Editor’s Note

Ashley Renselaer, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers,

It feels as if we have almost made it through the most trying times; with more than half of American adults vaccinated, schools beginning to reopen, and public venues such as museums, concerts and theaters slowly inviting their patrons back, we may be able to feel a sense of normalcy returning to our lives. But the weight of what we have endured gives us knowledge about who we are and how we found each other in the midst of all the adversity. The great polish poet, Czeslaw Milosz, said: “The purpose of poetry is to remind us how difficult it is to remain just one person, for our house is open, there are no keys in the doors, and invisible guests come in and out at will.” As writers and readers, we are again and again reminded that we are not insular, disconnected beings, but rather a collective consciousness; an open house of thoughts and emotions, with no barriers, fully immersed and connected.

Words and Whispers’ Issue Four invites you to step in through the open door, experiencing the world through new eyes and sentiments. Jessica Evans’ “Outline of Everything I Need to Forget” captures the layered nuances of identity and memory with beautiful imagery and form. This is also the territory of James G. Piatt’s exquisite poem “Someone in my memories”. Linger a while there, and then in Kevin McGowan’s “Botany Footnotes”, step into a house of spirits and be transported to a mesmerizing new definition of botanical terms. Or venture into the alluring garden of Kenneth Johnson’s remarkable poem “Manzanita”, or ponder and reflect on the complexities of life in Jason de Koff’s poem “Understanding to See”. There is a vibrant transformative power in all the Issue Four poems and prose that will carry you into the chambers of our open, inviting house, comforting you in that you are not just one person but one surrounded and immersed with so many others.

As we complete our first volume with Issue Four, I would like to thank all of our loyal readers for letting our wonderful writers’ prose and poetry into your hearts. We began our journey in the darkest times, in the midst of a global pandemic and quarantine, and yet the light of art and the magical power of poetry and prose have created a welcoming home in Words and Whispers; welcome to reflect, to long and desire, to sooth and be soothed and to simply be home.

Humbly,

Ashley Renselaer
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Words & Whispers Literary Journal