Download

Download Full Text (62.9 MB)

Description

Litmag’s mission is to nurture the creativity of the students, staff, and alumni of UMSL by providing a space to showcase the diverse literary and artistic talent on our campus. We aim to provide an inclusive, professional and high-quality publication free of charge to UMSL and the local community.

Dear Reader, Welcome to UMSL’s 2026 issue of Litmag, Refractions! It has been an honor to serve as this edition’s Editor-in-Chief, especially with the staff that produced this issue. Each phase of this issue, from conception to actualization, provided our small team of editors many, many... many trials to overcome, and I am proud to say that each and all of them met these challenges with stride. Ashley, who diligently held down the social media fort and aided with all communications. Myles, who worked tirelessly on copyediting and spoke passionately at each and every blind selection discussion. Mia, who opened all of the editors’ minds up to the raw emotion present in every piece. And last but certainly not least, Lauren, who championed the layout of the book from start to finish. Without even a single one of these editors, this issue wouldn’t have happened. I am grateful for each and every one of them. This issue’s theme, Refractions, is based on a rather simple truth of life: it’s messy. It will break you down into little pieces and try to stomp on the shards. We welcome you, however, to take another look at these broken pieces to reflect on the past and see where the fractures began. To understand that while we may end up shattered from our experiences, that does not mean we will not mend from them. To understand that the bad times will eventually pass, and that we may very well be forever changed because of them, but that we can find beauty in our broken lives and become restored. Our vision for Litmag was to put this aspect of life on full display, front and center, and shine a light on it. You will find in the stories we’re presenting that life is beautiful, gentle, terrible, and harsh. I nonetheless ask that you do not turn your head away from it, but rather accept this year’s Litmag with open arms, jagged edges and all. Sincerely, Aiden Peterson

Publication Date

5-2026

Comments

This PDF was reviewed using Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker and passed accessibility checks except for color contrast. If further remediation is needed, please contact us.

Litmag 2026

Share

COinS