Dear Reader,
I have to confess that it's difficult to write this note (or anything at all) when the news of the world continues to be devastating. That's a bleak way to begin, isn't it? This is one of those days when my eyes feel puffy with unshed tears and the bright side looks very, very far away. But, in fact, it's right here. We are the bright side: West Trestle Review, a literary magazine staffed by four volunteers — Anyély Gómez-Dickerson, Katherine Huang, Annie Stenzel, and me — passionate about bringing beautiful art and necessary voices into every room. Here we are. And, as I write this, I'm reminded, too, that beauty grows in dark places: mushrooms in rich soil, quick foxes, deep sea jellyfish, a colander of stars, a fattening moon. So bring on the dark, bring on the night (as it still belongs to lovers and anyone who longs to stroll alone under streetlights with a mint chip ice cream cone), bring on the words true and true to the feeling. This issue of shadow and sunshine contains multitudes such as sacred corn, atomic bombs, last year's garlic, two people on the cusp of a painful conversation, and so much more. We are ever grateful to our contributors Rebecca Balcárcel, Laurel Benjamin, Mary Christine Delea, Ela Kini, Kathleen Hellen, Judy Kaber, Gunilla Kester, Natalie Marino, Jennifer Maritza McCauley, Sarah Parmet, Heidi Andrea Restrepo Rhodes, Michele Sharpe, Melissa Tuckey, Sunni Brown Wilkinson, Shannon K. Winston, and Allison Wu. This issue also includes gorgeous art by Sacramento artist and native plant enthusiast, Kat Cervantes. While you're here, check out the latest Cross-Tie featuring artist Angela Basile and written by West Trestler, Tracey Knapp. Thank you once again to you, dear reader, for coming along. Please take care while reading, shout out your favorite lines on social media and tag us if that's your thing. Help us make the world a little less lonely. In gratitude, Patricia Caspers EIC, West Trestle Review |
May 2024
WTR is a volunteer-run endeavor. If you'd like to donate to help us keep the lights on (pay our Submittable fee) and offer occasional free submissions to all, we will love you forever. Check out our 2021 finance report.
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