Letter from the Editor

We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it’s never a question of ‘critical mass.’ It’s always about critical connections.
– Grace Lee Boggs, Social Activist, Philosopher

 

Last night my fairy godniece and I drank hot chocolate on the sofa while watching  the Henderson Symphony’s live streamed performance, We Are Here. Musical Director and Conductor, Alexandra Arrieche described the evening as, “a musical journey of healing and an invitation to reflect about changes that will transform us into a more inclusive, conscious, empathic, and better world.”

More than once Arrieche reminded the audience that the Henderson Symphony Orchestra is here because of the audience, that the audience plays an essential role in the magic of live performance. When we gather, as Grace Lee Boggs wrote, we are affected by the “invisible fabric of our connectedness.” When so much feels out of our hands, when dominant discourse suggests that problems require ‘critical mass’; it stokes our hope to hear Boggs’ words about the power of critical connections. 

A social activist, civil rights leader, and philosopher, Boggs’ words about small activities in which we connect with others are what we have missed over the past year. And, while virtual life has allowed us to connect in some ways, it cannot replicate the kinesthetics of inhabiting a common space with others.

Grace Lee Boggs lived to be 100 years old. In her life she tirelessly fought for racial and economic justice. When we remember great leaders like Boggs we also remember the truth that injustice is not new, and it is intersectional. Through organized actions and writings, Boggs’ work created critical  connections as the evolution of community. 

The Citron Review wants to acknowledge the increasing number of hate crimes against people who are Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander in the United States. Recent events such as the murders in Atlanta of eight individuals, seven of whom were women, and six of the seven were Asian women, highlight our need to confront systemic racism in America. We also acknowledge the need for action as well as healing in this time of great pain. 

In our spring issue we welcome new faces and new voices with Charlotte Hamrick and Ronit Plank as Creative Nonfiction Editors, and Assistant Editors Jasmine Respess and Morena Guerrero. Senior Poetry and Zest Editor Eric Steineger’s essay “Restaurant Days, Food Obsessions, and Bourdain” brings us to the kitchen table to feast on poetry as food. In 2021 look for more features by Citron staff and invited guests.  

On behalf of The Citron Review, on this evening of the Spring Equinox, we are grateful to our readers and writers who are part of “the invisible fabric of our connectedness.” 

Warmly,

Angela M. Brommel
Editor-in-Chief
Poetry Editor
The Citron Review

 

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Table of Contents

Poetry

Notes on the selections by Eric Steineger

Rikki Santer	Gift Shop at the Museum of Fear
Salvador Villanueva translated from Spanish by Gustavo Rivera	4 3 1 0
Michael Pittard	Revelation St. Augustine Sits

Creative Nonfiction

Notes on the selections by Ronit Plank

Shakirah Peterson	Ugh, Uub.
Jennifer Lang	Ricochet
Gabriela Denise Frank	Mr. Fix-It
Tom McAllister	1996
Wenxin Tang	How to Become a Thinker: a Chinese Room
Michelle Site	Long Before They Declared It An Epidemic

Flash Fiction

Notes on the selections by Elizabeth De Arcos

Mark Cassidy	City Lights
Gordon W. Mennenga	Alone with Others
Star Su	Freezing Point
Linda Wastila	Sequestered

Micros

Notes on the selections by JR Walsh

Jason Gebhardt	Lament
Patrick Wang	Exodus
Heather Bourbeau	Careful What You Wish For (Popeye’s Pain)
Vasantha Sambamurti	Nightwalk
Kate Neuman	Carolling
Zebulon Huset	Median Memorial for Homeless Man Hit by Car
Dana Chiueh	I saw us in a Vermeer painting with no people in it

Zest

Our Zest Editor investigates poetry’s culinary delights.

Eric Steineger	Restaurant Days, Food Obsessions, and Bourdain