Photography by Silja Pietilä, 18, Finland

Dear Readers and Contributors,

 

I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank you all for the continuous love and support, especially through the pandemic. In just under 6 months, we’ve come so far; the magazine has been featured on Publish YOUth Writing and Poets & Writers, and the editorial team reached a whooping milestone of 100+ Advice Articles written! As we continue grow our global outreach, we’ve published over 280 creators from 25 U.S. States, 25 countries, and 6 continents across the world! 

 

It’s been a pleasure growing this community over the past three years, so I know I speak for the entire editorial board when I say we hold this magazine and our contributors close to our heart. It takes a tremendous amount of research and effort to manage the magazine, which is why we're so thankful for all of your support. We encourage you to share our publications and Advice Articles to help our other young creators who may be interested in pursuing their craft.

 

Cheers,

Lori Khadse

Founder, Nonfiction Editor in Chief

The Elysian Muse Youth Literary Magazine

Photography by Safia Henniche, 16, Boston

Editors' Choice Works

 

Savior

Written by Anon

 

 

Bit my nails down to trembling 

 

pink-white skin 

 

shriveled from the eager offerings of a dripping faucet, 

 

pale from the icy bathtub water. 

 

I’ve never felt so naked in this body, 

 

stripping off the bandages that are my new muses, 

 

meant to keep me from falling apart at the thought of you. 

 

I can hear the mice scamper within the thin walls,

 

Chittering and sharing secrets,

 

Edges hinged where I tried to burn them

 

Out of my mind.

 

Spent so many years worrying you may be flammable,

 

I never thought to teach you how to swim.