Verse-Virtual continues to grow as a community, which is wonderful. Some who have followed the Facebook group for awhile are now submitting poems and some who haven't submitted in a long time are showing up again. In addition, we continue to see submissions from people who are new to the community - frequently referred by existing members. The consistent feedback I get is that the sense of community is what attracts people to Verse-Virtual and encourages them to participate. I couldn't ask for more. I had been part of the V-V community for only about a year when I penned these words, based on what I was feeling. That said, it is normal for poets to write about current events, sometimes with strong opinions that may put them at odds with others. The Israel/Gaza conflict is an example. Verse-Virtual is committed to free speech, and as such, may publish poems that push buttons on both sides of an issue, but we stand firmly against all forms of discrimination against Jews, Muslims, or any other group, and will not give such discrimination a platform. Submissions for the March issue open on February 1. Guidelines are HERE. Jim