About the Book
Our fine poets for the Fall 2025 Crone Power Issue: Deanna Benjamin, Carolee Bennett, Lavina Blossom, Mary Lou Buschi, Sharon Carter, Ann Chinnis, Susan Cohen, Shaheen Dil, Jenny Doughty, Joanne Durham, Melissa Eleftherion. D. Dina Friedman, Luisa Giulianetti, Marissa Glover, Sunny Hemphill, Beth Kanell, Tricia Knoll, Paula Lambert, Diane LeBlanc, Isabel Cristina Legarda, Deanna Ludwin, Nilsa Mariano, Sadie Maskery, Grace Massey, Suellen Mayfield, Sharon McDermott, Beth McDonough, Katy McKinney, Michelle Meyer, Judith Montgomery, Ruth Mota, Dion O'Reilly, Lynn Pattison, Michelle Patton, Christine Potter, Sharon Pretti, Susan Roberts, Mary Rummel, Miriam Sagan, JoAnna Scandiffio, Becky Schigiel, Corinne Smith, Elisa Subin, Christine Swint, Kelly Terwilliger, Jessica Thompson, Patricia Valdata, Alicia Viguer-Espert, Kim Welliver, Leonore Wilson
Autumn is sort of the seasonal equivalent of cronedom, a time of reflection and coming inside to celebrate what's important. Reading the submissions for this issue, it was evident how much we still have to say and the many ways of saying it. What I found consistently in these poems and in the crones I know is a kind of self-awareness, compassion, strength, and a determination to make the most of this time, whether it be prioritizing family and friendships, self, or addressing societal ills. In recent months, I have heard time and again that "this is not the way I envisioned this phase of life" while also feeling endowed with power and a sort of freedom by dint of our waning years. We are both dispensable and indispensable. We bemoan our invisibility and also wield it for the greater good. There is so much wisdom and humor, and humility in this issue that readers of every demographic will be entertained and enriched.
Betsy Mars, Assistant Editor
We are in awe of the poems we receive for the Crone Power Issue. Heartfelt and heartbreaking, sly humor mixed with painful honesty, every year we can't wait to dig in. Women over 50 have a lot to say, and we are honored to provide them a place to showcase their work. Our oldest submitter this year was 94, proving that age is just a number when you have something important to share. The power behind these poems is moving. As you read through, take note of what resonates with you. We believe many of these poems will touch your heart. The editors would like to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to the women poets of this special issue. You're our inspiration, and we hope everyone that reads this issue feels the same-encouraged to keep writing and sharing their poems with the world.
Constance Brewer, Editor
