Recommended Reading

I am fortunate to have recieved to new books from the talented working class poet, Lyle Daggett. Daggett's writing shows the influence of Meridel LeSueur but has a delicacy and sensitivity of its own. He is a master of lyrical, descriptive poetry. The poems in these collections have a way of placing the reader in the scene painted on an emotional level. The collection "What is Buried Here" published by Red Dragonfly Press is available on-line with a sample poem. There is a good review online Here

The other collection, "The Idea of Legacy" published by Musical Comedy Edtions (5136 Lyndale Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55419) at a very affordable $8.00 is, I feel the stronger collection. This is Daggett at his best, connecting the personal and political in an intimate, lyrical, and powerful way. In this collection he shows the full range of his voice. It is clear that he is one of our class's most talented and strongest poets and I give this collection our highest recommendation. Do yourself a favor and get it.

Summer Editorial

As the long days of summer draw to an end, this issue comes bearing witness to an escalating environmental crisis and to the needless slaughter that serves to fuel more of the same. As many are learning and some refuse to learn, military aggression enflames resistance to injustice. Only diplomacy and a willingness to redress grievances can bring peace and security.

This issue marks the completion of 10 years of publication -- no small feat given the constant struggle of rising expenses and an almost nonexistent budget! Though we consistently operate in the red, we are continually astounded at the power of the working class writing we have been fortunate to publish. Our readers tell us every issue is worth keeping, and fortunately for you, we have many back issues available. We remain committed to continuing and expanding our efforts.

In addition to this journal, Partisan Press also publishes exceptional collections of working class literature. Our newest book, A Possible Explanation, is by lyrical revolutionary Peggy Sapphire. A poem from this collection, "The Presence of Justice" appears in this issue. This handsome flat-spined book (see ad below) is an electrifying must have for lovers of progressive poetry and is available for only $14.00 (shipping included).

Our summer issue also announces the winners of the Working People's Poetry Contest. We had a number of excellent submissions. The first prize and winner of the $100.00 and one year's subscription is Bobbi Dykema Katsanis for "Potato Suicides," this moving poem is dedicated to one of many farmers driven to suicide during the US farm crisis of the 1980's. The greed of multinational agribusiness continues to drive farmers to suicide globally as well as in the US. Also included in this issue are two poems which won honorable mentions (and a one year subscription) -- "Last Tour" by Gerald R. Wheeler and "Post Supervisor Scars" by Susan Simonds. All three winning poems are posted on our website for one year.

As ever, we are grateful for your support and comments in this our collective effort to give voice to you who are creating a progressing working class culture.

Guerilla Poetics

Most of us know the that the likelihood of our poetry being published by a big press (like Norton, Knoph or Bantam Books) is nill. If you aren't already a big name -- forget it. Most of also know the difficulty of getting big store distribution for a small press. There are many obstacles that keep the best poets from ever being read. Though there are excellent poets that are fortunate to get the breaks that bring major publication, most of the best poets will only be found in the small press.

Some poets are fighting back. They are lurking in booksores, firing off missives and planting literary mines within the heart of the big press projects. Should you want to enlist as an operative, the Guerilla Poetics Project needs your efforts but they have rules. Check them out. Join the Struggle.