The 2023 edition of the long running literary magazine focuses on five themes.
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
The 2023 edition of Meramec’s literary magazine “Currents” was delivered to campus over the summer, and once again, the stories contained in this volume delivered.
Last year’s edition of Currents mostly focused on the themes of “rebellion, interruption, intermission and relationships.” The cover of the volume, created by Meramec students, reflected these darker and more serious themes, and intentionally rough illustrations and images that accompany the pieces also set the necessary tones.
This year, the team went in a different direction, focusing on themes centering around recovery and healing. Even the cover itself is full of light compared to the 2022 volume. Despite the shift in tone, the featured works aren’t afraid to get dark when warranted, and the magazine’s first section centered on trauma.
The highlight of the “trauma” section may be author Gail Nuestro’s submission “Rediscovering Max.” In the submission, a young woman revisits pitivol memories made with her brother Max as he is hospitalized and on his deathbed during the pandemic, presumably with COVID. It’s an intriguing look at family dynamics and how the pandemic changed some forever. Readers who have had bad experiences with COVID may be affected greatly by Nuestro’s tale.
The “mental health” section is the shortest of the bunch, clocking in at 12 pages. Consisting entirely of poetry, unique font choices and formatting help Riley Butler’s “Breathing Exercises” stand out visually from the pack. The content of “Breathing Exercises” seems scattered and unfocused, but when you put it all together, it seems like that’s intentional. Butler’s work feels deeply personal and vulnerable.
The “self care” section features an extremely funny submission with a lengthy title. Elise Humes’ “Family Is Being Weird When You Think No One Is Watching, but in Reality, Your Sister Is Recording You Across the Dinner Table” tells a heartwarming story of two sisters that provides many laughs throughout. This contrasts with the lengthy submission “My Quest To Conquer Death” in which author Clinton Keith Borror discusses his atheism and his perspective on the concept of death itself. Borror injects some humor into his piece, and it’s likely not everyone’s cup of tea. However, the confidence that resonates throughout the entire submission is notable and even a reader not sold on its premise will likely appreciate the boldness Borror isn’t afraid to show.
The “aspiration” section features a mix of poetry and short fiction stories. A.L. Goetemann’s “Star Blessed” appears to be an introductory piece to a longer fiction story, but its unique premise stands out, and perhaps the next edition of Currents will provide a sequel of sorts.
Finally, the “Expression” section also consists entirely of poetry. Former Montage reporter Devynn LeJeune’s submission “Tranquil” is short but sweet, while Finn Reinbold’s “The Place” is a reflective kind of submission with a haunting final line.
Overall, the 2023 edition of Currents is a worthy addition to the history of the publication. It can be picked up and viewed in various locations around campus. Submissions for the 2024 volume are currently being accepted, according to faculty advisor David Taylor.
