When Stephen King is asked, “How do you write?” he always answers succinctly, “One word at a time.” It is in this way that a writer chooses each word with precision, sculpting a consequential array of thoughts, feelings, and connotations. Each individual word has a particular color, shape, sound and taste, and is accordingly handpicked and arranged in a syntax that creates meaning.

Despite how carefully selected each word and sentence may be, however, once written, the end-meaning lies solely in the perception of the reader. For unlike the universal formulae that designate meaning for us in everyday life, the written word allows each reader the opportunity to create their own meaning. When you read the finely crafted stories and poems we have selected from thousands of submitted manuscripts for this issue of the BLR, what meaning will you create?

It is my pleasure to invite you to explore our sixth edition. Rhode Island is a poetic place, with a rich and growing community of writers. This issue features a special section of some of our best.

On behalf of the BLR staff, I would like to thank all those who submitted work, whether or not we were able to publish it. In addition, I’d like to thank The Pawtucket Times, The Woonsocket Call, Bryant University Academic Affairs Division, the University Advancement Division, and the Department of English & Cultural Studies. Their support and enthusiasm make the BLR possible.

Escape and enjoy,

Steven Proulx
Student Editor

EDITOR: Tom Chandler FICTION EDITOR: Diana Cruz MANAGING EDITOR: MJ Kim ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Lucie Koretsky STUDENT EDITOR: Steven Proulx DESIGN & LAYOUT: Rebecca Chandler

EDITOR'S NOTE

Announcement, Paul Hostovsky
Dramaturgy, Philip Dacey
Focal and Idey, Ruth Abat Cooper
Mathematician’s Love Poem, Matt Zambito
American Men, Matt Zambito
Cave Bull, Dan Stryk
Fat Broad, Darren DeFrain
Teachers’ Names, Charles Harper Webb
Greatness, Charles Harper Webb
All Things Starting, One, Robert Parham
A Dangerous World, Chris Henry
Lying Awake With the Windows Open, Mairéad Byrne
The Doctor Arrives, John Grey
Newport Ferry, Nancy Sullivan
Death Speaks of the Beauty of Crows, Cathleen Calbert
Long Term Touching, Martha Christina
The Station Nightclub, Don Kunz
Sandpipers, Again, Lisa Starr
The Remnants of Hurricane Bill, Kate Mele
In the Village of Mourning, Mark Brazaitis
Prison, Elizabeth Percer
WW I Veteran Dies in Hometown Paper, Robert Pringle
Dead Professor, Dan Dabrowski
Squeeze the Putty, Mrs. Martin, Mike Onofrey
Ripped from the Tree, Tom Hansen
Outside Leadville, Emily Morganti
Alchemy, Peggy Ann Tartt
Detroit, Michelle Brooks
For the First Time, Joanna Noble
Baby and House, Catherine Austin Alexander
Picasso’s Bowl, Natasha Marin
I will go, David Rogers

CONTRIBUTORS