 The
past few months I have found myself pondering my place in the world, my place
within my family, my place within society. Who am I? What do I want to
become? What do I need to improve about myself? Where do I go from here? It
is an unfathomable, frightening task, I can assure you. It is a task that few
undertake because it is inherently painful to peel back the layers of one’s
own consciousness in search of truth. Artists, writers, and musicians are
among the few who gladly, routinely undertake introspection and
self-evaluation. More than that, we creative types like to share our pain,
our joy, our epiphanies and failures with the public at large. And, for this
I – as a reader, viewer, listener – am eternally grateful.
Within these meager web pages, I have tried to compile works that I find
introspective and universal, works that touch me on a personal level, works
that question the nature of our being and the paths our lives take. I hope
you feel, as I do, that there are kindred spirits dwelling within these
pages, artists and writers who understand the struggle of daily existence and
the ebb and flow of fate.
I am eternally grateful, as always, to the men and women who have contributed
their artwork, photography, poetry, and fiction to our publication. I am most
particularly thankful for the friends who have helped me piece together this
ragged tapestry: Linda Maxwell, for the beautiful words and unwavering support;
Steve Berry, for the crying shoulder; Evan Campbell, for the music and
laughter; my Mom, Peggy, for her kindness; Texas Jim, for being there; Sarge, for thinking I’m
sexy; Jane, for sticking to her grammatical guns; and Jonathan Mills,
for the editorial advice and splendid late-night conversation. As always, I
must thank John Rashby-Pollock, my now-former coeditor, for his countless
hours of editing and re-editing on behalf of the magazine. John has left us
to pursue his own creative ventures, but his guidance regarding aesthetics
and content has proven indispensable over the past year.
This issue is dedicated to my Granny.
Tracy M. Rogers
Editor - The Aurora Review
Photo by
Tracy M. Rogers.
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