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A New Beginning
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Issue I : Volume I of The Ambassador Poetry Project.
Over the course of its development, I quickly became aware of the enthusiasm contributors and readers would have for the production of such a publication. Bringing together Ontario and Michigan poetic voices seemed like a natural fit to me, but I continue to be amazed at how well this little project has been received by the public. Between emails and phone calls, in-person introductions and handshaking at events, it has been your words of encouragement and enthusiasm that has planted the seeds for a project I am pleased to introduce.
Together, the state of Michigan and the province of Ontario touch all five of the Great Lakes. Yes, that's a wonderful uniqueness we share, but these two vast regions share much more in common than geographical neighboring. There's a shared sensibility and comparable experience amongst Michiganders and Ontarians and that's what makes this project so special. In celebration of our similarities and in curiosity of our differences, poetry is but one way we can relate to one another in language and in life. From emerging poets to established voices, the purpose of The Ambassador Poetry Project is to showcase the fruitful literary landscapes in which we live, work, and play.
I hope you will continue to embrace this new poetic project and share the website link with others. It has been through word of mouth that the project has received the attention it has and, in turn, received the quality of submissions I am pleased to share with readers. In this launch issue, the well-traveled Penn Kemp shares her signature style while students from Western Michigan University and University of Michigan introduce us to their emerging voices. Indeed, teachers, students, editors and retirees share the pages of this issue, proving poetry is amongst us everywhere, in everyone. I encourage you to read each and every piece included in this launch issue and to share your favorites with your peers. Let others know the opportunities for submission, special events, and discovery.
It was an absolute joy to produce the launch issue of The Ambassador Poetry Project. I welcome your feedback and hope you will return often for news, event announcements, and, of course, the publication of Issue II in December '09.
Sincere thanks for your support and interest,
Lori A. May
Founding Editor
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