As I write this on Saturday, February 5, thousands of writers are meeting and reuniting in Washington, DC.
I’ll admit, I wish I were there! I’d love to chance to meet, in person, the writers who have contributed to and who have supported Connotation Press, and I would love to see my writer friends. And, of course, I miss the after-hours dances. A few years ago in New York, my friend Wayne created a dance move at one of the AWP dances, which he coined “The Typewriter.” I’ll leave you to imagine what that looks like and to ponder why it hasn’t caught on as a dance craze. If only we could get a video recording of it to MC Hammer…
I’m pleased as punch to bring you the first publishing by Kelly Cherry since she was officially proclaimed Poet Laureate of Virginia. Ms Cherry’s poetry animates nature in the most delightful ways; it also touches, in honest language and brilliant metaphors, many fears, thoughts, and truths about life. I can actually see the world brighten around me when I read Kelly’s poems, as if I’m hearing the moss and the light sing in color rather than sound.
Associate Editor Monica Mankin brings us two poets this month. Be sure to check out her interview with Pablo Peschiera! Monica writes:
Because I am in the throes of moving across the country, I find myself attracted to the birds. They appear free to pick up and leave wherever they are with neither physical nor emotional baggage in tow. No doubt this attraction has influenced my subjectivity this month.
John S. Williams’ poem “Plumage” reminds us of “the poet’s love,” which seems at times tormented, which seems also to be soothed (if not by lovemaking) by mythmaking.
Three sonorous and descriptive poems from Pablo Peschiera take us into nature where the speaker’s keen being is fixed on what might be learned there, and his soul is driven by curiosity and a longing to transform.
Associate Editor Nicelle Davis also brings us two poets this month, both with fabulous interviews. Nicelle writes:
Usually, I find myself less than enchanted with nature poems; a beautiful tree is art in itself—best to leave well enough alone, I often think. But then there are artists who are able to transform the form of a tree into an emotional and visual portal; these artists are able to reveal how a landscape is composed of several sensory (and maybe even spiritual) layers. California painter Dan Berkeland is such an artist; his trees are dripping with an indescribable light. While the experience of light remains (to a large extent) indescribable, I believe poets such as Mary B. Moore and Dallas Lee do an excellent job translating landscape into words. Once again I am enchanted by the capabilities of poetry to transport its readers to another time and place, and am grateful to be privy to poets such as Moore and Lee who turn words into light. Happy reading!
Kate Anderson sent us three flowery poems this month. In these poems rich with metaphor, a power grows in the minds of those brushed aside. We all need a little light on our faces; we all search for richer soil.
And that reminds me, spring isn’t too far off. I like winter best in small doses, so I can’t wait for the sun, birds, and flowers to come back! Happy reading; get some sun on your face, watch for the first crocuses, and listen for the birds. On the other hand, if you live in the southern hemisphere, know of any good vacation spots nearby?