The Great American Pyramid Scheme

Jason Ryberg was born in the heart of a parade only to be

abandoned, days later, on the steps of what turned out to be

(what some people might describe as somewhat serendipitous-

ly) the meeting place for a secret and arcane society of wealthy

gentlemen werewolves, by whom he was raised, though, to his

knowledge, never initiated, fully, into all of their arcane ways,

but still considered to be a full and honored member of the

tribe, in good standing, and so he was then sent to the finest

schools, where, over time, he became quite a renown poet and

respected philosopher before the age of 22, and with many

promising career and social prospects, but instead, gave

it all up for a life of adventure - fortunes and glory the likes

of which historians and poets, professors and philosophers

would discuss and debate for centuries to come.




Founder and co-owner of Kansas City's famous independent bookstore, Prospero's, w.e. leathem has published three collections of poetry, numerous essays and short fictions. He lives in Missouri.




Timothy Tarkelly's work has appeared in Flyover Country, The Jupiter Review, The Daily Drunk, and others. He has published several books of poetry including Luckhound (Spartan Press) and On Slip Rigs and Spiritual Growth (OAC Books). Most recently, he collaborated with visual artist Elena Samarsky on the book All Other Forms of Expression (OAC Books.) When he's not writing, he teaches in Southeast Kansas.




Mack Thorn is poet from St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up

he has lived in almost every corner, nook, and cranny of his home town. Worked a broad array of conventional and unconventional jobs like drug rehabilitation and dry wall hanging. He also spent 6 years in the navy reserve. Published works in Badjacket zine and the Whiskey Rye Review.