Generation 2006

Foreword

Generation has been in publication for over four decades, and still, every year, comes out with fresh new themes and continues to break into new territory. This groundbreaking edition is venturing beyond the comfortable walls of the department of English, our happy home these forty-two years, to bridge across faculty and out into the intervarsity realm. For the first time in its long history, Generation has drawn in contributors from across the province of Ontario, bringing together work from many fine post-secondary institutions and from a broad range of disciplines and programs. The goal of this edition, as we see it, is to build the dialogue from emerging writers in Ontario and provide a forum for expression by artists and authors from across the province. Finally, we are continuing with the new tradition, first introduced last year, the publication of the winners of the Homer F. Plante Awards. Karl Jirgens, Head of English at the University of Windsor, and long-time editor-in-chief of Rampike, served as judge of the Homer F. Plante Award this year. In the fiction category, first prize went to Ruth Emode and her short story “Typical,” for its elaborate and amusing social commentary on the behavioural complexities of interaction. Second prize went to “Tour Guide” by Sylvannia Soulet, a wryly ironic short story addressing the beauty myth as well as important environmental issues. First place in the poetry category went to Dianne E. Bryce for her poem “113th Kiss,” which provided a stylistically innovative, light and lively perspective on the joy of youth and the art of photography. Second prize in poetry went to Paige Monck-Whipp for her poem “Elegy for the Sensibly Insane” which makes a powerful statement on the importance of poetics and the history of social disobedience.

From themes of sexuality, belonging and identity to the valuable lessons of a great pint, this Generation encompasses a booming diversity in emerging voices and the broad exploration of the social complexities of our time. We would like to congratulate the contest winners as well as all of our contributors. Also special thanks to all of those who helped get this edition out to you: Karl Jirgens and Marty Gervais our staff advisers; Heather Patterson without whom nothing is possible; the English Department, the Humanities Research Group, the UWSA and Alumni Affairs for their generous support in funding this magazine. Good luck to all our contributors in their future endeavours, and to our readers, enjoy!

— Tara, Stef, Maryszka and Lindsey
The Editorial Board

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General Editor: Tara Knarr

Editorial Board, Layout and Design:
Maryszka Clovis
Stef Helbich
Lindsey Rivait

Staff Advisors:
Karl Jirgens
Marty Gervais

Cover Image: Jennifer Watson – View from Notre Dame

Featuring work by:

• jordan whitehouse
• michael wilson
• renée n johnson
• angela hickman
• caitlin carr
• tania franco
• maryszka clovis
• james prophet
• mario giovane
• stef helbich
• tara knarr
• mike dineen
• jessica cooper
• munazza tahir
• brendan corey benson
• caitlin shaw
• ty huyghebaert
• megan lambe
• kendel doyle
• lindsey rivait
• andrew george
• eden baltulis
• jennifer watson
• ruth emode
• sylvannia soulet
• dianne elisabeth bryce
• paige monck-whipp