Humanities Newsletter
Master of Humanities Program
College of Liberal Arts, Wright State University
Winter Quarter 1997
This week a friend told me that within the last 2 years scientists have "realized" that there are 50 BILLION GALAXIES. While at first this may seem barely fathomable--I've been seized with awe each of the numerous times it re-occurs to me--once the addition kicks in, one begins to catch a mere glimpse of just how vast are space and time. So too the aware-ness of surrounding minutia. Our lives arefilled with seemingly mundane tasks, many of which we could do with our eyes closed... but we have an "umbilical neuron" right here on campus with which we can tap into the infiniteworlds enclosed within our daily lives.
Nexus, the campus literary and art journal, has existed for 32 years. It was initially printed on newspaper, but is now "perfect" bound. It exists not only because it is financially supported by WSU and generous patrons, but also because of the months of hard work by the editors. Into the three issues per year (Fall, Winter, Spring) go sweat, dedication, and creativity. The journal exemplifies a portion of WSU culture.
Literally international in scope, the material in Nexus nonetheless does not always remain firmly planted on the earth. But usually within this galaxy. There are occasions when the journeys plunge into the densely packed layers miles below the soil, where there is little choice but to become alert to one's surroundings. Birdbaths, virginity, taxi drivers--quotidien experiences--are transformed.
The recently released Fall issue of Nexus includes translations from contemporary Breton writers; poetry by WSU Associate Professor of Spanish, David Petreman; poetry from Cid Corman of Japan; translations of Tristan Zara, Rilke, and Hafiz; WSU students, alumni, and former-faculty; as well as other local and international artists.
For those of you who have never slipped between the covers of Nexus, you mayfind issues scattered around campus in various racks. The Winter issue will include the theme of the non-linear continuum between healing and disease -- "My eternity has died and I am waking it" -- Caesar Vallejo.