Love Anthology


Auden famously wrote, “O tell me the truth about love,” and in this season’s collection of love-inspired pieces, we present writers who do just that. Observe Richard Jones and Jane Seskin as they capture the evolution of relationships through time—Seskin in just six words. Or turn to the shadowy side of love with Benjamin Alire Saénz, who paints the story of a partner wrongly entangled in crime, and with Susan Minot, who invites us to witness a messy affair. Reunite with old lovers alongside Taha Muhammad Ali, and with Joyce Carol Oates, who summons the incandescent heartbreak of a widow remembering her husband. Closing our anthology, reflect on the magnificent power of a mother’s love with Komal Mathew. Lovers everywhere, cozy up with these offerings, grab your chocolate, and indulge!

  • Richard Jones

    Double Doors

    Wasn’t long ago I kissed Laura for the first time.

  • Jane Seskin

    1968

    Met at demonstration.

  • Benjamin Alire Sáenz

    He Has Gone to Be with the Women

    No one had ever whispered my name the way he whispered it.
    2013 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

  • Susan Minot

    Fleur-de-lis

    Men get away with murder when it comes to love.

  • Taha Muhammad Ali

    Meeting at an Airport

    You laughed . . . and the almond tree blossomed.

  • Joyce Carol Oates

    Blindsight

    There must be one who outlives the other: the survivor.

  • Komal Mathew

    Gifts for a Beautiful Body and Other Poems

    I wanted to give you gold, myrrh, and frankincense.