letter from the editors

Hello, friends!

Thank you kindly for picking up this copy of The Martello. You’ve made an excellent choice, if we do say so ourselves.

A few months ago, we asked writers and artists from both Ireland and beyond to share with us their reflections on loneliness. We were overwhelmed by the responses we received: poetry, prose, art, and photography that beautifully explored a feeling we’ve all become far too acquainted with over the past few years.

The thing with loneliness is, it can feel crippling. It can feel like the only thing you may ever feel again. And the worst part is, that by definition, you think you are feeling it uniquely- alone. As well as this, the old cliche has some truth (in our opinion anyways), sometimes we learn things from the worst parts of life.

This edition is yours now: whenever you need it, crack it open and take these messages with you for whatever you need them with.

We began our Martello journey in the same house that we love dearly, only separated by a few doors. The Martello is now a part of us: and thanks to it and the wonderful work we’ve collected, no matter where we go, we are linked. And therefore- hopefully, not quite so alone.

We wish all our dear readers will feel the same way perusing these pages, that these slices of other people’s experiences, small enough to carry around, are nonetheless powerful enough to remind you that, no matter what you are feeling, you are not alone.

Happy reading, With love,

Úna and Jack