May Updates from the Guest Editor’s Desk

It has been such a beautiful experience to share the May issue with all of you—we worked very hard to bring the light and fresh air of spring with these poems and features. I remain grateful for poetry and the way it can bring new life, even in a time of darkness—I’m dealing with a personal tragedy right now, but this issue’s release gave so much joy that I sorely needed, and that I hope keeps echoing out as folks encounter the poems. 

This month, we have two great podcast features—right now on the website, you can listen to my conversation with Faisal Mohyuddin, whose poem, “Allah Castles,” appears in the May issue. Faisal and I had such an amazing conversation about God, faith, poetry, and so many other intersections in our lives. And, if you have not thought twice about the acrostic form, I urge you to listen to Faisal talk about it, and about everything else—he is a balm for me, and I’m sure for so many others. It is incredible, readers, what connections poetry can create—I feel so lucky to have encountered Faisal’s poem and his spirit. 

On the horizon, my conversation with Ashlee Haze will appear on the website soon—Ashlee’s poem, “Temple,” is also featured in the May issue. Not only does her poem appear in print, but it is our first video poem from the new submissions category. Ashlee and I mused on the South, the necessary shattering of the Ivory Tower, and how to find self-care as a poet on the road or at home. I met Ashlee in Huntsville, Alabama, a few years ago at Out Loud HSV, and since then I've aspired to always inhabit her orbit. 

There are so many breath-filled poems in the May issue—I hope you’ll spend some time with them, and I hope you’ll enjoy all the great pieces we have for you in the June issue. There are more video poems—a special feature from Darius Daughtry and the Art Prevails Project which I’m so excited to share. And if you’re a Lucille Clifton fan, stay tuned for a thrilling podcast conversation coming your way. 

Spring has been unreal for me in varied ways. I have found a renewed appreciation for what poetry can do for a human heart--namely, mine. Here’s to the heart-work that poetry can continue to do for all of us, always.