Delmarva Review, Volume 9

Welcome to the ninth annual Delmarva Review, a literary journal publishing exceptional poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction, in print and digital editions.
As a journal, our focus is on the voice and literary qualities of authors’ work to tell their stories. We do not preselect a theme. Often, we are impressed by the courage or clarity of a writer to reveal skillfully a personal feeling or truth that will resonate with readers and be remembered. In the following pages, contributing writers probe a number of topics: love, loss, aging, addiction, physical and mental illness, personal identity, relationships, and, of course, death.
The cover photograph, “Significant Other,” by George Merrill, is suggestive of human relationships, depicted by two weathered picket gateposts (in Oxford, Maryland) with expressive “eyes,” bound together by a simple tether. The image invites one’s imagination.
In recognition of William Shakespeare's 400th birthday, we are featuring the work of Shakespearean actor and poet James Keegan, from Milton, Delaware, in this issue. His essay explores how the veteran actor draws human qualities from his Shakespearean roles on stage to build contemporary characters in his poetry. Mythological undertones surface throughout much of the writing in this edition.
Volume 9 contains the poetry and prose of thirty-six authors from 11 states. We encourage the work of authors in the greater Chesapeake region, and we welcome all writers, regardless of residence. The writing in this edition includes: forty-seven poems, eight short stories, and 10 essays and memoirs. We also review five recent books by regional authors.
True to our namesake (the Delmarva Peninsula), we have printed a special section in this issue listing 114 current books published by authors from the Chesapeake region. Covering most genres, the list provides an excellent view of the diversity of creative work by regional authors.
During nine years, The Delmarva Review has published new literary prose and poetry from over 250 talented writers in twenty-eight states, the District of Columbia, and nine other countries. This has resulted in authors receiving over forty Pushcart Prize nominations, as well as notable mentions in Best American Essays and other publications.
Our editors, writers, and readers are appreciative of partial funding from a Talbot County Arts Council grant, with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council, and from individual tax-deductible contributions.
It is my pleasure to work with 12 volunteers as editors, readers, and advisors to publish The Delmarva Review. We are passionate about the review’s contribution to the literary arts and the importance of literacy to our culture.