SUBMISSIONS CLOSED!
#Issue 6: Theophany
• • •
In the 21st century, to declare belief in something otherworldly often invites ridicule. Reason, it is assumed, always exists in opposition to Faith.
The more modern a philosophy school is, the likelier it is to be naturalistic and materialist. However, science itself is Faith’s birth-child. The earliest experimenters considered their investigations another aspect of uncovering the Unseen. A ‘recent’ iteration in history is the case of Fr. Lemaitre and Einstein. The Big Bang was first proposed by Fr. Lemaitre, whose calculations challenged the popular Steady State theory of the Universe at the time. Einstein later admitted, “This is the most beautiful and satisfactory explanation of creation to which I have ever listened.”
Theophanies, then, when they occur often resist easy prodding. The Unseen enters our field of experience, distorting all established protocols & theories in order to further them. The Greeks, Hausas, Romans, Egyptians, Yorubas, Jews, Arabs, and Igbos have stories of these, which formed the earliest poems and oral traditions. Poets, we expect, should be most interested in such manifestations. We are seeking poems that explore this experience.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
- Mary Oliver (Mysteries, Yes)
The perfect square has no corners.
- Tao Te Ching
The more modern a philosophy school is, the likelier it is to be naturalistic and materialist. However, science itself is Faith’s birth-child. The earliest experimenters considered their investigations another aspect of uncovering the Unseen. A ‘recent’ iteration in history is the case of Fr. Lemaitre and Einstein. The Big Bang was first proposed by Fr. Lemaitre, whose calculations challenged the popular Steady State theory of the Universe at the time. Einstein later admitted, “This is the most beautiful and satisfactory explanation of creation to which I have ever listened.”
Theophanies, then, when they occur often resist easy prodding. The Unseen enters our field of experience, distorting all established protocols & theories in order to further them. The Greeks, Hausas, Romans, Egyptians, Yorubas, Jews, Arabs, and Igbos have stories of these, which formed the earliest poems and oral traditions. Poets, we expect, should be most interested in such manifestations. We are seeking poems that explore this experience.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
- Mary Oliver (Mysteries, Yes)
The perfect square has no corners.
- Tao Te Ching
• • •
Olúmọ Review seeks amazing poetry—poetry that is bold, poetry that would collide with rocks and grind them to powder, that sparks curiosity, that intrigues the intellect, that kicks in the teeth, that guts the heart, that says something genuine about the world as well as the individual. We celebrate diversity and are open to diverse styles, forms, and kinds of poetry about any and all subjects.
However, we do not want any work that harms or marginalizes others. We also don't want poems that glorify violence.
We are currently open to only poetry submissions from January 1 through March 31 & July 1 through September 30. We publish biannually; June & December. However, our Features column is not unsolicited. Poems, stories, and essays published in the Features column are solicited.
We pay each contributor a modest token per accepted poem (within 10-30 days after publication), nominate select pieces for the Best of the Net, and offer contributor copies annually.
Guidelines:
However, we do not want any work that harms or marginalizes others. We also don't want poems that glorify violence.
We are currently open to only poetry submissions from January 1 through March 31 & July 1 through September 30. We publish biannually; June & December. However, our Features column is not unsolicited. Poems, stories, and essays published in the Features column are solicited.
We pay each contributor a modest token per accepted poem (within 10-30 days after publication), nominate select pieces for the Best of the Net, and offer contributor copies annually.
Guidelines:
- Submissions are open internationally to any poet writing in English—other languages are okay to include, as long as the meat of the poem is in English.
- Send us only your best. We will be extremely selective.
- We accept simultaneous submissions, but please send us a note if your work is picked up elsewhere. (We want to say congratulations!)
- Send us 1-3 poems.
- Submissions should be formatted as Word documents: .doc or .docx, with font 12 and single line spacing. Submissions not formatted in the way specified will not be considered. We will accept a .pdf but will need a .doc or .docx if accepted.
- We do not accept multiple submissions. Please submit all your poems in ONE document.
- Please include a cover letter with your publication history, if any.
- We have a small staff. Please expect 1-3 months for a response. Please do not query until 8 weeks have passed.
- Submit here!
