Elayne Clift Bücher

Over a year has passed since Covid-19 disrupted our lives, leaving us yearning for connection and grappling with anxiety and isolation. As death tolls rose, we recognized this as a profound health crisis, longing for narratives that humanize the losses and celebrate survival. We sought stories that resonate emotionally, allowing us to laugh, weep, and empathize, ultimately fostering personal growth. Storytelling—be it through prose, poetry, or other forms—is essential for understanding our world, providing wholeness and a path to recovery. As Sue Monk Kidd notes, stories embody "the life of the soul," and sharing our pandemic experiences with empathy ensures future generations grasp the reality of prolonged isolation and fear. The narratives we create serve as monuments to resilience, helping us discern what truly matters. In this anthology, 53 poets contribute 70 poems that reflect the collective Covid experience. These diverse voices illustrate our journey through darkness, echoing May Sarton's sentiment that without it, nothing is born. They reveal our bravery in confronting fears, as Eudora Welty urged, and offer healing through poetic expression. This collection continues the tradition of impactful storytelling, moving and enlightening readers as we navigate this transformative experience.