BB Soto Publications
Side Notes
The thoughts that don’t make the main text—but matter anyway.
Divination Dispatch
Now dormant, my Divination Dispatch explored the themes of symbolism in divination practices like tarot and astrology and in our everyday lives.
Additional Publications
As Rita Sotolongo
City of Orlando Words & Wonders Poetry Contest
Runner-up 2020
Mango Salsa
On sultry days
when the sun avoids sleep
and passion fires the heat,
we envelope a sweetness
stretching forever
our besotted summer haze.
Night After Night
Published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, 2018
Night after night
after night alone
after hours of staring
at a blank white screen
willing a response to
an unanswered text and
I don't know where you are.
Night after night
after night of panic
wondering if your car
is shattered in a ditch
your blood painting the pavement,
windsheild glass sticking
out of your head.
Night after night
after sleep is stolen
the phone pressed to my ear
hot tears and chilled cheeks
my body balled and small in bed
chanting to a friend,
He's okay.
Night after night
after your sneaking in
when dawn is hiding
behind the darkest hour
you creep,
careful so you don't wake the
woman or child
you often forget.
Rise
Published in Parentheses International Literary Arts Journal, 2018
Lightning ignites
before sunrise.
The smell of burning coal
abuzz of phoenix feathers,
nothing to silence the screams
of blazing ballerinas.
Flight will not save her,
you say.
In bed she lies—
the light
pries open her eyes.
Nighttime with Nettle
Short story published in Demonic Household: See Owner’s Manual
2018
Viola
Published in Petite Hound Press, October 2017
The cuvaceous S
surrounds its womb
full of larks who flutter
their wings
when vibrations
stir the air under
teased strings,
i alone give.
Under the Mask
Short story published in What A Character!
2017