, blow the eyelash off your fingertip and make a wish. Keep them closed as the wind blows it across the football field you once played on, and until you’re awakened by a kiss from her that makes the universe stop, only to restart with the skipping of…

“Right before falling asleep” by Liz Tillman

My eyes are heavy, And my thoughts spin. I am delusional.What I think is nonsensical, Like a book in a bowl of mac and cheese. My words are shorter,Like time. I fallToZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Liz Tillman is a senior Modern Language and Culture major. She is currently studying German, Spanish, and Chinese. Liz is also a tour…

“Laptop” by Liz Tillman

On the bus with boredom bubbling up all five senses, the viewer sighs.The bored eyes move and spot a stranger’s laptop screen.Maybe it’s private,Best not to pry.However, the viewer looks,and it’s just a photo of canned tuna on the screen.The boredom popped,But confusion screams,Why canned tuna?Twenty minutes later,Still the eyes…

“Pinecones” by Bella Melardi

Is it betterto cup the burning,to wake each morning already ash-tongued,waiting for the hour your bodydimly constellates itself into ruin,a graveyard flickering with small, exhausted suns, or is it betterto carry nothing,hands rinsed clean of wanting? I have wanted to etch something into the worldonly to watch it leave me.To…

“In October, I Wanted to Undress Like the Trees” by Mariele Wassom

In October, I wanted to undress like the trees.I waited for them to find me—owls, squirrels, hawks, termites— I let them strip my bark. Let them thinkmy leaves were paintedgold for them. I hardly even noticeda difference. It’s the cycle of life to lose. Now it is spring and I…

“once i broke a mirror” by Emmaline Mohr

The eyes looking back at me, look back at me. As their world, (my world?) shatters. Her face, now a million. Sparkling like stars, on dirty bathroom tile. Tenderly, i grab the knife-glass. She, the most dangerous me i could be. Her eyes, disappointed. Scowling. “How clumsy,” She thinks. It…

“I Killed Andy Warhol” by Jake Schley

It was me I caught him on a walk And like a rabid dog I killed Andy Warhol Put away your spoons No more soup for you Why do you think I did it? I need my soup too. Don’t tell me that you cried That’s just one big lie…

“A Selkie is just a fancy frog” by Aubrey Givens

In the cave of Bethulia lies a snoring maidenDrawing deep delirious breaths andComplaining loudly of smells of decay and blossoms A dazed samurai shuffles his feet tryingTo drag herTo wake herWill she awaken? His staff banging loudly on the ceiling and she croaksShe becomes a dried toadCracked and bleeding skin…

“The Star at Cockcrow” by Honey Nara

God knows everything, He knew that rooster was going to crock at the cockcrow, so when the Morning Star rose in the sky at the witching hour, we knew He had been denied three times. The significance of judgement at this moment,It’s as if Satan as has found his residency,…

“Sonnet for when Matt sends Kit to college” by Juan Alejandro Borge Osorio

fingers stop at my heart’s bewilderingan image allows me to bask withoutmyriads of regret do my lives bringmental acrobatics cast out all doubt in this generational urge to havesomeone remember you is hard when allyou want to do is forget their laughexcuse me for being choked up when lies fall…

“I Offer You This Advice” by Juan Alejandro Borge Osorio

No matter the current Stay firm on your boat They’ll lose you Not all of you The tree of life you are Not the roots you grounded The soft tug of you Your sweetness, your care You’ll still make the coffee You’ll still open the door But your tongue won’t…

“Walks & Talks Fascism” by Juan Alejandro Borge Osorio

It won’t feel real at first but once you see it, the visions will persistYou will never save anything (not your time or friends or money) under a fascist You might waste your breath waiting to be fed, that’s what happens when you insistNo one will save themselves because the…

“Grandstand” by Kimberly Wolf

Lonesome rodeo clown doll with her jeans slouched low,red dust rusting her black Vans.Cigarette like a punchlinedanglingfrom a pout in the shape of her ex-girlfriend’s name.Grease paint tears likely never going to wash off and that’s how she likes it. Bombshell in a barrel,striptease strutting over your horned problems.Open arms…

