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Volume 37.1
Spring 2006

Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

In February 2002 I got a phone call from Bob Spiess asking me to take over the editorial duties at Modern Haiku. Modern Haiku was Bob’s life, and only the prospect of that life ending made it necessary for him to consider giving up his stewardship. I don’t expect anyone will ever rival his twenty-four years at the helm. Not I, certainly! I came to my post with several goals in mind: to continue the fine tradition of stewardship that Bob had established, to improve the appearance and typography of the magazine, and to engage the talents of some of the best poets writing in English. Whether we have made progress in any or all these goals is for you, dear readers, to decide. I have been at it for four years and believe it is now time to pass the editorial pen.

I am delighted to announce that Charles Trumbull has agreed to take over the editorship of Modern Haiku. His qualifications, which by far exceed mine, are known to all. I hope you will continue to show Charlie the generous support you have shown me. Beginning March 15, 2006, the address for Modern Haiku will be: Modern Haiku, PO Box 7046, Evanston, IL 60204-7046. With the permission of the board of directors, I will stay on as editor of Modern Haiku Press. The address for MHP will remain the same as the current one: Box 68, Lincoln, IL 62656-0068.

Shortly before I took over the magazine, Charlie Trumbull did an Internet survey of haiku magazines. I recall that one respondent referred to Modern Haiku as the “dowager empress” of haiku magazines. It has been my honor to supervise the “extreme makeover” of the magazine. Thanks to Charlie’s professional typesetting, the stunning cover designs of Lidia Rozmus, Randy Brooks’s first-rate Web site, Paul Miller’s careful overseeing of the book reviews, Eva Hill’s computer wizardry, and the contributions of fine poets from around the world. I hope you will agree that the old lady looks like she got a good shot of botox.

I would especially like to express my deep appreciation to the critics, contributors, and most especially the Friends of Modern Haiku for making the last four years the most fulfilling of my life.

Warmly in winter,

Lee Gurga, editor

 

 

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