Introduction

2004. Does the journal seem older? Well, according to the Gregorian calendar, we now have a nontrivial lifespan. 
Will we be around in 2005? We'll see. It depends on you as much as on me.

The longer this goes on, the more I want the journal to become immortal. Wicked laugh. I know that's vain and 
ungodly to say. Here's some context. I've always tried to maintain a sense of "one day at a time" regarding the
operations of the site, because in addition to being the editor, I am also the manager. Believe me, it takes a little
time and money. But, with a tip of the hat to Hunter S. Thompson, I can say that I have taken far more out of
this journal than this journal has taken out of me.

Back in April 2003, I felt  that if we could just get a decent issue out each month, somebody out there would 
appreciate it, most of all a poet who wanted their work to be read. We cobbled together the software necessary
for producing the issues, eked out a small home on the web, and voila!

The quality of the poets is impressive. I am often humbled by the way in which their poetry harnesses their 
perception of the divine. I am thankful to have gotten to know them. As you can see from a typical issue, there
are writers from diverse quarters. The nature of the medium has a wonderful role to play in bringing contributors
and readers from all over. This is exactly the type of poetry for which I set out to make a home. Now, I find
that the excitement is spreading to those who appreciate reading this flavor of poetry.

It makes me want to redouble my commitment to the site's permanent presence. I guess I might want to start
counting more on the support of like-minded people. For the time being, I hope the makeshift infrastructure will be
able to accommodate next year's growth. Let me know via the contact form if this is ever not the case. With the
exception of hardware and software, I have virtually no staff! 

I thank God that I have been granted the time, effort, inspiration, and support to bring you this and all the previous 
issues. Thanks to all those who have gone out of their way to give their help in making this journal a reality or for 
appreciating it for what it is. I certainly would value more feedback. So, whether this is your first time here or 
your tenth, please drop us a line!


Omar Azam