Volume 31 Issue 1

Authors

Abstract

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2017, presents a thought-provoking collection of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction that examines themes of multicultural identity, artistic expression, and societal "isms"—prejudices, ideologies, and cultural perceptions that shape human interactions. The issue, archived as Volume 31, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 36, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor John ToShawn Jarrett, in his editorial preface, reflects on the role of literature in understanding cultural and ideological divides. He discusses how the issue is built around the exploration of "-isms"—a term denoting doctrines, ideologies, and cultural perspectives. This theme serves as a framework for the wide-ranging and introspective works featured within the journal.

Key highlights include:

• "Yesterday and Today" by Richard Compean, a deeply moving piece about memory, love, and impending loss.

• "Mary Magdalene Visits Detroit" by Albert Thomas, a poem exploring race, class, and urban decay.

• "Fake News" by Albert Thomas, an Audre Lorde-inspired critique of societal hypocrisy and media distortion.

• "Musings on a Park Bench" by John Grey, a poetic reflection on public spaces, human interaction, and observation.

• "Kafka's Ghost" by J.J. Steinfield, a literary encounter with Kafka's ghost, exploring existential dread and artistic inspiration.

• "Reverence" by Raymond Wong, an intimate narrative about heritage, respect, and generational wisdom.

• "Beware of Wolves" by Terry Severhill, a story of deception, survival, and trust in an uncertain world.

• "Poem for My Sons on the Job Market" by Jacob Stratman, a meditation on generational challenges and economic realities.

• "Marea" by Nelson Ramirez, a lyrical exploration of cultural tides and personal history.

• "Coffee" by A. Farrier, a reflective poem on routine, warmth, and the passage of time.

This issue of Nebo continues the journal’s tradition of publishing compelling voices that challenge, engage, and inspire readers.

Recommended Citation

(2025) "Volume 31 Issue 1," NEBO: A Literary Journal: Vol. 31: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://orc.library.atu.edu/nebo/vol31/iss1/1