Spring has sprung!

It was just a few weeks ago that your eMerge staff were all trying to shovel themselves out from the snow, and now allergies are reminding us what doesn't kill you can still make your life miserable.

Thankfully we have a whole new bouquet of poetry, prose, songs, and original photographs, both from returning artist and also some new friends! You might even recognize some folks who have popped up on our podcast, eMerge Unchained.

And just like spring seems to include both hot and cold days, you'll find themes from different extremes here, too. There's a tragic poem that touches on the loneliness of aging, and a story that dances through the blushing moments of first love. There's a poem that wonders if companionship is literally an elemental need, and a story (with a photo) that recounts the magic of an afternoon spent with children, picking out the perfect sticks for an art piece. There are also instances of loss, fear, and showing up the guy who just knows he's better than you (possibly the most satisfying reading experience I've had in a long time).

But we aren't just sitting around reading and writing. Your eMerge crew will be out in the wild at several events starting next week and going through the first weekend of May. Be sure to come by our table and say hello!

As March winds blow us into April showers, stock up on your allergy med of choice, grab a cool or warm beverage as the day dictates, and enjoy some of the best literary art you can find anywhere.

And we will be here (or out there) bringing you more to come.

Aubrey Green