Welcome to Lightwood Spring 2025 Issue #21.
All art is political. The very act of creation addresses the human condition through our language, images and ideas. Our art can speak to our natural world and the wonder and abuses we see around us; we can speak to justice and injustice; we explore the past, the present and the future to inform our readers of what paths have lead us to positive places of equality and what blind alleys we have entered that have brought adverse and even destructive results to our world.
The only thing we can do is to continue to make our art in all its various forms. Seek out and state the truth. And bring these truths to as many people as we can. Keep reading, viewing and listening to the artists around you and to those far afield. And work against any system or person who denies your voice as an artist, writer or creator.
Your work is important and is a vital piece of our world.
As we begin our 6th year of Lightwood, we want to continue to gather the voices and images from as many as we can, and to send this work out to the world. Please join us in any way that you can.
In this issue #21, we have poems that explore how women explore their own personas and how they are perceived by others. We’re presenting fiction and memoir pieces that explore alienation and exile, and how three people deal with loss. Also included are book reviews of exciting new volumes of poetry, among other interesting pieces. Please take a look at what Lightwood is offering, and delve into older issues that bring regional, national and international writers and artists to you.
And any contribution you can make to Lightwood helps us to continue our work. Many thanks for being with us and have a safe and productive season.
Laurence Carr, publisher Lightwoodpress.com
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