As we step into the new year, we are going through different human experiences. People from different countries are sharing their feelings through their creative works. It’s like their stories are threads weaving together to create a rich tapestry. In 2023, big political changes are happening around the world. World is observing suffering and loss of innocent lives in Ukraine and Palestine. The poems we recieved for this issue particularly showed concern about the war-horror. Authors explore the feelings of longing for the past, missing home, and wanting to belong through their writings. This issue is dedicated to those who have suffered because of war. We really wish for a world where the sad echoes of war can be replaced by a more peaceful understanding and unity, like a beautiful song made of words. Let’s make this year about telling all kinds of stories, where every voice, no matter where it comes from, adds to a bigger story of love and strength. Together, let’s dream of a future where things are calm and we can all feel connected as part of humanity.

Images used for the stories and poems are AI-generated.

Editorial Board: Shafinur Shafin and Nrutyangana Mahapatra 

PR Head: Ian Craven

 

Contents:

Stories

Half Burnt Legs by Takbeer Salati

It’s Haunted by Zeke Jarvis

Nothing but facts by Rifat Mahbub

Poetry

Poem by Moin Serneabat

Poem by Allan Lake

Poems by Lopamudra Basu

Poems by Shakhawat Tipu

Poems by Ndaba Sibanda

Poems by Moumita Alam

Poetry Biographies by Mickey J Corrigan

Poems by Sayantani Roy

Poem by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

Artwork

Artworks of Mario Loprete