Synkroniciti is thrilled to welcome poet Courtney O’Banion Smith, who won our first poetry contest with “Wildflowers,” a reflection on conversations spoken and unspoken surrounding childhood abuse and puberty. The issue will also feature two more poems: “Dry Spell, Dark Gift” which hints at the frustration that leads one to silence her gift, and “Apology with Gratitude,” a confession for the damage we do to the Earth every day. Courtney has a talent for tackling tough subjects with a powerful balance of restraint and candor.
Would you like to read Courtney’s deeply thoughtful poems? Please subscribe or buy the issue. Thank you!
Courtney O’Banion Smith has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing-Poetry from Texas State University-San Marcos. Her work has appeared in various publications including Relief, Barren Magazine, and The Ocotillo Review. Currently, she teaches literature and writing in Houston where she and her husband care for two feral boys and one neurotic dog. In addition to performances and readings, she has presented on topics such as visual literacy, persona poetry, and the role of faith in creativity. On the temporal plane, she continues her quest for the perfect pen, but she can also be found online at cobanionsmith.com or @cobanionsmith.