ABOUT CHIRON REVIEW
Chiron Review presents widest possible range of contemporary writing—fiction and non-fiction, traditional and off-beat, in perfect-bound, softcover format. We have published many well-known writers, but focus is on up-and-coming writers. We seek unpretentious literature accessible beyond the ivory towers of academia, outside the bounds of religious or politically correct restrictions. We celebrate eclecticism, diversity, honesty, humor. We don’t have a submission portal. We accept email and postal submissions.
Chiron Review #137 (summer 2025) review
Chiron Review Issue #137 continues its tradition as a vibrant and engaging literary journal that presents a diverse range of voices and styles, curated with sensitivity and insight by contributing editors Sarah Daugherty, Grant Hier, Dave Newman, Al Ortolani, Wendy Rainey, Richard Vargas, and publisher Michael Hathaway. This summer 2025 edition offers a compelling mix of poetry and prose that explores themes of resilience, identity, social justice, love, and the human condition.
The issue opens powerfully with Mark James Andrews’ Gift Gun, a visceral poem recounting a traumatic childhood accident and the complex emotions surrounding violence and survival. Its raw immediacy sets a tone of unflinching honesty that resonates throughout the issue.
Mehreen Ahmed’s Cloud-fields offers a poignant meditation on loss, tradition, and hope amid environmental challenges, weaving personal grief with broader ecological concerns. This grounding in place and memory enriches the issue’s emotional texture.
Daniel Altenburg’s poems, including And When the Footbridge Says in Graffiti, ‘Eat Pussy Not Animals’ and Incognito, navigate the intersections of sexuality, masculinity, and violence with sharp wit and critical insight. These pieces challenge norms and highlight the complexities of queer identity and toxic masculinity.
The issue balances its heavier themes with moments of tenderness, as seen in Daniel Altenburg’s Protochild 6, which beautifully captures the intimate, everyday moments of family and new life. The personal becomes universal in these reflections on love and care.
From Robert Beveridge’s surreal καταιγίδα to the poignant Easter Eggs by Vanessa Blakeslee, which sensitively portrays the challenges of blindness and sibling bonds, the issue showcases a wide stylistic range – from narrative poetry to lyrical and experimental forms.
Several poems engage with current social and political realities, such as Sarah Daugherty’s Window Pain, which confronts the trauma of school shootings, and Kyle Laws’ Flood Watch, reflecting on climate change and societal denial. These works root the issue firmly in the urgent conversations of our time.
The journal does not shy away from humor, often dark or sardonic, which provides relief and sharpens critique. For example, Robert Beveridge’s My Buddy Holofernescombines whimsy with a subversive spirit, while Kenton K. Yee’s The Secret to My Success uses food metaphors to explore deeper themes of desire and loss.
“Ace in One” by T.H. is a reflective piece that delves into the experience of discovering and understanding asexuality. The narrator’s journey from confusion and isolation to self-identification with the asexual community is portrayed with honesty and nuance. The story challenges common misconceptions about asexuality, emphasizing the diversity within the identity and the complexities of intimacy beyond sexual attraction. It is a valuable contribution to LGBTQ+ narratives, offering insight into less commonly discussed experiences of desire and identity.
The short stories in this issue of Chiron Review offer a diverse and compelling exploration of contemporary human experiences – disability, trauma, identity, family, and resilience – rendered with emotional depth and literary craft. They balance intimate personal narratives with broader social and cultural critiques, enriching the reader’s understanding of complex realities.
The one book review complements the issue’s thematic concerns by introducing a poetic work that meditates on spirituality and interconnectedness, providing a contemplative counterpoint to the often gritty and urgent stories.
Together, these works demonstrate Chiron Review’s commitment to showcasing voices that illuminate varied facets of life with honesty, empathy, and artistic excellence.
Michael Hathaway’s editorial hand is evident in the issue’s thoughtful curation of themes and voices. The balance between personal narrative and broader social commentary creates a dynamic reading experience that is both intimate and expansive. The issue invites readers to engage with difficult subjects while also celebrating resilience, connection, and the power of language.
Chiron Review Issue #137 is a rich and rewarding collection that reflects the complexities of contemporary life with honesty and artistry. Its diverse contributors bring fresh perspectives and emotional depth, making it a valuable addition to the landscape of current literary journals. Readers interested in poetry and prose that grapple with identity, trauma, love, and social justice will find much to appreciate here.