spring2015

Editor’s Welcomespring 2015In his love poem “Asphodel, That Greeny Flower,” William Carlos Williams penned these lines that have often beenquoted for the truth they contain:“It is difficultTo get the news from poemsYet men die miserably every dayFor lackOf what is found there.”In a world where the same horrific news is repeated over and over againdaily, news of beheadings, of police brutality, of Ebola death tolls, andof senseless attacks on freedom of speech, artists fearlessly explore theirquestions, their truths, and even the cruelty born of those unable tounderstand that ideas are not subject to bullets, flame, imprisonment, orthe worst oppression and violence.In such a milieu, it is a privilege and a pleasure to offer these pages toan audience of readers civilized enough to accept difference, to striveto understand the experiences of the other, and to celebrate our humanright to say and portray what we think, perceive, and experience withoutfear.As you read through the pages of this issue and explore the unique and extraordinary words and images throughout,it is quite likely you will encounter what fascinates as well as what appalls you. Our reviewers have done an excellentjob of selecting pieces posing a myriad of realities, some which draw us in, and others which may deliberately repulse.This issue is international in its scope; it is vibrant with the creations of poets, artists, and fiction writers whose worldviews undoubtedly diverge. What do they share? A desire to to speak, to compel with art and with beauty. Here, thepersonal and the political agree to listen without prejudice.On behalf of Aji’s hardworking staff, I hope you find in these pages some “news” worth reading, the undeniable truththat in spite of all the tragedy omnipresent in contemporary life, artists around the globe are committed to sharingtheir innermost thoughts and visions, their fears and their hopes, a clear affirmation of our common humanity andour irrepressible creative impulses, surely a balm to us all.Best,Erin O’Neill Armendarez, Editor in Chief