Editors’ Letters

Esme

‘The idea of tradition is a contested space. Does it mean history, structure, adhering to what came before? Or, is it a conscious breaking-away: a call to redefine and question exactly what is important, precious, worth repeating?

As a theme for this issue, ‘Tradition’ meant that this delicious interplay between the old and new, the established and the possible, was intriguingly explored. And no more so than within poetry, where classic, canonical figures – and the trappings of all their history – were positioned in fresh vistas, fresh forms and philosophies. 

This theme has been a wonderful chance to admire the legacy and influence of our traditions, and also restructure what some might feel is just a fixed and dusty ideal. We hope that in reading this magazine, you might be afforded a moment of reflection or inspiration, and share in our open-armed consideration of everything that tradition can signify’.

Lydia

‘Tradition, for me, is beautifully undefinable because it can be self-contained, familial, national, or international. The things we share in the sphere of tradition may constitute more connection between us than we would normally expect in a world made up of fragments, contained societies, and opposing cultures.

As the concept for this issue’s theme, ‘Tradition’ was a delightfully broad and exploratory word to discuss, not so vast that it would be impossible to fulfil, but impactful enough to spark something unique in each writer. We loved creating our prompts for the poetry section of this issue, as poetry is such a beautiful medium to capture snapshots of our own cherished traditions, or to investigate something completely new. ‘Tradition’ in poetry provides interference, appreciation, and even disruption into the lineage of poets before us, carrying forward aspects we will eternally appreciate, and leaving behind antiquated ideals.

We hope that when reading this issue each work provides contemplation into what tradition means to you. How would you define it?’