Dear readers,
As I am writing this editorial, I am cautiously hopeful. Because why? Resistance. In our own way, Umbel & Panicle is giving a place to all whose voices need to be, have to be heard. We are planting seeds, sowing them, and hoping that our seeds will grow into projects that would kick dominant toxic structures (like patriarchy) in their teeth (and maybe, crush them). We want our words to go out like dandelion seeds, so that they will take root and transform the landscape as it is. Literally, change our world.
In this inaugural issue, I am proud to have three poems. They are - and contain - seeds. Take them. Read them. Internalize them. Because poetry is also resistance. May we be like Adele's dream seed "open wide", our dreams like an "emerald embyro" and "rise, and end".
Likewise, may we be like Sara Adams' found poem. So vivid, so powerful and so deliciously wicked. May we delight in joy and be who we are. Let nobody take it away from us.
Yet, in our fight, remember self-care. We may bare our souls to the world and our blood might flow like the poet's in Mari Ness's The Stained Oak Leaves. As poets and artists, our words are literally our lifeblood. We sing to the winds, hoping they listen and respond back. We often feel it's a futile task, a thankless thing. In these times, we also need to remember seeds - our words - have their silent power too. Somewhere, somehow, our readers will also hear "the cry of dragons" and there is always hope.
Of course, this issue is going to live on Valentine's Day. Show love. Give love.
Be love.
Love is resistance too.
Now go and sow your seeds!
In Resistance,
Joyce, Editor-in-Chief
As I am writing this editorial, I am cautiously hopeful. Because why? Resistance. In our own way, Umbel & Panicle is giving a place to all whose voices need to be, have to be heard. We are planting seeds, sowing them, and hoping that our seeds will grow into projects that would kick dominant toxic structures (like patriarchy) in their teeth (and maybe, crush them). We want our words to go out like dandelion seeds, so that they will take root and transform the landscape as it is. Literally, change our world.
In this inaugural issue, I am proud to have three poems. They are - and contain - seeds. Take them. Read them. Internalize them. Because poetry is also resistance. May we be like Adele's dream seed "open wide", our dreams like an "emerald embyro" and "rise, and end".
Likewise, may we be like Sara Adams' found poem. So vivid, so powerful and so deliciously wicked. May we delight in joy and be who we are. Let nobody take it away from us.
Yet, in our fight, remember self-care. We may bare our souls to the world and our blood might flow like the poet's in Mari Ness's The Stained Oak Leaves. As poets and artists, our words are literally our lifeblood. We sing to the winds, hoping they listen and respond back. We often feel it's a futile task, a thankless thing. In these times, we also need to remember seeds - our words - have their silent power too. Somewhere, somehow, our readers will also hear "the cry of dragons" and there is always hope.
Of course, this issue is going to live on Valentine's Day. Show love. Give love.
Be love.
Love is resistance too.
Now go and sow your seeds!
In Resistance,
Joyce, Editor-in-Chief