Accomplices

A collection of personal poems anchored in longing for children, the companionship of a dog, and an unshakeable sadness.


Excerpt from ACCOMPLICES

"Intercession"

Maybe
if you get down on your
knees
you will find words for a
prayer
among dog hairs and cookie
crumbs.

But if none turn
up,
let your heart be
still;
guide your mind to
rest.

For amid the noise within and
without -
the echo of sadness inside your
head,
the spinning clothes in the
washer,
the dog attacking an
itch -
amid all of this
someone
intercedes on your
behalf.

Surely God, silent for
generations,
understands our own loss for
words.
...
...


About the Author

Charlie Shifflett is a former journalist now working as a writer, illustrator, and musician in Vienna, VA.

In his spare time, he pens and illustrates a newsletter on Substack called The Little Island.

Over the years, Charlie has released more than 50 instrumental and singer-songwriter tracks under a variety of aliases. He has also published long-form reportage, short fiction and poetry.

His latest experimental work, The Little Island Zine, mashes up original, hand-painted illustrations with whimsical stories, essays, and poems.

Learn more: charlieshifflett.com