"Best of the Net" Selection: "The Moon as Absence and Desire" by Al Maginnes

I am delighted to announce that Sundress Publications, which compiles an annual “Best of the Net” anthology, has selected “The Moon as Absence and Desire” by Al Maginnes, which appeared in Volume X, Number 1 of Valparaiso Poetry Review, as one of only twenty poems chosen to be honored from all the works appearing in online publications during 2009. The poem was chosen from among more than 500 nominated works published during 2009 in nearly 80 online literary journals for inclusion in the annual “2009 Best of the Net” edition of the anthology. Poet Patricia Smith served as this year’s final judge.

Each year, Sundress recognizes remarkable works displaying both the wide range and fine quality of literature now appearing in a multitude of Internet magazines. As I mentioned when nominating poetry from Valparaiso Poetry Review, the editors of Sundress deserve praise for correctly bringing greater recognition to the developing presence of outstanding writing online. I congratulate Al Maginnes, and once more I would like to take this opportunity to thank all contributors to Valparaiso Poetry Review. I value all the poems and depend on all the poets in VPR. I recommend visitors read the new edition of the “Best of the Net” anthology.