Letter from the Editor
Dear Reader,
To put things simply, hygge has been one of our most difficult issues so far. With all that’s going on in the world, there were (understandably) only so many submissions to sort through, and only a portion of those fit our vision for this theme. Nevertheless, I’m delighted with the poems and prose within this small-scale issue of Nightingale & Sparrow Literary Magazine.
I plan our issue themes well in advance yet couldn’t have predicted just how apt a theme hygge would be for this early portion of 2022. Facing tensions on a global scale, the ongoing pandemic (yes, COVID-19 is still at large, especially for those of us with high risk), and everything in between, it’s nice to sit back, curl up with a cosy blanket and a warm drink, and read some hygge.
With hygge, we aimed to embrace the gentle warmth and comfort of the Scandinavian concept, making our way through winter—and welcoming spring—with a worthy celebration through words and images.
“Flickering candlelight, cosy blankets, and an undeniable feeling of warmth no matter how cold your surroundings,” we wrote to submitters. “—it’s no surprise that the Scandinavian concept of “hygge” has become so popular across the globe. For this issue, we’re looking for these same feelings of comfort and contentment in poems, stories (both true and imagined), and visual artwork.” From Birdy Odell’s “Wallpaper” to Annie Marhefka’s “At the Lake House, We Skip Rocks”, you’ll feel the mug in your hand, see the flicker of candle flames, and the woven fabric of a throw against your skin as you make your way through these pages.
As always, thank you to the N&S staff who worked on this issue, the submitters and contributors who trust us with our work, and the readers, customers, and other supporters who make Nightingale & Sparrow happen.
Here’s to hygge!
Juliette Sebock
Editor-in-Chief, Nightingale & Sparrow
