Spectral Realms No. 3: Summer 2015

In this third issue of Spectral Realms, a number of leading contemporary authors of weird fiction—Nicole Cushing, Don Webb, Darrell Schweitzer, Jonathan Thomas, and Jason V Brock—step up to contribute poems of strangeness and terror. In addition, such prominent poets as Wade German, Ann K. Schwader, Fred Phillips, Chad Hensley, Mike Allen, and Leigh Blackmore are represented. Adam Bolivar contributes another lengthy weird ballad, while up-and-coming poets such as K. A. Opperman, Christina Sng, Ian Futter, and DJ Tyrer add an array of diverse and evocative verses. Among the classic reprints are rare poems by A. Merritt and Bruce Boston, as well as a trio of poems by one of America’s leading poets, Dana Gioia. Leigh Blackmore completes his two-part analysis of the life and work of Leah Bodine Drake. Michael Dirda, one of the nation’s most prominent literary critics, supplies a lengthy and penetrating review of the recent Hippocampus Press edition of Park Barnitz’s classic volume The Book of Jade (1901). With this issue, Spectral Realms continues to foster the renaissance of weird poetry by the publication of new and old poems as well as trenchant reviews and criticism.CONTENTSPoetrySong of the Rushes / M. F. Webb In Fits of Wildest Dreaming / K. A. OppermanInheritance / Christina SngRune / Wade GermanPreserves / G. O. ClarkBarley Night / Jonathan ThomasOde to Hecate / Liam GarriockA Shuddery Tale / Charles LovecraftArcane Stars / DJ Tyrer Northern Lights/ Mary Krawczak Wilson Always Look under the Bed / Mark McLaughlin The Cave of Ebon Boughs / D. L. MyersThe Empty Room / Darrell Schweitzer Dolls / Jason V BrockPainted Ladies / David BarkerBrownfields / John MundyEven Madness Cannot Hide / Ashley Dioses Revelation / Fred PhillipsDaemon Insectarium / Chad HensleySorcerers in Love / Don Webb Moonrise / Christina SngThe Game of Cat and Dragon / Pat CalhounLovers’ Wine / Stanley GemmellChilde Jackson Drake / Adam BolivarZann / Ian Futter The Golden Diadem / Leigh BlackmoreTo See or Not to See? / Nicole Cushing The Dark at the Top of the Stairs / Jonathan ThomasButterfly / Carole Abourjeili Carcosa in Mind / DJ TyrerThe Death of Twilight / D. L. MyersTragic, Trembling Giant / Linda D. AddisonWitches at the Switches / David Barker My Heart’s Thin Veil / Margi CurtisClarethea / K. A. OppermanGhoul of the Enamel / Jason SturnerA Queen in Hell / Ashley Dioses Azathoth / Charles LovecraftWaking / Ian FutterSpinal Piano / Reiss McGuinnessThe Thirst of Sekhmet / Ann K. Schwader The Shadow within Darkness / Randall LarsonGuardians of the Seven Gates / Chad Hensley Schadenfreude / John MundyDead Pale Moon / Leigh BlackmoreTo Reach Carcosa / Mark McLaughlinSand Bar / Jonathan Thomas Toujours Il Coûte Trop Cher / Mike Allen and C. S. E. CooneyAlone in the Desert / Mary Krawczak Wilson Mother / Christina SngThe Perfect Rose / Ashley DiosesEnd Times / DJ TyrerThe Lich’s Last Laugh / Dan CloreA Garden of Unearthly Delights / Marge SimonMasque Macabre / K. A. OppermanGorgoneion / Oliver SmithUnexpected Meetings / Ian FutterBlack Panther / David BarkerClassic ReprintsOld Trinity Churchard / A. MerrittIllumination in the Mutant Rain Forest / Bruce BostonThree Songs from Nosferatu / Dana Gioia Articles“Figures in a Nightmare”—The Poetry of Leah Bodine Drake: Part 2 / Leigh BlackmoreReviewsStudies of Death / Michael DirdaTwo from Eldritch / D. L. MyersWraparound cover art "Tunnel Fiend" by Rabban.