Welcome to diode 7.1. I have to admit, every time I type “diode 7.1,” I feel a bit awed and amazed that diode is entering its seventh year. It has been an amazing journey for us, and we are grateful, that you continue to read, and submit; for honoring diode with your time and work.

There are exciting things ahead for diode and Diode Editions. We’re heading to AWP, and we hope you’ll stop by our table in the book fair (A4). Meeting readers and contributors is one of the most gratifying aspects of editing diode. 

We’ll be launching T. R. Hummer’s stunning chapbook, Urn, at AWP, and you can find a few poems from this collection in this issue.

In May, we’ll be releasing Joshua Poteat’s chapbook, The Scenery of Farewell (and Hello Again). It’s an incredible collection of poems, and you can also find a poem from this book in this issue.

After AWP, Diode Editions will be holding its second chapbook contest.

As for diode poetry journal, we hope to continue to offer poems that matter, that move, inspire, startle and amaze. We’re also hoping to expand our “Special Features” section to include visual arts, and features about writing and creativity.

We’ll keep this short, so you can jump right into what we think is a spectacular issue.

Thank you again for joining us on this journey. Here’s to seven more years!