Welcome, dear reader, to a journey through the tumultuous terrain of the human heart. Within the pages of this anthology, "Love is Pain," we embark on a voyage guided by the courageous voices of poets from every corner of the globe. Together, they weave a tapestry of emotion, exploring the complex interplay between love and pain-the ecstasy of connection, the agony of separation, and the bittersweet symphony of longing and loss. Love, that most beguiling of emotions, holds within its embrace the power to uplift and to devastate, to heal and to wound. It is a paradox-a delicate balance between joy and sorrow, passion and despair. And yet, for all its complexities, love remains an enduring force, shaping our lives in ways both profound and ineffable. In this collection, curated with care and insight by the visionary Brandy Leigh Lane, you will encounter a kaleidoscope of experiences, each poem a glimpse into the depths of the human soul. Through their words, these poets invite us to bear witness to the raw, unfiltered essence of love-to confront the shadows that lurk within our hearts and to celebrate the light that illuminates our darkest hours. As you turn these pages, allow yourself to be swept away by the power of verse, to be moved by the beauty of language and the resonance of shared experience. For within these lines, you will find solace in the knowledge that you are not alone-that love, in all its pain and glory, unites us in our humanity. So, dear reader, open your heart and brace yourself for the journey ahead. For in the exploration of love's complexities, we discover not only the depths of our own emotions but also the profound beauty of the human spirit.

Contributing Authors:

Kimberly LaSusa, Pendraig the Poet, Janaya Stephens, Ismet Diab, Courtney Whittamore, Angela Psalm, Todd Worrell, Billie Jama,

Sara Jama, Ghada Khalil, Maria Thérèse Williams, Reena Doss,

Kalpesh Desai, Michael J. Dennis, Miriam Otto, Vaughn Roste,

Kelsey Annin, Stevie Flood, Brandy Lane