Introduction to Issue 15

For this issue of Eye to the Telescope, I wanted to showcase poetry by female poets and poets that self-identified as women. I still find that speculative poetry (and prose) is often considered a male-dominated genre, particularly science fiction. [Just as an aside I recommend Women of Wonder: The Contemporary Years, Science Fiction by Women from the 1970s to the 1990s, edited by Pamela Sargent, particularly for the fascinating introductory essay.]

In selecting poetry for this issue, I looked for variety in poetic form, and for craft elements including repetition and assonance. I also looked for a group of poems with a diversity in tone and subject. I was delighted when we received permission from the artists (Karin Bradberry and Kelli Hoppmann) to reproduce their work.

For all the poets out there, I recommend experimenting with new poetic forms, as well as poems written in first person, second person, and third person. Try something new and constantly challenge yourself as a poet.
As with any poetry journal, I don’t expect that every reader will love every poem, but if one poem speaks to you then I feel the issue is successful.

I am extremely grateful to have been the guest editor issue 15 of Eye to the Telescope. Special thanks to FJ Bergmann for all her patience (!) and her help. And thank you to all the poets who submitted!