When I created the optional theme for March - "One step closer to _________", I had in mind things like "spring" or "love" or something happy and positive. Since January, what has occupied my mind is that we are not just one step closer to, but one step away from losing democracy in America. It angers me, it frightens me, and it keeps me anxious more than I've felt in a long time. And that is what led me to the optional theme for the April issue: "Poetry as resistance." I don't need to justify or explain the importance of writing/art as an essential part of resisting evil. However, let me caution you - poems that include hate speech, profanity, vulgarity, or that advocate violence will be rejected. Submission guidelines can be found HERE. Jim Lewis, Editor