Letter From The Editors – October 2020
Dear readers,
Six months ago, we had no idea what to expect when we launched Paper Dragon. Your enthusiastic response floored us. We received over 650 submissions hailing from our hometown of Philadelphia to locales as far away as Spain, Nigeria, India, and Australia. We were absolutely amazed by your talent, your voices, and the courage you have to share your work with the world.
Over the past six months, we had our own obstacles to overcome. We spent countless hours in online meetings and groups chats. Unforeseen logistical problems forced us to adjust our goals and push back deadlines. Our staff shrunk as people moved out of our program and dealt with health and family issues.
As we were finalizing this letter, we heard that the police killed Walter Wallace in west Philadelphia and protests and riots ensued. Struggling against the trivial, daily barriers fortune throws at us, as well as systemic, global, existential threats, it is easy to become overwhelmed. To be frozen to inaction. To resign ourselves to a bleak, powerless future.
But we believe that we can make a difference, even if it is only in a small way, even if it is only in our own, small corner of the world. We believe that literature and art hold the keys to our common humanity, to understanding, to healing, to recovery and resilience. This work is important. Literature and art form a common cultural foundation that we will build our society on.
Today, we are proud to announce our first publications on www.drexelpaperdragon.com and the release date of Recovery & Resilience: November 20, 2020. Until then, we want to give you a sampling of some of the incredible work we have the pleasure to publish.
Today’s three poems speak to the importance of poetry and writing—the inspiration, catharsis, and revolution it can stir in soul.
Be sure to check back next week for three more inspiring poems and November 20 for full access to Recovery & Resilience.
Be safe. Be well,
Beth Ann Downey
Bill Vargo
Daniel Horn
Paper Dragon Managerial Editors
Begin Reading: “Why I Still Write”