Editor Note

By Molly Hill

Summer Poems/ July 2020

Dear Readers and Writers,

Thank goodness for summer, because how would/will we bear quarantine in February?

There’s a saying that goes something like — what you put your attention and focus on— will grow, which is downright cheerful when it applies to something good, but we seem to be awash in challenging, attention-demanding issues that can make day to day coping difficult.

We’d like to offer our 2020 Summer Poetry Issue as a form of annotation to your daily life.

While this collection of short poems certainly can’t explain what’s happening in our world, these student writers look at the world with a keen sense of observation and astute reflection, and we’re honored to share their work as both antidote and accompaniment to 2020 summer survival.

While these poems are short enough to be read on your phone during a zoom call, or while standing on that large disk six feet away from the next person in the coffee line, they’re long on inspiration, creativity and escapism.

Thanks for reading, and stay motivated*

Molly Hill
Editor

*Image of ART on plywood, created in Uptown, Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd.

Editor’s Note

By Molly Hill

June 2020/Issue 18

Dear Readers and Writers:

Working with student writers provides a front row seat to watching creativity unfold. It’s a chance to be a witness to challenging and growth filled personal stories, stunning art and photography, as well as the development of imaginative fiction and poetry. But the best part is that student writing has always been about dreaming too, and it’s such a privilege to have this small window to watch student writers make their way in the world,— figuring things out as they go, guided by that inner light as well as by family, friends, teachers and other mentors in the communities where they live.

The dreams are key because they help plot the way forward, keeping hope steady as obstacles are navigated, and motivating students— (well, all of us)—to continue looking ahead.

After our last issue went online in March, Covid19 made the world stop. For a while there was no more planning ahead, only adjusting to an indefinite limbo of uncertainty. Then here in our home city of Minneapolis, things got worse. Much has been written about the tragic death of George Floyd and the city-then-state then-worldwide reaction to long time societal structures enabling inequality and injustice to continue through generations. We’re reading and learning and doing along with everyone else, hoping to be part of something positive in the days and months ahead. We remain hopeful that as our city is rebuilt, a commitment to change grows along with it.

And here at our journal we remain committed as we’ve been since the beginning five years ago, — to amplify ALL voices, and showcase student work from all over the world. We’re grateful as always to our student contributors who have always been our teachers—may your dreams never be deferred.

Molly Hill

Harlem
By Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Editor’s Note/Winter Poems 2020

By Molly Hill

Readers and Writers:

In order to bring a little heat into the heart of a cold winter, we present this month’s cover image, a photo taken in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The Joshua tree, depending on whom you ask is thought to represent strength, supplication, and the ability to thrive in difficult conditions. While we hope you’re thriving this winter, we’re providing a poetic oasis of sorts to get you through the days when the sun seems to set way too early. This is our fourth annual winter poetry issue—and we’re honored to present the work of these young writers.

Enjoy the issue!

Molly Hill
Editor

Editor/s Note

By Molly Hill

December 2019

Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks. —Samuel Johnson

Dear Readers and Writers:

Just as we were putting the final touches on this issue before it goes live on our site, we received a surprise donation of sufficient funding to cover the costs for our entire December issue, —talk about a bright blaze of gladness. Our deepest heartfelt thanks to our anonymous donor who supports our mission by providing this unexpected financial spark!

And speaking of sparks, if you go to the web site: earthobservatory.nasa.gov you’ll find what are called light maps, satellite images of areas of human habitation around the globe. Per NASA, these images of the earth at night are often called “night lights,” glimmers of light in the blue marble night sky.

We see evidence of these light maps in our submission inbox every single day. Young writers are taking pictures, making art, and ready to share poems, stories, and opinions with us. This issue features points of light from Nigeria, Belgium, Singapore, Canada, and Turkey, as well as work from our many writers here in the U.S. Read on to discover unexpected sparks.

Molly Hill
Editor

Editor’s Note

By Molly Hill

September 2019/ Issue Fifteen

“We who make stories know that we tell lies for a living. But they are good lies that say true things, and we owe it to our readers to build them as best we can. Because somewhere out there is someone who needs that story. Someone who will grow up with a different landscape, who without that story will be a different person. And who with that story may have hope, or wisdom, or kindness, or comfort. And that is why we write.” Neil Gaiman

Dear Readers and Writers,

Summer seems to have left us with alarming speed, and we’re here with a Fall syllabus of sorts to ease the transition. There’s a more extensive personal essay section this time, and we commend our student writers for telling stories that are not only deeply personal, but often difficult to articulate and process.

This issue is an invitation to enter different landscapes. Check out Micaela’s world in the Bronx, Sebastian’s accidental adventure at GameStop, and Esther’s reaction to life in San Francisco. Our Anonymous author explains how a book like Middlesex, can change the way you see yourself, — and things turn darkly comical in the world created by Katherine where people wake up one morning without— hands, which makes restaurant work especially challenging.

We’re nearing the end of our fourth year of online publication, and looking forward to our first print addition, making an appearance in 2020. Watch for some familiar favorites as well as new work coming together in an anthology that will be our five year anniversary edition—details to follow as we move closer to publication.

Blue Marble began out of a love of writing and reading and a desire to evangelize about the written word. When we were building our online platform we hoped writers from everywhere would find us and share their work, and in turn inspire others to do the same. It’s working. Thanks to those who’ve found us from all over the world.

Keep writing!

Molly Hill
Editor

Editor’s Note Summer Poems

By Molly Hill

Summer Issue/July 2019

Poetry is thoughts that breathe and words that burn.
Thomas Gray

Dear Readers and Writers,

Our summer issue is small but mighty, and goes well with a frappuccino, or a DQ Blizzard. It’s a perfect read for the hammock, beach towel or lawn chair and best enjoyed when you’re supposed to be doing something else. (no reading at the red light tho…)

For those who say they don’t “get poetry,” we invite you (don’t turn back now!) to scroll through this issue because we think you’ll change your mind. These young writers reflect on relationships, family, feelings, politics, and identity among other things. Chances of coming across something poignant and relatable are quite good.

Off you go!

Happy summer—

Molly Hill
Editor