“Disciples” by Kimberly Wolf

Pomegranate seeds fermenting sweetness into poisonthat boredom turns into a salve for being stationary. Statuesque in yesterday’s dirty laundry wastingdaylight trying to mimic birdsong hymns. there is a world outside my phoneif I could only make myself believe in it— Fawn-limbed stumble into the healing light,divine feminine content farming for…

“Guided Tour” by Kimberly Wolf

Here is where the press gathered. Note the wear on the carpet,blemishesyou wouldn’t have even noticed if you had been there—the sheer mass of people interrogating the room. And here is the podium where he addressed them,the microphonestill reeksof his breath. And here is the pen he usedto sign away…

“The Night We Spoke” by K. Logan

The sandman forgot me that nightWhen you leaned in close Secret words filling the cool air as their shadows whispered, “I love you.” The confession had rested on the tip of your tongue Much like mine and the dark held its breath Just as I We exhaled together, a comforted…

“The Things We Do For Love” by C.W. Lawrence

She grows in the basement. I planted her therewith care. My landlord is still quite unaware,and that’s for the best. I need a place to sleepthat’s cheap while she blooms and her hair starts to creepalong the floor and walls like thin jungle vinesand twine. She will, once again, be…

“Storm” by Josie Fournier

Parted became the miserable cloud,Patronizing, droll, and tolerable,Now made way for dull, vibrant, autumn proud,Steps away from achievement gullible.Like amateur pianists, I stumble,And kinly to the fool, I laugh and liveFor a lover yet to name, I pedalThrough the forest of solace clear, I live.Falling leaves thunder ear, and stone-silent,The…

“Greatest” Distraction by Abbey Rain Hanson

 I harp on the reasons why I made my walls out of brick, my arms weaker, each brick heavier. I don’t have to keep stacking but I do, despite my liquid elbows and invisible joints  You might  admire. No wheezing breath between disgruntled signs of affection to blow down my…

“Instincts” by Abbey Rain Hanson

Born someone, born no one, a debate of the selfGrowing into shriveled shoulders and turned in toesHead hung low, fingernails imprisoned between grinding teeth Before there was meekness there was pleasurable certaintyCharacter building with pipe cleaners and googly eyesEasy to bend, mold, eyes roll back, she’ll never know Instincts quietly…

“Growing isn’t Changing” by Abbey Rain Hanson

To grow is to change, to change is to growOld wives tales chanted in hypnotic melodiesLullabies that once sung me to sleepNow shrieking regrets, sweat spreading, body rising To grow is to change, to change is to growEntering metamorphosis to fit ideals, who’s I don’t knowWrapped in my cocoon I…

“Quicksand” by Alexandria Scott

There’s a bird on the edge of the net She’s been all she can be She’s stingy with her wisdom One day she spoke to me “I’ve seen trees from beneath and above I’ve seen kings be scorned and beloved I’ve seen things that can’t be explained But none as…

“Sister’s Keeper” by P. Cherisse Mwanaliti

I remember her late night howls, calls and summons, The way in which she’d carry her own self-destruction, Return to sender, when she’s sent, Unstrange-strangers, distasteful guests, Drowsy savior, soul’s expense, The knocks at her door, lock her in suspense, Proverbs released, with loneliness immense She remembers her the tower…

“Ferlinghetti and O’Hara, as I’ve imagined it” by Paul Potts

a response to “Lunch Poems” “How about lunch? I’m hungry,” one man says outsideCity Lights, where Ferlinghetti is half-looking at a display ofRimbaud and half at a girl who looks like she has never read anything “Cooking,” says the other, as if they were in an apartment somewhere onEast 12th…

“Can you believe that” by Paul Potts

It’s Tuesday and I’m coughing walkingpast the gas station on Kickapooand I go in for no real reasonjust to stand there a second and look at things the floor’s a little sticky by the fridgeand there’s an Arizona iced teawedged behind a row of Dr Peppers80 cents still 80 cents…

2026 KSU English Student Poetry Contest Winners

In honor of National Poetry Month, Waymark is proud to feature the winners of this year’s KSU English Student Poetry Contest! Three poems from current KSU English students were selected by a review team of department poets.

