“This issue explore the theme of unwanted circumstances—those unforeseen moments that disrupt lives—and the resilience or fragility of the characters as they navigate their responses. .”
Issue 12 of Libretto Magazine, “Unwanted Seasons,” opens with an insightful interview featuring Nigerian poet Dami Ajayi—a remarkable poetic mind I had the pleasure of collaborating with a decade ago on the Best New African Poets 2015 Anthology. Over the years, I have continued to admire his talent and contributions to poetry, music, and criticism, which he explores in this compelling conversation.
The poetry section begins with Terri Watrous Berry’s evocative poem Seasons, which navigates identity’s shifts through the cycles of the year. CLS Sondaval complements this with a poignant piece that places her mother at the heart of the seasons, metaphorically transforming her into a place, a pair of shoes, a drink, food, or a movie. Although the poetry section is concise, the fiction section richly balances the issue, offering a diverse range of stories from Nigeria and the United States.
In Strapped by Scott Holleran, we step into a cosmopolitan bar—a microcosm of global perspectives—where a mix of intriguing characters converges. At the center is Sammy, the captivating dancer everyone came to watch, including two bearded foreigners who observe not just Sammy but the crowd’s obsession with him. The story unfolds into a thought-provoking dance of morality and terrorism.
Leen Raats’ Silent Night provides a vivid, almost photographic depiction of an American street during the Christmas festivities, capturing its subtle yet pervasive influence on the lives of its residents. Ekenedirichukwu Anselm Alita’s Blank Spaces delves into the intricacies of a young, newlywed couple grappling with past traumas that seep into their sexual relationship, testing trust and intimacy.
Mark Tulin’s Strange Condolences addresses the corrosive effects of racism and rape, illustrating how these traumas erode the protagonist’s mind, health, and sense of self.
These compelling poems and stories, along with others in this issue, explore the theme of unwanted circumstances—those unforeseen moments that disrupt lives—and the resilience or fragility of the characters as they navigate their responses.
—Tendai Rinos Mwanaka,
Writer and educator
Board of Advisor,
Libretto Magazine
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CONTENTS
CONVERSATION
Our Society Does Not Appreciate The Value of Creative Expression –DAMI AJAYI
POETRY
Unfinished Exit – CLAUDIA WYSOCKY
October’s Tears – TERRI WATROUS BERRY
If Only I Could Have More Time – CLS SANDOVAL
If My Mother Still Were – CLS SANDOVAL
PROSE
Blank Spaces – EKENEDIRICHKWU ANSELM ALITA
Strange Condolences – MARK TULIN
March to Moscow – NICK ARMBRISTER
