Poetry by Russ Woods

A LOVE STORY SET IN A CREEPY NIGHTMARE FOREST

I hope you don’t
get eaten by that
horrible

horrible deer thing
behind you.

A LOVE STORY SET IN A DOMINICK’S PARKING LOT
At first I couldn’t believe you were
peeing on my car tire.

Then I couldn’t believe you were
peeing on my car tire.

A LOVE STORY SET IN ONE OF THE STAR WARS PREQUELS
I am so tired

from all this pod racing
and sex.

A LOVE STORY SET IN A FOX NEWS BROADCAST
I want to see
your birth certificate.

A LOVE STORY SET IN AN OPTOMETRIST’S OFFICE
I had a dream I was
touching your eyeball

and here we are.

A LOVE STORY SET ON CINDY CRAWFORD’S MOLE
I have climbed this
mountain for you.

I am sorry I am so small.

A LOVE STORY SET IN THE BACK OF THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS, WHERE THE COOL OLDER KIDS SIT

There is nothing quite like sharing
a sneaked cigarette
while inside a lung.


Russ Woods lives in Chicago and edits Red Lightbulbs and Love Symbol Press alongside his wife Meghan Lamb.  These poems are from an upcoming split echap with Brett Elizabeth Jenkins that will be out February 14th.  You can see a list of publications and read his echap Pictures of Salukis Looking Majestic at solarflareshavebeenknowntocauseheartache.com.


Hypertext Magazine and Studio (HMS) publishes original, brave, and striking narratives of historically marginalized, emerging, and established writers online and in print. HMS empowers Chicago-area adults by teaching writing workshops that spark curiosity, empower creative expression, and promote self-advocacy. By welcoming a diversity of voices and communities, HMS celebrates the transformative power of story and inclusion.

We have earned a Platinum rating from Candid and are incredibly grateful to receive partial funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Illinois Humanities, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Illinois Arts Council.

If independent publishing is important to you, PLEASE DONATE.

MORE FASCINATING DETAILS

About

Masthead

Header Image by Kelcey Parker Ervick

Spot illustration Fall/Winter 2024 by Waringa Hunja

Spot illustrations Fall/Winter 2023 issue by Dana Emiko Coons

Other spot illustrations courtesy Kelcey Parker Ervick, Sarah Salcedo, & Waringa Hunja

Copyright @ 2010-2025, Hypertext Magazine & Studio, a 501c3 nonprofit.

All rights reserved.