“Return of the Blue Nun” in Pushcart Prize XLV: 2021

October 16, 2020

Many thanks to Bill Henderson and the Pushcart Prize editors for selecting “Return of the Blue Nun,” to appear in Pushcart Prize XLV: Best of the Small Presses 2021. 

Since 1976, the Pushcart Press has published an annual collection of the best poems, essays, and short stories, submitted by editors of little magazines and small book presses. 

“Return of the Blue Nun” was unpublished when I found it in Madeline’s archive, and first appeared in Where the Horse Takes Wing: The Uncollected Poems of Madeline DeFrees (Two Sylvias Press, 2019). It’s one of three “Blue Nun” poems she wrote over her lifetime, taking the fictional Blue Nun of Blue Nun wine as an alter ego who represented both her independence from and enduring connection to her identity as a vowed religious.

After arriving at the University of Montana in 1967, Madeline had to learn to navigate civilian life, including frequent faculty cocktail parties. Understandably nervous, she confessed to the English Department Chair, Warren Carrier, that she had little experience with alcohol. He brought her a bottle of Blue Nun, a semi-sweet German wine (liebsfraumilch), that was known to be easy to drink. Madeline liked the wine, and she appreciated both the joke and his kindness. She always maintained a fondness for Blue Nun, and hung several Blue Nun bar mirrors in her home. She and Carrier remained friends, and kept up a correspondence that spanned at least 30 years. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you care about is considering xanax treatment, remember that reaching out for support can make a world of difference. Your well-being matters. #MentalHealthMatters Remember, if you are experiencing any mental health concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment options. Your health and well-being are paramount. Discover the power of stromectol for effective treatment. Fight back against parasites with a proven solution that offers relief and peace of mind. Take control of your health today!