Editor’s note
Dear readers,
As the Poetry Co-Editors of Volume 65, we are beyond excited to welcome you to the Poetry section of The Strand. The Poetry section was discontinued in 2015, and we are so grateful to be part of bringing it back to life.
As we embark on our first issue of the year, we cannot help but reflect on the past two years, as they have been the epitome of disorientation. We have all known the feelings of isolation, loss, and loneliness brought on by the pandemic, and we have all experienced the anxieties of uncertainty. Despite how our days ahead are seemingly more hopeful and bright, these themes of loss and loneliness are still very necessary and very present in our lives. The process of orientation (whether to a new university, a new city, or a new living environment) can often feel more like disorientation at first. It is an adjustment period that can make us feel more disconnected than ever. As we enter a new academic year, we invite you to consider the lessons we have learnt over the past two years as we all move towards a new normal, whatever that may be. This is a time to embrace new beginnings, find your path, and to navigate the unfamiliar with open minds, knowing that you are not alone in feeling adrift. We hope this platform will be a meaningful space for you to reconnect with yourself and other students, and to share your feelings and experiences on topics that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. An opportunity to connect, explore, and have your voice heard and acknowledged—no matter how disoriented you may feel.
We want you to know that we encourage creativity and artistic freedom from our contributors and that we are here to support you throughout the process. So don’t let feelings of disorientation hold you back—we will find our way together as we share in this fresh start (and fresh section!). We are so delighted to experience this creative journey with you as we welcome poetry back into our paper. We look forward to hearing your pitches and working with you this year!
With love,
Emma and Ishika
