"And for mi corazon, pumping / squeeze-boxed blood, my breath / like a Klezmer tune’s wail, I covet / a charm sprouting leaves and fruit, the sword / removed from its tin heart."

A flash essay by Brian Trapp: "At age 17, he liked to go to my hockey games and watch me fall all over the ice while he flirted with his lady friends. My brother was mostly a spectator in the world raging around him, but more than anything he wanted to be included. He enjoyed it."

This is an interview with Suzy Clement, a mother of two special needs children. Suzy is a photographer / artist and is married to Lenny Gonzalez, a videographer and musician. Their daughter Mielle is 14 years old and has Juvenile Myositis, a rare, autoimmune disease. She is still in treatment and is functioning well, given her challenges. Lucien is 9 years old and diagnosed with a form of autism. He is mostly non-verbal and requires help with all his daily needs.