PRISM International – Fall 2003

Sometimes clichés are true: this issue of Prism International illustrates the concept that good things do come in small packages. The journal contains poetry which ranges from Bernadette Higgins’ traditional poem, “Short Wave,” describing language, music, and thoughts which tease and cross on the air late at night, to a strong contemporary poem by Matt Robinson, “why we wrap our wrists the same each time,” exploring a hockey player’s quest to “do anything” to beat his “jinx.” Ouyang Yu translates four Chinese poems from the 8th and 9th century, which are beautiful in their simplicity and complexity. Sometimes clichés are true: this issue of Prism International illustrates the concept that good things do come in small packages. The journal contains poetry which ranges from Bernadette Higgins’ traditional poem, “Short Wave,” describing language, music, and thoughts which tease and cross on the air late at night, to a strong contemporary poem by Matt Robinson, “why we wrap our wrists the same each time,” exploring a hockey player’s quest to “do anything” to beat his “jinx.” Ouyang Yu translates four Chinese poems from the 8th and 9th century, which are beautiful in their simplicity and complexity. One of the most remarkable poems is Leanne Boschman-Epp’s “Prince Rupert Rain Journal: night rain.” In this extraordinary poem, the reader is treated to both an auditory and visual simulation of rain through sound and creative placement of words. The contemporary fiction is short, averaging about eight pages per story, but packs a punch. Lauro Palomba’s knock-out piece, “Salesmanship,” shows us even Santa can have an “angle.” Royston Tester contributes “Once Upon a Prissy,” a powerful and gritty story of a young Englishman learning to prostitute in Spain. Finally, give the cover by Janieta Eyre a second look. Yes, it’s unusual. A young woman with bright orange hair, blacked-out eyes, and graphics attached to her cheek is stirring a pot on a stove. Now, add the title, “Making Babies” and notice the container of eggs, semen, and blood. Interesting. – GK