Dear ,

March is here!

Did you get anything done in February? I refuse to measure my February as I fear I would end up with a bitter taste in my mouth.

I spent February in an almost lethargic vs panic state. No one told me caring for a sick parent is absolute torture. I managed to keep a daily twenty minute prayer and meditation time. It was the only time I could just step away from everything and exhale.

The team felt it the hardest I think. This was our slowest turnaround time but we kept at it. Ironically, we got the highest art and photography submissions. Imagine, that beauty showed up in the midst of all the chaos!

As Tommy Collins wrote in his poem Vandals: "They are like me — they just want to write."

I just want to write, read, review, publish beautiful work and of course, eat more plantain. This binds us together because Stripes is a space for creatives who just want to create too.

Editor's View: Out the Window

What's your window view?

Stripes Archive

Here is something to lean on for the weekend from our archive: An interview with Naomi Waweru

"I currently have three journals full of poems and quotes by writers across the world. And I return to them from time to time to keep me afloat."

Naomi returns to poetry as all who love words must. I wonder if you do too. Do you have a poem or book you return to when you feel down? Reply to this email with that one poem that continually saves you.

***

Read the Interview with Naomi & all the other beautiful pieces that make up the Unbound Volume here.

LIVE EVENT: HAPPENING THIS WEEK

We are hosting our first ever X space. Yes, we are finally doing it! The amazing Sylvester Kwakye (MD) is going to be reading from his Chapbook 'How to Merchandise Crime'

If you've ever craved a live poetry event, make time. This one you cannot miss because you get to listen to the writer dissect his work and why he wrote it.

Date: 8th March, 2026

Time: 5pm GMT.

Follow the link

How to get ready for the reading:

1. Find us on X @thestripesmag

2. Save and set a reminder for the space.

3. Read the Chapbook and send in your questions.

4. Share with a friend.

P.S:

If like me you just want to write, join us on March 8th. Reply with your saving poem. Share this with another creative.

Let's make beauty show up again.

Stay Stripy,

Abasiama Udom,

Editor, Stripes Literary Magazine