Wordgathering

A Journal of Disability Poetry and Literature

Volume 11     Issue 2     June 2017

Welcome

In this issue of Wordgathering, poetry once again moves to center stage. Much of it, though, comes by way of essay. "Still Present Tense: The Poets of Beauty is a Verb" takes a look at what the poets in that groundbreaking anthology are up to six years later, and includes new work from some of the best in the field: Jennifer Bartlett, Sheila Black, John Lee Clark, Kara Dorris, Jim Ferris, Ona Gritz, Anne Kaier, Petra Kuppers, Stephen Kuusisto, Denise Leto, Raymond Luczak, Daniel Simpson, Hal Sirowitz, Ellen McGrath Smith, Jillian Weise, and Kathi Wolfe. In this issue's Reading Loop, editor Michael Northen's "Ten More Poems to Kickstart Your Disability Lit Class" pulls of ten of Wordgathering's most interesting poem with suggestions for how they might be used in a classroom.

Of course, there is more poetry in our Poetry section. New poets include Nancy R. Crocker, Mike Ferguson, Lateef McLeod, Katherine Schneider, Jacob Stratman, Ann Thornfield-Long and Dayna Toisi. Returning poets are Kathryn Jacobs, Tricia Knoll and John C. Mannone.

Poets interested in seeing their work published will be interested in the two interviews for June: Gail Willmott, the editor-in-chief of Kaleidoscope and the poetry editor of District Lit, Marlena Chertock. We have new fiction as well. Three stories from writers making their first appearance in Wordgathering: Greg Buckholder, Ruth Jackson, and Margaret McLeod.

June's essay section puts a spotlight on some of disability literatures most interesting blog writing. Sample blog post are offered from Mike Ervin, Stephen Kuusisto, Emily K. Michael, Maya Northen, and Rachel Kallem Whitman. The remaining three literary essays all come from poets. Kara Dorris' and Victoria Lee Khatoon's bear directly on poetry while John Lee Clark looks at the relationship between the U. S. national anthem and ASL users.

Wordgathering can always be counted on to keep its readers informed about new books in disability literature. This issue's Book Review section includes two well-known names, Rosemarie Garland Thomson and Eli Claire. The first is a look back at the reissue of Extraordinary Bodies, one of disability studies' most important books, while the other Brilliant Imperfection is new. There is a review of Jessica Goody's poetry collection Defense Mechanisms as well as works of fiction by Med Eden and Kristen Ringman. A short sample of Ringman's book I Stole You can be found in the Excerpt section.

Writers interested in keeping current on disability literature can join us on Facebook and on Twitter at @wordgathering.com. The activities of the Disability Literature Consortium can be followed on their blog or contacted at dislit666@gmail.com.

Wordgathering continues to seek work that develops the field of disability literature. We invite the submission of poetry, short fiction, drama, art and essays that discuss poetry from a disability perspective or that contribute to the theoretical development of the field of disability literature. The journal appreciates hearing from authors whose books are consonant with the mission of Wordgathering and would like them reviewed. Our guidelines provide further information about the kind of work we seek. We value our readers' opinions and hope you will send your comments, concerns or ideas to us at comments@wordgathering.com.

The Editors

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This site is maintained by Michael Northen and Eliot Spindel.