The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh said that the greatest gift to a loved one is your presence. We can be present even if isolated, as literature and art is present during this dark time of virus. We hope you will find presence in the inspired cover photograph Peace, Piece by Hakim Raquib and in the consolations and questionings of poetry, poetry-in-translation, nonfiction, and fiction. Such creativity draws us together.
Deepest thanks to the following writers and staff for this vital Spring Issue: Richard Hoffman, Nonfiction Editor; Robbie Gamble, Associate Poetry Editor; Barbara Siegel Carlson and Ewa Chrusciel, Editor and Associate Editor of Poetry-in-Translation; Dzvinia Orlowsky, Contributing Poetry Editor & Founder of Night Riffs; Andrai Whitted, Graphic Lit & Digital Editor; Olivia Thomes, Managing Editor; Amy Yelin and Cassandra Goldwater, Assistant Nonfiction Editors; Vanesa Pacheco, Social Media Manager; and to all our highly valued readers and contributing editors.
To learn about the authors and pieces in this issue, please see the individual Editor’s Notes for each genre. Please share this issue with friends. Please submit to our new Features/Blog and tell us your thoughts about the virus. Also, please submit to our Annual Contest! In the eleven years of Solstice, we need more now than ever before to come together. A virtual community is a real one. It has presence.
Please stay safe, Lee Hope
