Spring 2021

Letter from the Editor

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for taking the time to pick up this special issue of Inklings.  This has been two years in the making since COVID-19 brought the printing of the 2019-2020 issue to a grinding halt.  So much has happened in the world since then, and together we have been grieving losses and celebrating victories both great and small during this time of extremes, rising tensions, and seemingly endless hurdles.  One of the ways we have been able to do so is by turning to the arts.  Throughout this issue, we wanted to take time to reflect on what it means to create, both in times of joy and times of hardship.  As you flip through the pages, alongside the poetry and photographs will be reflections from the contributors, discussing what it was like to create these pieces, what the inspirations for them were, as well as how it feels to look back on them now, in some cases almost an entire year later.

During my four years here, Inklings became a sort of haven for me.  I grew so much as a writer and as a leader, I have loved getting to know the community of writers it has brought together over the years, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to put this wonderful collection of work into print this year.  However, like much has been recently, this too is bittersweet.  I can not continue without extending immense gratitude to last year’s Editor-in-Chief, Nicole Markert, who you will also read reflections from throughout the issue.  It was her hard work last year that contributed greatly to the magazine that you are currently holding in your hands, and I am extremely grateful to have been able to continue collaborating with her to create a final product we are both immensely proud of.  This issue would not have been possible either without my Managing Editor, Gabrielle Pardocchi, and my Web and Marketing Editor, Megan Mahoney, who not only helped make important decisions about this issue and club proceedings, but were all-around a fantastic support system during this whirlwind of an academic year and were an absolute pleasure to work with.

I want to thank those of you who supported Inklings this year. Whether you participated in club meetings and events, gave a donation, or were cheering us on from wherever you are, you are the main reason why Inklings has continued to exist and grow the way that it has and our motivation to continue that growth in the future.  A huge thank you as well to Anna Ling who helped the editorial staff read through submissions, Morgan Pierce who took lovely photos of this year’s contributors, as well as the English Department at Eastern who work hard to instill us with knowledge and confidence alike every day, and have worked harder still to teach us and support us through the obstacles and challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Though the world continues to rapidly change before our eyes, I encourage you to take some time as you read through this issue to slow down and absorb the beautiful work in this collection.  By turning the page, you are invited to stop everything and simply reflect along with us.

Warm wishes to all,

Erin Zak

2020-2021 MASTHEAD

Cellphone Prayer │Lynelle Bush

Towers in the Sand│Zack Wilson

And So It Goes │Zack Wilson

Kenai │Jennie Brouse

Koda │Jennie Brouse

Melody│Jennie Brouse