Free Verse Revolution:

Happy new year!

Our first issue of 2021, will be titled hebe (the fountain of youth). Hebe was the Greek goddess of youth. She represented youth, especially eternal youth, and being in the prime of life; her Roman equivalent was Juventas. She was the daughter of Zeus and older sister of Hera, queen of the Olympian gods. She was the cupbearer to the gods at Mount Olympus until she married the deified Heracles (Hercules). Classical literature explored her powers to keep mortals and immortals youthful, suggesting she was revered by the other gods as a result.

While reading about Hebe, I recalled stories of The Fountain of Youth, written about by Herodotus in the 5th century BC. Clear parallels can be drawn between a goddess of youth and legendary a ‘fountain’ which in tales restores youth when you drink from its waters. For years, explorers have searched for it, most notably in the 16th century by Juan Ponce de León.

Therefore, for the Spring issue, I am calling for poems, prose, photography, visual artwork and creative non-fiction linked to or exploring Hebe and/or The Fountain of Youth. Let these inspire you – be creative. Think about youth, mortality, who Hebe was/her life, exploration, water, spring, fountains etc.

Submission guidelines must be adhered to for your submission to be considered. The deadline for this issue is Friday, 12th February 2021; please send submissions to freeverserevolutionlit@gmail.com (there is an email template in the submissions guidelines). Acceptances/rejections will sent out in the fortnight following the deadline. Photography and visual artwork submissions will also be considered for the front cover of the issue.

If you have any questions, drop them below or refer to the Submissions tab.

I look forward to creating an incredible, inaugural issue with you!

Your editor,

Kristiana