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Jodi Hernandez
For me the beauty of literature is the many voices we get to absorb. When I see a poem like "Breaking and Entering" that gives me so many mixed feelings, that is what it is about. Making me feel something even though it is
anger at the persona in the poem is what I look for. During my interview with Dorothy Allison, which appeared in the Summer 2017 issue, she indicated that it was not the ability to write the good or noble character that was revolutionary, but rather writing from the perspective of “the son of a bitch.” As I went back and forth with "Breaking and Entering, " I realized that while everything in me wanted to recoil, this poem is written from that unique, SOB perspective, and causes a distinct reaction each time I read it. In “The Briefing” I also saw this happening. The General evolves during the script ; by the end, it is obvious that his job twisted even his own sense of perception and duty, which leaves us empathetic to the position of both main characters.
Evelyn Williamson
Literature speaks to me as nothing else seems to. I can be anything I’d like to be: a far away pirate on the open seas, a lonely princess awaiting her rescue, or the grumpy guy next door, needing someone to say they care. In “Goodbye, Gorilla,” I became the narrator of the story. I, too, have family I was once close with, but have lost touch with over the years. To see them go is tragic and heart-wrenching. When my mother passed two years ago, I could not go to her. I lived too far away with too few dollars to get me there, but I know she wasn’t alone. In this knowledge came a peace of mind that is felt when nothing else can be felt. As a child, I was not close to her, but as an adult I became that way. Losing her, I’ve always wondered, was there more I could have done? My mother had bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. She was unmedicated throughout life because she knew “there was nothing wrong with her.” I loved her, but like the narrator in “Goodbye, Gorilla,” I loved her from a distance. There is only so much one can do to help those that don’t desire help. This story helped me see that.
The Flumes editorial board would like to thank all who submitted work for our fourth issue, as well as our subscribers. We had a record number of submissions this time. The process of deciding what would go into this issue was no small task. Though it is time consuming, we are thrilled to read each and every submission. Our love of literature and understanding its importance in reflecting the world around us is the drive that keeps us working into the early morning hours.
For this issue our editors answered the question "Why literature?". Whether is the chance to be lost in fantasy or a reflection of the human condition we too struggle with or just finding and recognizing the beauty of something simple and seemingly everyday, literature speaks to each of us and heals, inspires, or just gives deeper meaning to the world around us. We hope you enjoy our journey with us.