March 2020
EDITOR'S NOTE
Dear Villagers,
Years ago, when I was a young RN working in a hospital, I had a chance encounter with a man from my hometown, a friend of my father's. He was pleased to see me, though I had done a lot of growing up since leaving home. We spent some time visiting, and then I had to get back to work. The following day, or maybe it was two days later, I went back to see him again, ask how he was doing, and enjoy a few more moments talking about "home." He made a remark that has stayed with me. Said he, "You running into me once was a coincidence. Twice means you did it intentionally, and that is worth so much more than the chance meeting."
Well, here we are with the second issue of the revived Verse-Virtual. The first one was a bit of a fortuitous occasion, a confluence of good things and good people. Publishing a second issue is proof that it is being done purposefully, and with the best of intentions. There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing this March issue of Verse-Virtual online.
My deep appreciation to Robert Knox, who graciously accepted to be the guest editor for this issue. Thank you, Robert.
The news gets even better! Verse-Virtual is going to return to being a monthly journal. I believe that this will be less confusing for many of you, and will give you more opportunities to contribute your poems. With the strong support of the Contributing Editors, who will guest edit alternating issues with me, Verse-Virtual is back to full vigor.
Thank you to those who have already given feedback on the January issue of V-V. These little batches of sunshine do so much to build the community. The added individual emails that you send to the authors of poems you like are priceless. I've never met a person who didn't like to be noticed and complimented. Never.
Because we are going to publish monthly, SUBMISSIONS FOR APRIL are open from March 1st at 12:01 AM to March 10th at midnight on the dot. April's issue will have an OPTIONAL THEME of "Opening". Take that however you will, if you decide to use it.
Please note: Because I am taking on more work, I am going to be less forgiving of those who don't follow the submission guidelines. The submissions page says clearly "Submissions that don't follow these guidelines will neither be read nor replied to." I don't want to be put in the position of tossing a submission because of your failure to pay attention. I can share with you what the #1 thing is that will have me playing the Grinch. It is the BIO NOTE. It is required. For everyone. Even if you sent one in with your last submission. And the one before that. It is spelled out in detail in the guidelines. With a section highlighted in red. I can't get any more specific than that.
Enough grousing. I hope you enjoy this issue of Verse-Virtual. Read, review, respond to the poems. Batches of 3 to 5 comments can be sent to me to share with the entire group. Individual emails to authors whose poems you enjoy are highly encouraged.
Respectfully,
Jim Lewis
Managing Editor
Years ago, when I was a young RN working in a hospital, I had a chance encounter with a man from my hometown, a friend of my father's. He was pleased to see me, though I had done a lot of growing up since leaving home. We spent some time visiting, and then I had to get back to work. The following day, or maybe it was two days later, I went back to see him again, ask how he was doing, and enjoy a few more moments talking about "home." He made a remark that has stayed with me. Said he, "You running into me once was a coincidence. Twice means you did it intentionally, and that is worth so much more than the chance meeting."
Well, here we are with the second issue of the revived Verse-Virtual. The first one was a bit of a fortuitous occasion, a confluence of good things and good people. Publishing a second issue is proof that it is being done purposefully, and with the best of intentions. There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing this March issue of Verse-Virtual online.
My deep appreciation to Robert Knox, who graciously accepted to be the guest editor for this issue. Thank you, Robert.
The news gets even better! Verse-Virtual is going to return to being a monthly journal. I believe that this will be less confusing for many of you, and will give you more opportunities to contribute your poems. With the strong support of the Contributing Editors, who will guest edit alternating issues with me, Verse-Virtual is back to full vigor.
Thank you to those who have already given feedback on the January issue of V-V. These little batches of sunshine do so much to build the community. The added individual emails that you send to the authors of poems you like are priceless. I've never met a person who didn't like to be noticed and complimented. Never.
Because we are going to publish monthly, SUBMISSIONS FOR APRIL are open from March 1st at 12:01 AM to March 10th at midnight on the dot. April's issue will have an OPTIONAL THEME of "Opening". Take that however you will, if you decide to use it.
Please note: Because I am taking on more work, I am going to be less forgiving of those who don't follow the submission guidelines. The submissions page says clearly "Submissions that don't follow these guidelines will neither be read nor replied to." I don't want to be put in the position of tossing a submission because of your failure to pay attention. I can share with you what the #1 thing is that will have me playing the Grinch. It is the BIO NOTE. It is required. For everyone. Even if you sent one in with your last submission. And the one before that. It is spelled out in detail in the guidelines. With a section highlighted in red. I can't get any more specific than that.
Enough grousing. I hope you enjoy this issue of Verse-Virtual. Read, review, respond to the poems. Batches of 3 to 5 comments can be sent to me to share with the entire group. Individual emails to authors whose poems you enjoy are highly encouraged.
Respectfully,
Jim Lewis
Managing Editor