Editor's Note

I'm so pleased to introduce this incredible new issue of The Cortland Review, my first as senior poetry editor. It's an honor to feature the work of these twenty-two poets and fiction writers, including Michael Bazzett, Lana Bella, Nancy Bryan, Lauren Camp, Cyrus Cassells, Lucia Cherciu, Sara Henry, Richie Hoffman, Juleen Eun Sun Johnson, Rebecca Lehmann, Greg Maddigan, Marilyn McCabe, Dunya Mikhail, Alex Miller, Julia Anna Morrison, Nahid Rachlin, Jeremy Radin, Supritha Rajan, Nicholas Reading, Brad Trumpfheller, Kara Van De Graaf, and J.S. Westbrook. We're grateful for every single writer in our pages and for the continued support from readers and writers who send us their work to review. Issue 81 will be our last to feature fiction, but we will strive to continue publishing fresh and original poetry, reviews, and artwork.

This issue also highlights the work of brilliant poet Diane Seuss and her most recent book, Still Life with Two Dead Peacocks and a Girl (2018). The gorgeous lyricism, captivating narrative, and fresh and surprising ekphrasis in her collection are simply astounding. We encourage you to read this stunningly original book, available for purchase through the link on our homepage.

We are also happy to feature artwork by San Francisco artist Giorgio Landa as our cover for this issue. I was immediately captivated by this work's striking use of color and texture, which evoked the lushness of autumn but also a joy and brightness that invites the viewer in.

Lastly, many thanks to the staff of TCR for their dedication and hard work, as always, in putting this issue together. It takes many people to make this happen. I'm especially grateful to Ginger Murchison and Guy Shahar for their trust in me as well as their patience and encouragement. And thanks to Eric Berlin, David Moody, Anna Cantone, Jennifer Wallace, Amy MacLennan, and David Rigsbee for their continued expertise and vital contributions.

We hope you enjoy the issue!
Christian Gullette