First Edition features new original works by Northern California Jewish writers. Appearing the first issue of each month, it includes a poem and an excerpt from a novel or short story.

(R. B. Kitaj, 1979)

“The Jew, Etc.” by artist R.B. Kitaj courtesy the legacy project

he wears a hearing aid, leans forward
tries to part company with his shadow.
what was i saying?  he loses track.
other dreams urge themselves
upon this passenger, as the train
sifts through hills & towns.
the roar of the world is obstructed.
he thinks he can remain disguised
a bit longer, from one business trip
to the next.  the jew, etc., thinks he can
outrun his god, props an elbow
recrosses his legs.  but he knows
better, wears a hearing
aid, leans forward, what was i saying?

Evelyn Posamentier of San Francisco is the author of “Poland At The Door” (2011), which resulted from a monthlong writers residency in Poland. Her next book will be published by RAW ArT Press this year.

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