Pegasus is back in Fall 2023 with another issue. As usual, we have 11 poets highlighting the best work submitted in the last six months. These poems provide an interesting range of perspectives and approaches and subject. I am consistently impressed with the work that comes into Pegasus and enjoy the privilege of serving as editor. This issue also features our 2023 student contest winners, exemplifying the fact that young poets are thriving, and poetry continues to impact generations to come. In addition to the poetry, Elaine Palencia reviews the consequential anthology Once a City Said, edited by Joy Priest and published by Sarabande Books. A book by and for the people, full of exceptional work, edited by a poet we have long celebrated here at KSPS.
As usual, the fall issue coincides with the KSPS annual conference. And this twirling Gemini always represents something to work toward. By this time in the year, I am largely done with the editing work of Pegasus and finalizing some copyediting and cleaning of the text. I have told great poets yes and I have told great poets no (the most painful part). I have ordered the table of contents. I have (hopefully) worked on the web publishing. Then, the conference represents further labor and work that I want to do well whether I am moderating a panel or hosting a reading. All of this, especially from the weeks before, seems to haunt my calendar and occupy a particular worry in my mind. I realize only occasionally that this is because it matters so much to me. I’m sure you have a similar experience with some activity that you pursue with your heart-toil and hopefully appropriate levels of cortisol.
What I fail to recall, in those moments leading up to these conjoined events, is that there is a place in time where this stress turns and I re-realize why I do what I do, why poetry matters to me, why KSPS is important to me, and why connecting with people means so much. This inevitably occurs with the first event of the conference when I hear others read. As the conference goes on, I am reminded repeatedly of the joy and meaning I find in the written word and communing with my friends and colleagues. It is, in fact, the only thing I have that might compare to a religion. It is a source of comfort and relief. It is silly and absurd and deeply meaningful and sublime.
I realize then how truly grateful I am for the people and poets I know. I realize then a rather profound peace. I realize then I am so thankful to be here doing this.
I hope you enjoy the issue, the conference, and this very sweet life.
Best,
Jon Thrower
Pegasus Editor
Pegasus 