Introduction to the Poetry Section, NMR V5:I1, 2024, Ricardo Quintana-Vallejo.

Poetry can be a site for the analysis of political imagery, rhetoric, and societal concerns. Poetry’s intrinsic focus on language facilitates examinations of speech, including the complexities of doublespeak and the subtle messages conveyed through dog whistles. It can serve as a critical lens through which we can criticize the rhetoric that threatens democratic principles.

Here, we showcase poetry that not only grapples with the immediate political landscape—such as the ramifications of the 2024 presidential election and the impact of federal and state policies on daily life—but also delves into questions of national identity and the shaping forces of discourse. We sought to amplify voices that engage with regional politics, particularly in the context of approaching electoral events.

Our journal is committed to fostering scholarly discourse on the overarching societal issues that permeate political discourse. From the implications of book bans and climate change to the enduring challenges of political corruption, healthcare access, housing rights, and the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, the North Meridian Review provides a platform for thoughtful reflection.

Ricardo Quintana-Vallejo

Poetry Editor, North Meridian Review

Volume 5, Issue 1