River
Oak Review
Volume
2, Issue 1
Fall 2004
Editor's
Statement
And so
it begins, a new journey along a well-used path. Literature always
needs a healthy place to live and breath, and we are happy to make our
(second) debut upon the literary landscape. Welcome to a new issue of
an old journal.
In 1993, Etta Worthington
and the River Oak Arts organization created
the River
Oak Review with the mission
of establishing a showcase for Chicago-area writers to find their
literary footing. Eventually the journal expanded, offered contests and
began winning awards and publishing the winners of the Now
Hear This: Stories on Stage
competition sponsored by WBEZ (Chicago Public Radio). However, it began
falling into the financial quagmire that unfortunately often befalls
privately-funded literary journals.
But rather than shut down
the publication, supporters approached
Chicago-area colleges about housing the journal. The River Oak Arts
board eventually accepted Elmhurst College's promise that we will
maintain the fine tradition of the journal as well as give it the
support facilities it needs to continue. That was roughly ten months
ago and this issue now marks this new beginning. We felt it was
appropriate to christen in Volume
2, Issue 1.
The elegance of language
rests not within the delivery, but within the
quiet boundaries of a well-turned phrase . . . or a voice that rings
true. Literature, no matter how crude or beautiful the wrapping,
demands our attention because we believe in words and the purity they
bring to any new meaning, any sudden point of view. And so it is that
long-time readers of River
Oak Review will first note
the new look, the new design that surrounds the literature inside. But
inside hopefully remains the same: established writers and new making
their national debut.
In this issue, we
spotlight some of the final poems of Wendy Bishop, a
nationally-famous poet who died last year. The world will miss her and
her words.
Welcome to the new River
Oak Review.
Thanks for joining us on our new journey.