Dear beestung readers,
Welcome to Issue #28, the Pleasure Issue. I do not take for granted each reader and writer that believes in the power and utility of art. Thank you to everyone who supported this idea and championed it forward. My name is the guest editor, but I am never alone on the journey. Special shout out to Sarah at beestung, K Anderson, Toyota, and the Carbon Collective.
One of the ways I approached the theme of pleasure with this volume is with what is the difference between the pornographic and the erotic. Each of these talented writers tug at the undercurrent of their desire by naming objects that drive them forward despite the chaos of the everyday capitalistic world. It is my utmost goal to help more folks discuss what they love and hate to contend with the cultural lies regarding sexuality and gender.
Donnie Moreland’s “BET Uncut” and “dogfart network” interrogate the risk in sexuality and how language influences the speaker’s attractions via technology such as television and music. While Harri Chan’s “emotion saw traps” is a captivating image poem that doesn’t allow want to be simple and Sheema Holmes’ “Hey, Love” is a sapphic musing on a night out which succumbs to the funny, naughty, and dorky George Violet Parker’s “Space Fuckin.’“
Emily Holland’s “Out of Focus” is our sole flash fiction that tinkers with how time can fluctuate desire. Liu’s “Nowaki” explores longing not just through words but intentionally with form while Poole’s “Midday, my lover brings home groceries” reminds us that it is the little things that matter in love. Darius Phelps’ “HONEY-COATED SKIN.” sucks us into a world where we can just about taste the lover of the speaker. Cordera’s poem, “Bruises,” tantalizes from beginning to end and then we close out with Cai Sherley’s poem, “Afro Pick Elegy” showing that us humans can care for objects just as much as people.
I know this issue will not just turn you all on but turn you all out to something or someone new. Be sure to be on the lookout for the sister issue this fall.
Much Love,
Christian M. Ivey