Here at The Dewdrop, we wanted to bestow a little extra recognition on some of our favorite poems we’ve had the absolute pleasure to publish throughout the year.
The five poems which stood out to us throughout 2022 run the gamut from the life of a seventh century saint, to some spiritual feminine advice to a hypothetical child, to spiritual disillusionment and disenfranchisement in the Middle East, to finding holiness in the chaos and grit of city streets, to folklore in a bowl of hot noodles.
Along with the varied voices and subject matter of these poems, the common thread is the immense talent of the poets that allowed us the honor of publishing these pieces. It is my very great pleasure to announce The Dewdrop’s 2022 Editor’s Choice Selections.
Nicholas Trandahl
Poetry Editor
Rose Strode – Saint Cuthbert Proclaims the First Sanctuary for Birds, 676 A.D.
Alive with enchanting imagery, Rose Strode’s exquisite Saint Cuthbert Proclaims the First Sanctuary for Birds, 676 A.D. details moments in the life of that saint.
Rooja Mohassessy – Intoxicated by Verses
Iranian-born poet Rooja Mohassessy presents readers a work of luscious language, devotion, wonder, faith, and also disillusionment.
Elisabeth Preston-Hsu – Kitsune Udon
Like a steaming bowl of delicious flavors, Elisabeth Preston-Hsu’s “Kitsune Udon” is a recipe of mythology, Zen simplicity, and storytelling.
Brandon James O’Neil – City Adhan
Hinged on the image of Muslim cab driver finding a moment of serenity in communion with God in the chaos of New York City, Brandon James O’Neil’s “City Adhan” offers readers that same serenity.
Samantha Imperi – To my child, on God
Samantha Imperi’s powerful tragic poem “To my child, on God” muses God as a feminine force, forced to birth a universe she doesn’t want.