I have two poems in the 2026 edition of Penumbra, The Art & Literary Journal of Stanislaus State University. Penumbra comes from the Latin umbra (shadow). It is what appears during an eclipse or around a sunspot or in any peripheral or outlying region. The work of mine that they chose suits this theme.
“Alien in Walmart” was inspired by my friend Lana who told me she saw somebody who looked like a being from outer space in that store. So I contemplated what such an entity might experience – and how as humans we relate to that setting.
The other poem, “The Night Window,” was inspired by a long ago memory I have of washing dishes in my great aunt’s kitchen, probably at Thanksgiving. It was stormy outside and I could see my reflection in the window above the sink. In that moment, I could hear voices of my ancestors speaking as if in a dream.
The journal is beautifully produced with high quality art to accompany the writing. I am enjoying all the pieces, coming from shadowy, personal worlds.