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Somehow, we’re already five months into the new year. And yet it still feels like March 2020 at the same time.
With all of the chaos engulfing America at this moment, I hope celebrating the one-year anniversary of a new lit mag, and my poems they chose to publish, will bring some solace. If not, seek out other poetry, or writing, or art of any kind. Make your own! Find some way to practice joy, just for you.
Happy one-year anniversary to Paper Cranes Literary Magazine
Paper Cranes Literary Magazine was established last May — happy birthday to this lit mag 🥳! It’s so important to submit to, read, and uplift new literary journals. They are the future. The younger generation of writers and editors are publishing up a storm, creating new avenues for publication, and sharing writing and art with the world.
I’m thrilled that Paper Cranes Literary Magazine chose to publish three of my poems! Life has been sort of a mess, as I’m sure it has for many of us, so back in October 2024 when the issue came out, I failed to post it here. But why not now — new year, new lit mag, newish poems to share.
The theme of Issue 2 was scintilla, a tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling. Editor in Chief Isabel Gan has done a fantastic job of curating powerful pieces and artwork. There are beautiful illustrations paired with poetry and prose in both the digital and print editions (only $10 on Amazon?! A steal!). I’m in awe of the intricate illustrations accompanying my poems.
Many of the pieces can also be viewed as videos recorded by the writers. If you scan the QR codes on the pages, you’ll be taken to the recordings. I inserted the recordings of my poems after the text versions below.
“a diagnosis VII”
In “a diagnosis VII”, I describe a breast cancer scare I had last year. I’m grateful that all the tests came back benign. The poem shows how little we know what goes on in our vast bodies, how much is left up to rituals and superstitions.
I’m so touched by what Isabel wrote in her editor’s note about this piece:
“a diagnosis VI”
“a diagnosis VI” is a sort of ode to my body, defining what dysplasis really means, unearthing chronic pain and the various maladies caused by skeletal dysplasia. It was written about a year before my hip replacement surgery.
“Catalog of gratitude”
And “Catalog of gratitude” is a list of reasons why I’m weird, according to my sister. I fully own my weirdness. While these are specific to me, my hope with this poem is that everyone can appreciate the idiosyncratic quirks that make us up.
A (very belated) congratulations to all the writers and artists published in this issue! Check out the digital and print editions.
Follow them on Instagram to see when they’re opening for new submissions.
In poetry and peace,
Marlena