DIRECT EXECUTION PREDICTION
(LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL)

We are pleased to share a poem by Kristen Skjonsby which was celebrated --- and displayed -- among many at the “Bright As Life: Southern California Poets” show at the Huntington Beach Art Center. Featuring a reading and reception, it was curated by OC Poet laureate Gustavo Hernandez and ran from December 9, 2025 through February 14, 2026.

Kristen Skjonsby is Assistant Professor of English at Irvine Valley College. She is the Managing Editor of Arts and Literary Magazine The Ear and the producer of its attendant podcast, The Eardrum. Her poetry has recently appeared in Pomona Valley Review and Indicia. She was also selected for the “Bright as Life: Southern California Poets” exhibit at the Huntington Beach Art Center. You can find her on instagram @apactbetweenstrangers and @theearmag.