September 30, 2025
Hello Wildlings –
For the past couple of years my Art Editor for Feral and Co-Editor of Animal Heart Press, Amanda McLeod, has been telling me she wants to read more happy poems. Because – yes – we have lived through a global pandemic; and we have watched in horror as numerous governments around the world have become more and more authoritarian; and we have experienced first-hand the natural disasters brough on by climate change; and we have witnessed an increase in violence, racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny and censorship. But – yet – we are resilient. But – yet – we have an infinite capacity for happiness even in the darkest times. And, so, to celebrate the BEST of what it means to be human – we bring you the JOY issue.
As is usually the case with our themed issues, I am delighted at all the ways JOY has been interpreted. And I am inspired by all the things that bring people joy. Family, Friends, Childhood Memories, Good Health, Sex, Music, Food, Survival, Defiance, the Hubris of Youth, Freedom, Trees, Flowers, Oceans, Cats, Dogs, Birds, All Animals, Nature, Parking Lots, God, the Sun and Moon and Stars, Being our unapologetic authentic selves, Dancing, Gardening, Laughing, Screaming, Quietness, Traveling, and Home. And through it all…LOVE.
The theme of JOY seems to have resonated with many writers and artists because we saw a 50% increase in submissions over our average. For this issue we read approximately 1500 poems and published less than 50, which means we said no to a lot of good work. During the selection process I was negotiating with Amanda in terms of how many pages this issue could be – and still keep the print issue affordable for those who choose to purchase a copy. This is a good problem to have! We also saw an increase in the number of new contributors – this issue includes the poetry and art of 71 contributors, 61 of whom are new to Feral.
For myself, I want to say that a year ago I was navigating my own new reality following Hurricane Helene here in Western North Carolina. I had no electricity, no internet, no cell service and learned about the overwhelming destruction all around me by sitting in my car and listening to local radio while charging my phone. I say that knowing how lucky I was that I did not lose my home or my life. And I am endlessly grateful that my mother and many friends here in Asheville were also safe during that time. And in the year since then, I’ve learned to be thankful for all the things I took for granted before Helene. There is joy in the simple act of waking up another day and being alive!
Thanks for reading and I hope it brings you joy!
Beth Gordon
Managing Editor