Introduction

Some thoughts regarding spirituality, religion, and art...

I started Subjective Substance several years ago as a reaction to the dearth of  publications that 
appreciated poetry about God. I felt that much of my own poetry concerned God, whether through 
expressed appeals, conversations, implorings, reflections, commendations, or anxieties. My research 
revealed that at that time, there were virtually no online poetry journals like this one, with an emphasis 
on such themes.

The two intervening years have been a blessing as I have witnessed a community unfold before 
my eyes, and have come in contact with talented poets of fascinating backgrounds, circumstances, 
and styles. At the same time, the bounds of the journal have expanded to include diverse approaches 
to the concept and treatment of divinity as a theme in creative writing. Indeed, Subjective Substance 
has lately been tagged a "Spiritual Poetry Digest," an attempt to help imbue our largely secular lives 
with a regular reminder of the Divine. Having learned a great deal about the diversity of contributors, 
and while respecting my own sensibilities, we acknowledge that one's idea of religious poetry is 
quite subjective, particularly as it pertains to conceptions of doctrine. 

Almost all people can agree to a spiritual agenda rooted in the premise that human life has some sort 
of higher meaning. It is in the area of religion that we choose "a path in the woods," so to speak. And
religion is the filter through which we personally acknowledge a particular truth. My own prejudices
are no exception. I would be lying if I said that once in a while I do not receive a submission that I find 
blasphemous and cannot publish in good conscience. Anticlimactic as it may be, these sorts of questions 
have not been central to the development of the journal. Issues relating to keeping the issues full of 
quality poetry and presenting them cohesively has been a more demanding endeavor.

So far, Subjective Substance stands as a testament to our shared spiritual consciousness and as a 
sounding board to poets who take their art and their religion seriously. 

Next issue, I will continue my analysis of the potent mix of religion, spirituality, and poetry that is found 
in Subjective Substance and its mirrors in contemporary culture. Stay tuned.

Until then, enjoy the stellar poetry in this month's issue!


Omar Azam