From The Editor  

Welcome to issue number five of Taj Mahal Review, June 2004! This nonprofit journal contains Poems, Short stories, Reflections, Literary Criticism, Book Review, and Authors' Bios. I trust this issue will help Poetry thrive in world today, and "open the door which leads to the soul" (Henry Miller, 'Sunday after the War', 1944) .The poems included are spontaneous, and never a servile imitation. The exuberance of several authors will surely dazzle the readers. We also find passion for experiment in literary form.

My heart is full of gratitude towards all  selected artists of this issue. Above all, their valuable cooperation and help is a source of inspiration to continue venturing upon the hazardous business of publishing creative writing .Throughout this task of publication I notice the great divide between the poet and the oppressive, commercial powers with no interest in encouraging poetry . The following wise words of St. Francis of Assisi inspire me:

O Divine Master,

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love,

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

And it is in dying that we are born

To eternal life. 

  Cordially,
SANTOSH KUMAR