kerning | a space for words no. 3
kerning | a space for words no. 3
We are thrilled to present the third issue of kerning, a biannual compendium of writing that includes poetry, fiction, short stories, flash fiction, personal essays and creative nonfiction from women and gender diverse people.
For this issue, we invited writers and artists to send us work based on the theme “Secret Identities,” writing that delves into what we conceal, obstruct, or obscure from view—whether it's by necessity, choice, or circumstance—and whether we're hiding from ourselves or the world.
“...I think we are well-advised to keep on nodding terms with the people we used to be, whether we find them attractive company or not. Otherwise they turn up unannounced and surprise us, come hammering on the mind's door at 4 a.m. of a bad night and demand to know who deserted them, who betrayed them, who is going to make amends.”
—Joan Didion, Slouching Towards Bethlehem
What’s Inside:
Poetry
Self-Portrait as Textile | Moira Walsh
the maiden | Elizabeth Ogle
Display Model | Wren Pearson
Vivian | Janice McCrum
Evidence | Deborah Arnold
Crookedly | Lana Hechtman Ayers
Persephone To Her Mother | Annie Cody Holdren
Tiger | Alyssa Kelly
At the Christmas Dinner Table | Chris Masterman
Tidal | Samantha Wallen
Thursday, August 6: The Story | Zoe C. Sims
Consumed | Samantha Wallen
I Would Like to Know | Zoe C. Sims
Archived | Kristy Bloom
Baking Bread | Susie Berg
Self-Portrait as Window | Judy Kaber
What Can Happen, Is | Carolyn Martin
Vanishing Act | Carolyn Locke
A Study of Masochism: Ways I Would (Not) Like to Die | Clayre Benzadon
Losing | Marjorie Arnett
Lost | Michelle Latvala
Hiding Places | Devika Brandt
Origami | Kristin Camitta Zimet
The Naming | Kristin Camitta Zimet
Keep your skeletons in the closet | Mary Katherine Creel
Rodeo | Janis Brams
Change | Diane Laboda
Latakia | Leslie Moore
Out of place | Mary Katherine Creel
Someday I’ll Love Clayre Benzadón | Clayre Benzadón
Costume Skin | Kay Kestner
Retrospective | Michelle Lynch
No Jars: A Life Story | Lana Hechtman Ayers
Why Now | Rachel Wolfe
Short Fiction
Plum Blossoms | Laura Bonazzoli
Creative Nonfiction
Salt Gardens | Carella Keil
Happy Hour | Jessica Wolf
Operation Assimilation | Ana Stapleton
Margaret | Linda Buckmaster
Starlet | Christi Krug
Essayettes
My Cloak of Ambiguity | Anne-Marie Nolin
A One-Night Stand | Sue Ann Gleason
Artwork
She Said NO! | Marjorie Arnett
You Asked? | Clare Olivares