The Great American Pyramid Scheme

<p class=ql-align-justify><strong>Jason Ryberg</strong> was born in the heart of a parade only to be </p><p class=ql-align-justify>abandoned days later on the steps of what turned out to be  </p><p class=ql-align-justify>(what some people might describe as somewhat serendipitous-</p><p class=ql-align-justify>ly) the meeting place for a secret and arcane society of wealthy </p><p class=ql-align-justify>gentlemen werewolves by whom he was raised though to his </p><p class=ql-align-justify>knowledge never initiated fully into all of their arcane ways </p><p class=ql-align-justify>but still considered to be a full and honored member of the </p><p class=ql-align-justify>tribe in good standing and so he was then sent to the finest </p><p class=ql-align-justify>schools where over time he became quite a renown poet and </p><p class=ql-align-justify>respected philosopher before the age of 22 and with many </p><p class=ql-align-justify>promising career and social prospects but instead gave </p><p class=ql-align-justify>it all up for a life of adventure - fortunes and glory the likes </p><p class=ql-align-justify>of which historians and poets professors and philosophers </p><p class=ql-align-justify>would discuss and debate for centuries to come.</p><p><br></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Founder and co-owner of Kansas City's famous independent bookstore Prospero's <strong>w.e. leathem </strong>has published three collections of poetry numerous essays and short fictions. He lives in Missouri. </p><p class=ql-align-justify><br></p><p class=ql-align-justify><strong>Timothy Tarkelly's </strong>work has appeared in <em>Flyover Country The Jupiter Review The Daily Drunk</em> and others. He has published several books of poetry including <em>Luckhound </em>(Spartan Press) and <em>On Slip Rigs and Spiritual Growth </em>(OAC Books). Most recently he collaborated with visual artist Elena Samarsky on the book <em>All Other Forms of Expression</em> (OAC Books.) When he's not writing he teaches in Southeast Kansas. </p><p class=ql-align-justify><br></p><p class=ql-align-justify><strong>Mack Thorn</strong> is poet from St. Louis Missouri. Growing up</p><p class=ql-align-justify>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 <em>Badjacket</em> zine and the <em>Whiskey Rye Review.</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify><br></p><p><br></p>