During the life of this Persimmon Tree issue, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This seminal document, which has moved and inspired so many people around the globe, was released to the larger world by the Second Continental Congress because, as the first paragraph of the Declaration states:
Decency and respect are two qualities that seem to be, once again, under fire on this little blue ball in the suburbs of the universe. Tolerance has yielded ground to intolerance. Differences are too often regarded with suspicion, largely based on ignorance, fear, and/or ingrained prejudice.
In the quivering uncertainties of this changing world—ravaged by climate change, brutal political/religious conflicts, and growing gaps and resentments between haves and have-nots—the arts are of vital importance. They allow us to peer into the lives of others, to ponder and absorb what we learn—and, as a result, to grow.
A magazine of the arts, Persimmon Tree publishes prose, poetry, and visual art from women of many backgrounds, life experiences, and opinions—as long as these submissions are well-rendered, thought-provoking, and comport to our standards of respect and decency. The Persimmon Tree Forum is the only section of our magazine centered on social and political questions—from our readers’ differing perspectives. A forum is, after all, an arena for debate and discussion.
In the past year, we have received one angry “unsubscribe” letter from a woman convinced that we support one side of a rending political/ethnic conflict, and another from a subscriber convinced we support the other side of that same conflict. Persimmon Tree supports freedom of expression.
I hope that, during the three months this issue is featured on our website, you will return again and again to explore the rich trove of prose, poetry, art, and music it contains.
I leave you with a quote from poet, essayist, and feminist and fervent peace activist Barbara Deming (1917-1984):
Peggy Wagner
Editor-in-Chief
Stories that become our memories are even better when we share them. We recall the details, the conversations, the ups-and-downs and colorful backdrops.
In our minds, we hear the tone of voice, see the smiles and the raised eyebrows. Mostly, Perceptions are fictional tales with an element of real-life people, places, and events woven in.
Turn the pages from Jewish rites of passage to a hiatus in Portugal, men challenged as they transition to single life in middle age, then recognize seasonal celebrations with settings on both sides of the 'Pond.'
Jane Manaster's Perceptions invites you to share all these and more from a very personal view. Meet Jane's friends and enjoy reading how she has blended the stories together in her wonderful life.
Available from Amazon or ask for it at your local independent bookstore.
Merry Song of Eugene, OR, is discovering that the older she gets, the more fascinated she is with Mother Nature in all her forms. Looking closely at what is right in front of her comes easily to her now. At the same time, she carries on with her joy of leading spiritual writing workshops for those willing to come out of hiding.