Calliope - Chapman University

Editor’s Note
“The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more
bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for
heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend,
even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward.
You will have created something.”
- Kurt Vonnegut, from A Man Without a Country
Welcome to the reinvocation of Calliope. Having taken a six year beauty sleep under the Elephant
Tree, the Muse has reawakened this autumn for the unchanging southern California leaves. But as one
who only inspires, Calliope cannot take credit for the art presented in these pages. It is the musings of
our Chapman University contributors that cultivated a most competitive nature for artistic expression
in this issue. And for that, the editorial board, the editors, and I commend all the applicants for the
entries submitted.
A special thanks to Tom Zoellner, our enterprising faculty advisor, who has wholeheartedly
supported and guided Calliope through the publication process. His ambition and expertise have
drawn contours from the mists of creative inspiration. That form is the very issue you are holding
right now.
When reading this issue, please keep in mind each contribution has been selected through our
anonymous review process for its unique artistic value. I believe each work speaks for itself and is everexpressing
its creativity amidst the dialogue of artistic expression and thought.
- Derrick Ortega, Editor