In this issue we are thrilled to have the work of such noted poets as: Martha Collins, John Skoyles, Jennifer Barber, Daniel Bosch, Dan Tobin, Andrea Cohen, Marge Piercy, Alfred Nicol, Fred Marchant, Kathleen Spivack, and many others. This is the first issue edited by our new managing editor Rene Schwiesow. We are sure you will be pleased with the issue she puts together. Schwiesow and Lawrence Kessenich work on alternate issues and we are lucky to have these skilled folks on Ibbetson Street. Also - in Ibbetson Street 34, we have the artwork of Bridget Galway that adorns the front and back covers. Bridget's artwork and poetry have appeared in a number of issues and we are glad she continues to contribute her fine work to our magazine.

Ed Galing Tribute Issue. Poetry from Ted Kooser, Michael Collier, Marge Piercy and others ....

The Bagel Bards (or Bagels with the Bards) (are) a group of poets varied in age, race, gender meet, share poems, discuss poetry, drink lots of coffee, chew a bagel if so desired, sometimes sell their books. The atmosphere is generous and open to all, and you don't have to be a poet to attend. What I find most exciting about the Bards, people here are not conscious of reputation and achievement, but love the poem and good friendly unpretentious talk. That doesn't mean that pretensions don't exist if that's what you desire, but the coffee is strong, the people sincere and are publishers of small press magazines, pamphlets and books. If you want to be in an atmosphere that is intelligent without self-involved, convoluted literary talk of people who need to prove themselves and announce themselves as artists, here is a place to and the pleasure that good literary company may offer. -- Sam Cornish

Ibbetson Street has increased its stature with our new affiliation and has attracted such poets as Marge Piercy, X.J. Kennedy, Daniel Tobin, Sam Cornish, Diana der-Hovanessian, and Richard Hoffman, to name a few. We continue to be dedicated to publishing fine emerging poets as well. I want to thank Poetry Editors Mary Rice and Harris Gardner for their fine work, as well as Managing Editor Dorian Brooks and Consulting Editor Robert K. Johnson.

Poetry by Pui Ying Wong, Joyce Peseroff, Ted Kooser, Brendan Galvin and more...

Poetry by Marge Piercy, Ted Kooser, X. J.Kennedy, Michael Ansara, Mary Buchinger, and others... Also: A tribute to the late Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish by Doug Holder