In the lore of Greek myths, naiad Pirene was grief-stricken by the death of her son, Cenchrias. She dissolved into a fountain of tears outside the gates of Corinth. It was said the essence of a naiad was tied to her spring; she could no longer exist if the spring dried up, as is often the case with inspiration and poetry. Pirene’s fountain was one of three springs associated with Pegasus, and was sacred to the muses, who drank of the waters for fresh inspiration.

At Pirene’s Fountain, it is our hope that we can share of each other’s knowledge, and in the spirit of Ancora Imparo –“ I am still learning,” open our hearts and minds to inspiration.

As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our journal, we look back at our years with poetry and what it has meant to us. We have come to realize that poetry brings our emotions and thoughts to the forefront and enables us to more fully experience the complexity of human life, but while poetry can be profoundly moving and capable of stirring our souls, is it ever going to make a difference in people’s lives? Does poetry really matter? In September 2011 poets all over the world tried to answer that question as an unprecedented poetry event “A 100 Thousand Poets for Change” occurred. Michael Rothenberg & Terri Carrion of Big Bridge conceived this movement, not imagining how it would mushroom and expand. Poets, musicians and artists from all around the globe plunged in with their own stories, pictures and songs, espousing various causes. Pirene’s Fountain joins those voices by adding its own in support and encouragement of “World Wide Poetry.” This issue is dedicated to the efforts of the poets who are looking for a better life for our planet and its inhabitants. Larry Sawyer’s guest-edited 100 TPC section presents an enriching compilation of material from poets all over the world, proving that poetry is alive and kicking!

Lyn Lifshin From “Like That” the men toppling over shot in the back it was as if their heads were too heavy the difference between who got it and didn’t as accidental as typing treat instead of threat before it’s LIGHT Black Sparrow Press, 1999

David Caddy From “Night Horizons” “Not born to inherit land or Heaven’s graces the substance of things hoped for anchors this wayward vessel, unearthed to drink and drink to abandon, disseminate. Blood drips, coheres into tears and operative phraseology of sins, transfigured matter internecine with all forms of lack and judgment of warring bodies around the wound from body to text this scallop shell of quiet unleashed. Inside the skin creasing compass borne talisman of shepherds and new worlds brief ripple of leaves and lineage earth’s shadows fly, black on white.” Man in Black Penned in the Margins, 2007