Many thanks to all who submitted their work for consideration, and a special thanks to this year’s review team: faculty and student representatives from The Headlight Review, Waymark, the Writing Center’s “For Better or For Verse” Poetry Club, and faculty poets Khalil Elayan and Heather Voraphongphibul.

First Place: “hin-mu-ri-dil” by Mark Trager

Mark Trager is a KSU graduate student currently finalizing his capstone in the KSU MAPW program with a focus in Creative Writing. He has published a book of poetry called Shine in 2022 and both his poetic and prose work have been published in anthologies and online journals. You can read more of Mark’s writing and connect with him at MarkTrager.com. He and his wife Su reside in Canton, GA. All glory to Yeshua the Messiah and Savior of all. Luke 6:40.

Second Place: “The dead are good at boundaries” by Nya Roden 

Nya Roden is a writer based in Rome, Georgia. An MAPW student, she currently serves as Vice President of KSU’s newly minted Playwright Club, Exit, Pursued by Bear. She is developing an untitled animated film for her capstone and looks forward to sharing it next spring. Follow along and connect with her on Instagram @nyajroden.

Third Place: “Where I’m From” by Sydnee Newsome

Sydnee Elise Newsome is an aspiring writer hailing from Snellville, Georgia. She is pursuing her master’s degree in professional writing. She works as a managing editor for Kennesaw State’s English department’s publication, The Headlight Review. A lover of poetry and fiction, writing is her purpose in life, and she strives to share her creativity with those around her.

Spring 2026 “Strange Encounters” Flash Fiction Writing Contest Winners

In collaboration with the KSU Writing Center, Waymark co-hosted a Flash Fiction Writing Contest to challenge KSU students to tell an entire story in only 1000 words or less. Waymark is proud to present the winners of the contest in our Spring ’26 Issue!

Students were given the theme of “Strange Encounters”: explore the uncanny, the inexplicable, and the wonderfully weird as characters collide with forces, creatures, other characters, or moments.

First Place: Lane Ellis

Lane Ellis (they/them) is a 22-year-old, class of 2026 KSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English and minors in Professional Writing and Linguistics. They have been reading and writing non-stop since they were a child, and they are especially fascinated by unique and poetic styles of prose. Language is the bones of every story, after all, and rearranging the bones can lead to forms of writing never before seen. Going forward, they hope to complete a Creative Writing MFA and build their career in storytelling.

Second Place: Mahkel Perrier

Mahkel Perrier is a freshman majoring in music performance and will be starting a professional writing minor in the fall. His lifelong dream has been to become a traditionally published author, but he also aspires to become a professional euphonium and bass trombone player.

Mahkel loves to read, write, watch anime, and play tennis, video games, and D&D. His favorite book series is the Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend, and it’s one of his greatest inspirations.

Third Place: Bailey Peters

Bailey Peters is a junior at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a degree in Game Design as well as two minors and honors. She currently has two stories published at Waymark Magazine and another at Carmina Magazine. She loves interactive storytelling and hopes to write for TTRPGs and video games in the future. To stay updated on her work, you can follow her on Instagram under @bailey._._maple.

Book Reviews

Girl, Dump Him!: A Review of “Chrome Valley” by Mahogany L. Browne

By Kylie Wilmarth, Poetry Reviewer Mahogany L. Browne is a poet, author, educator, and activist whose bold and powerfully authentic style shines in her 2023 poetry collection, Chrome Valley. Browne’s work is steeped in her personal challenges, drawing from her experiences with racism, misogyny, addiction, and abuse. These themes and…

Rooted in Life: A Review of “Standing in the Forest of Being Alive” by Katie Farris

By Kylie Wilmarth, Poetry Reviewer Katie Farris is a Pushcart Prize winning poet and professor best known for her memoir collection, Standing in the Forest of Being Alive. Her work often plays with hybrid forms, refusing to be confined by conventional writing standards. Along with her writing and teaching, Farris is also a translator. These experiences are all rolled up into this memoir…