July 25, 2023

Dear Readers,

While I worked on this letter, I realized it sounded sentimental, and I suppose it is. I graduated with my MA from UAlbany in May; therefore, this is my last issue with Barzakh. I’m so grateful to the staff, our faculty advisor Ed Schwarzschild, the UAlbany Graduate English Department, our contributors, readers, supporters, and everyone for making this a great and rewarding challenge.

Over this past year, we have grown and evolved with new students, staff, and contributors. We continue to be touched by the number of submissions we receive. We don’t have a big team. I’ve learned over the past year how small we are compared to other journals. And like most, we’re run by volunteers with jobs, families, classwork, and their graduate projects. Even with all that, staff members have stepped up for extra work when asked, continue asking excellent questions, and are so thoughtful when considering submissions. These elements made it possible to deliver this issue, and I can’t express how much I appreciate everything they’ve done.

I am also very grateful for our Editor Emeritus, Connor, who brought me in and allowed me to learn and challenge myself. Barzakh has grown a great deal over the past few years, primarily due to him and his work to keep it going during COVID times. His vision and work ethic made all the difference in allowing it to continue to expand at a time when other publications slowed down or closed.

As you read the pieces and view the art, consider the hours the contributors dedicated to the work and the hours devoted by the staff to put the issue together. It’s been an honor to serve as Editor In Chief of Barzakh Literary Magazine and to be a part of its history and legacy. Each new group stands on the shoulders of those who came before and continues to build, grow, and change with new ideas and voices.

As always, we are grateful and honored that you are here with us for our latest issue. The staff and contributors have put their time and hearts and time into this work we hope you will enjoy,

Christy O’Callaghan
Editor-in-Chief