Volume 10, Number 2 (2011)

The second issue of the tenth volume of Harpur Palate contains pieces from various esteemed writers — such as “For Not Playing Dead” by Catherine Woodard and “My First Mother” by Francine Witte. Woodard, a previous journalist and president of Artists Space as well as a part of the Poetry Society of America centennial committee, addresses themes of resilience through her writing — and portrays the message of not succumbing to unwanted circumstances and rather persevering. Additionally, Witte — winner of the Thomas A. Wilhelmus Award in fiction from the Ropewalk Press — explores the complexity of self-discovery, using her writing to navigate their identity in the world. With important motifs displayed by Woodard, Witte and the rest of the powerful writers in this issue, this issue’s pieces provide readers with important central messages.