Winter 2015: Poetry
Introduction
Writing is nothing if not an act of bravery. We’re certainly not the first poets to acknowledge that. But in reading the collection of fine poems submitted to the Winter 2015 issue of VoiceCatcher: a journal of women’s voices & visions, we co-editors were especially struck by the vulnerability and bravery in the submissions we received.
In her writing handbook, Glitter in the Blood: A Poet’s Manifesto for Better, Braver Writing, Mindy Nettiffee encourages writers to “madly engage in the process of living.” We believe this journal’s 23 pieces do just that.
Whether this bravery means facing unexpected feelings as in Allegra Heidelinde’s “Love poem to an acquaintance ” or pondering the implications for humanity in an age of melting ice caps as in Jennifer Kemnitz’s “Under the Sign of the water bearer,” the speakers dig deep into the roots of their longings, hopes and fears. Within these pieces, obstacles arise from under dining room tables in long-quiet houses as in Margie Lee’s “Silence” and resolution is sometimes found in the peace of everyday life as with Annie Lightheart’s “In the Modern World.” At whatever point our speakers find themselves in the process of brave living, they are guided by the hands of gifted poets pouring soul’s breath onto the page.
In this journal, we hope you find the inspiration that we did, the magical pull of language that calls us to face the darkness and to read, write and live bravely.
Burky Achilles, Pattie Palmer-Baker,
Tiah Lindner Raphael and Cindy Stewart-Rinier
Poetry Co-Editors
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Through the magic of language, 20 poets challenge us to write and live bravely. |
Five risk-taking voices burn with the fire of transformation. |
Four artists share their diverse sensibilities as confident mark-makers. |
With clear eyes and articulate voices, five young women confront terrifying aspects of human experience. |
Meet the authors and artists – from first-timers to well-established – who grace our sixth issue with their voices and visions. |
LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
POETRY A Great Wild Goodness by Annie Lighthart Going South by Christine Gray a welcome week by Hannah Sams Ophelia, at Fifty, in a Blue Blow-up Canoe by Deborah Dombrowski A Passing Music by Barbara LaMorticella Girl Fishing with Grandpa by Helen Kerner Perimeter by Amy Schutzer Two Poets in the Weight Room by Tricia Knoll Skeletons by Christa Kaainoa A Poem for Dany by Suzy Harris Lineage by Amy Schutzer The Bucket by M.K. Moen Bernier River by Christine Dupres Silence by Margie Lee Advice by Donna Prinzmetal Sometimes at Night by Jennifer Pratt-Walter Fissure by Elizabeth Moscoso Whale by Cathy Cain In the Modern World by Annie Lightheart Love poem to an acquaintance by Allegra Heidelinde Dialogue between Magician and Tattooist by Christine Gray Under the sign of the water bearer by Jennifer Kemnitz city spacious heart by Pearl Waldorf PROSE Bless Our Great Nation, Zambia! Zambia! by Gypsy Martin Liminal by Stephanie Golisch The Tomorrow Fire by Kelly Coughlin Ablaze by Heather Durham Left As It Was, It Would Come Apart by Jackie Shannon-Hollis ART Sibling 1 by Michelle Latham Sibling 2 by Michelle Latham Sibling 3 by Michelle Latham Totem by Kelly Neidig Stratum by Kelly Neidig Swift by Kelly Neidig Breaking Free by Erin Leichty Capture Threads by Erin Leichty Hardware by Erin Leichty YOUNG VOICES Visions on the Playground by Meghana Mysore Chasing Thunder by Berkeley Franklin Elegy for Christy by Lily Boyd Social Media by Maya Coseo A Hundred Acre Wood by Audra McNamee CONTRIBUTORS |