Welcome to the latest issue of Divan. As frequent visitors to this site and our patient contributors would be aware, this issue has been a long time coming. By way of explanation, the delay was caused by that perennial problem facing all small literary publications, whether in print or electronic forms: the challenge in finding volunteers with the requisite skills, time and energy to contribute to the editing and production processes. Though this problem caused much concern during the production of the fifth issue of Divan, the assistance and advice offered by numerous site visitors and contributors helped at times to alleviate our anxieties, for which we thank those concerned. However, as these situations often pan out, the problem created a learning opportunity for some of our personnel, and we are sure you will find much in their efforts to enjoy.

Now to the journal itself. In this fifth issue of Divan you will find 85 poems by 63 of Australia’s finest emerging and established poets. Some of the common themes that emerged during the selection process include childhood, the sea, cosmology, painting, and the nature of writing poetry and of living the poet’s existence. The poets themselves come from all over Australia, and include expatriates living in Asia and Europe. These poets were chosen from the 120 poets who submitted over 400 poems for consideration. Such an enthusiasm for poetry indicates that there are many people for whom poetry, and art in general, is a major part of their lives, notwithstanding our materialistic and superficial culture. The editors wish to thank all those who submitted, whether or not they were included in this issue, for their interest in the craft of poetry. We would also like to encourage them and any others reading Divan to continue in their exploration of the many forms of poetry.

As indicated above, a publication like Divan requires substantial assistance. Firstly, I would like to thank Melbourne’s Box Hill Institute of TAFE, which has continued to provide staffing resources and IT support for the Divan website and each issue. In particular, thanks go to Dominic Pentony of Online Services and Norm Waters, Manager of the Centre for Vocational Access and Education. Secondly, thanks need to go to those student volunteers who contributed to the editing and production of the journal, my assistant editors Will Loveless and Bridget Sloane, and also former production manager Bryant Shaw for his advice on web design. Finally, I wish to thank all the poets who have contributed to this bumper issue of Divan and those readers who continue to appreciate and support poetry. As Ted Hughes wrote in Poetry in the Making:

Poetry is not made out of thoughts or casual fancies. It is made out of experiences that change our bodies, and spirits, whether momentarily or for good.

Read on, and be changed!

Earl Livings
Editor