The Cortland Review presents Lorna Stevens' exhuberant "Garden," a watercolor, just one of the images in GOD, SEED, Lorna's artistic collaboration with poet Rebecca Foust, whose voice comes out of the "grass-sweet dark." It's a perfect dance of poetry and art, "a fine romance, a garden of earthly and, at times, unearthly delights," says Troy Jollimore.

Curious about how we behave collectively—the issues we choose to address and the ones we don't—Lorna Stevens uses her images to visually ask all the questions about our relationship to the natural world. Her work is conceptually based. She uses clay and glass to make small fragile objects, organic materials such as branches to speak of the natural world, and she alters found objects to make new visual comments. When possible, she combines these diverse elements into one installation, often including the work of other artists who share her interests.

TCR's Issue 50 proudly brings back those we've previously published as well as those new to us and those with gold stars who are new, even, to publishing online. The entire TCR volunteer staff welcomes each contributor and each reader. You're the reason we keep at this dedication to honor the art of poetry and support those who practice its craft. While all of us are busy with all the cares of work, family, everyday's small and not so small crises, it's poetry that stabilizes us in the dizziness of the swirl, and Issue 50 presents its own evidence of the chaos and shows us standing strong in the face of it. We are a tough lot with a formidable optimism.

TCR thanks its poetry and fiction editors for their discriminating selections as well as all of its contributors, not only for trusting The Cortland Review with their work, but for the extra effort they make to provide audio recordings. Remember that Flash Player is the vehicle to these poetic voices, and if it's not already downloaded on your computer, you can get Flash Player free here.

Not only will you want Flash Player to hear the poets in this issue read their fine poems, but you'll want it when you go through our archive of issues and features (since 1997), including "Poets in Person" features on Gerald Stern, Phil Levine and Stephen Dunn in HD video, filmed and produced by Guy Shahar.

Don't forget to stop by our fan page on Facebook and drop us a note, too. We love your personal responses to what you read in our pages.

Heroes wanted:
If you're skilled in Website design or Web management, consider a volunteer role with The Cortland Review and e-mail your resume with a cover letter to [email protected]. You can be a TCR hero, too, by entering the amazon.com Website via any TCR link to buy any book in their inventory. We appreciate the support we get through your book purchases, and we'll use that money to meet you personally at AWP in Chicago in 2012.
Cheers,
Ginger Murchison
Editor