Ben Nardolilli currently lives in Arlington, Virginia. His work has appeared in Perigee Magazine, Red Fez, Caper Literary Journal, Quail Bell Magazine, Elimae, fwriction, Grey Sparrow Journal, Pear Noir, and Yes Poetry.

His chapbook Common Symptoms of an Enduring Chill Explained, has been published by Folded Word Press. He maintains a blog at mirrorsponge.blogspot.com and is looking to publish his first novel.

                                                                                           

Silver Bullet Numbing

Alert in the morning

Or widest awake at night,

Which one fits best?

 

The early person test

Is the easiest performed,

Drink through the night

And notice the rising time.

 

If you get up and go out,

Despite the headache,

The glorious inner sores,

And the cold of a fresh day,

 

Then you are in your habitat,

Wound up for morning,

Be careful though and stay

Away from heavy machinery

 

Check out more from Ben Nardolilli in our Poetry section http://itsgoldenmag.org/poetry-2/

 

 

           I had the privilege of seeing the Movie entitled “Red Tails”, which served to be an accurate depiction of the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen played a major part within the Army Air Corps during World War II. These courageous men, also known as the “Those guys with the Red Tails”, proved to be monumentally successful in many missions. Their contributions left a legacy that paved the way for African Americans being a part of the U.S. Army Air Corps during a time of Jim Crow Laws and racial segregation.

                The accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen included maintaining a near excellent record while protecting U.S. bombers. It has been said that only twenty five men were lost out of many hundreds of missions. This distinguished group of gentleman also managed to accumulate nearly one hundred and fifty Distinguished Flying Crosses. By proving to be successful throughout World War II, by 1948 the Tuskegee Airmen became extremely sought after in the U.S. Air Force. Opportunities of abundance began to become available for the airmen including teaching in various flight schools. In addition to added opportunities to the U.S. Air force, the Tuskegee Airmen played a major role in aviation development that occurred after WWII.

                Even in this present day, the accomplishments, great efforts, and diligent hard work of the Tuskegee Airmen (“The Red Tails”), continues to open doors while also generating opportunities within the Air force for African Americans.

-Lisa C. Crump