New Orleans Nights

by Zoë Forstall

the sun kisses the sky just before it slips under the horizon 

it tucks behind lake pontchartrain’s expanse  

and leaves a blank space to welcome the evening  

i lay quietly, reminiscing on the park’s bench  

the night’s ecosystem becomes a celestial dance once more 

the buttered dandelions we once wound into flower crowns  

sway alone between grassy hills with the windchimes  

the cicadas hum their unforgiving gospel into the pollen  

soaked air where fleshy clouds join the sky  

i sit accompanied by the moon and stars 

being our own constellation  

through depths of boundless darkness 

About the Writer...

Zoë Forstall is a senior at The Willow School and an accomplished student leader and entrepreneur. As the founder of both the Confidence Club and Content Creator Club, she empowers peers in self-expression and skill development. Serving as head of the Spirit Points Committee in student government, she promotes school spirit and unity. As an International Youth Neuroscience Association member, a certificate in Neuroscience I, and recognition by the U.S. Naval Research Academy for her first place science fair project, Zoë plans to pursue neuroscience on a pre-med track in college. Beyond academics, she enjoys helping others, listening to jazz music, practicing self-care, writing poetry, and exploring new hobbies.

About the Artist...

Abigail is a high School senior at Savannah Arts Academy. She has been published in Élan Literary Magazine's Spring/Summer 2024 print issue. She enjoys all mediums but enjoys acrylic paint the most. She loves traveling, so most of her paintings come from places she has traveled to. After high school, she plans to go to college to be an elementary art teacher.