Sphere’s 7th issue revolves around the theme of mutability. It’s about changes that occur in our lives, and the incredibly raw emotions we feel as we are shaped by these events.

This is an issue about anticipating the future, wherever we are. The poetry and fiction featured here evoke feelings of hope, despair, excitement, and sometimes, disappointment. Whether we’re walking through a college campus, sitting near a rushing river, or standing next to a hospital bed—surroundings, situations, and emotions change. But that moment of suspense before a heart breaks, before the axe falls, before a newborn’s first cries are heard—that feeling of heart-pounding suspense can be counted on.

Anticipation remains.

This issue of Sphere Literary Magazine explores the many voices of the bitter, the desperate, and the nostalgic. They speak of memories tarnished, ideal scenarios never played out, and hopes fallen from their creaky pedestals. Whether it’s a love gone sour or an insidious cat foiling a plan for romance, these writers touch on the inner violence of their dissatisfied speakers. A fascination with the mildly grotesque ties all of these characters together, even the less troubled ones. They invoke visceral images, many of which are built out of long streams of well-placed alliteration. This winter, each of our writers has given us clarity in dark moments, like a red morning sun shedding light on a new day.

This issue of Sphere, " Amorphous", is a compilation of literary works that have been collected and reviewed since June 2008. I want to thank the contributors for being patient while my editors and I addressed certain matters that were necessary to improve the overall quality of Sphere and during the construction of this new website. This issue celebrates many things: The foundation of a new fellowship in the international writing community, one that is fostered and supported by students across the globe; the legacy of The Literary Review, which extended its mission to include students who are eager to get involved in the literary world; and the hard work and vision of many who now have an outlet for their work. A special thanks to Walter Cummins, our Chief Advisor, and David Daniel, our Faculty Advisor, to the Creative Writing Program and the Becton College at Fairleigh Dickinson University, to Martin Green the department chair, and to Theresa Montalbano. I also want to applaud the hard work of my editors and readers; we had a huge work load and a limited staff. Your cooperation and participation is highly appreciated.