Gay Life Volume 34, Number 6

As editor of Gay Life, I rely heavily on members of the community, contributors, and the staff and board of the GLCCB to determine relevant and valuable topics that are of interest to our readers. But sometimes my personal biases show through—and that's what happened here. Simply put, I could not let another April pass by without acknowledging National Poetry Month. Commemorating the pinnacle of language in early spring is a worthy goal. Whether it's tragic, nostalgic, reflective, or renewing, poetry can reach across ages, genders, and continents. Two of my favorite poets begin poems in April:

From Dorothy Parker's "A Well-Worn Story":

In April, in April,
My one love came along,
And I ran the slope of my high hill
To follow a thread of song.

From T. S. Elliot's "The Waste Land":

April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

In this issue, we highlight two contemporary poets with deep Baltimore connections (p. 16). Our story not only highlights their great work, but also encourages everyone to participate in Poem in Your Pocket Day (April 26). So start reading! And, if you're inspired—start writing!

Maggie Beetz
Editor