[43] Chirps from the Sparrow, Editor Diane Smith

Years ago, I emailed a correspondent and poet, LB Chhetri, that I would be in Brooklyn visiting my son and his family. LB said he would be in the city too and would like to stop by my hotel.  I agreed.  As I had never met him before, I was nervous, yet excited to meet one of our poets from Nepal, a great writer from Nepal. I’ve been known to be a motor-mouth when nervous. So, here is my brief story.

On June 24, 2016, LB Chhetri, a retired professor of Tribhuvan University, Nepal, President of Kavidada Literary Society Chitwan, and Chief Editor of Charaiveti Literary Fortnightly, met me in NYC while traveling with his wife.

LB introduced himself in the lobby and said, “I have never been to New York City.  I came…just to meet you.”  And then, he honored me with an award from the Kavidada Literary Society Chitwan and gave me a lovely prayer scarf during brunch in the hotel.  Given the kind words and accolades I’ve received for the publication of Grey Sparrow, this award, then and now, holds the deepest meaning.  It remains my greatest honor.

Prior to Chhetri’s visit, I had always considered Nepali authors companions to our site, a joy to work with even though I had a few missteps—not speaking or writing the language.  Nepali editors and translators provided correction for nuance and detail.

One in particular, Khem Aryal, offered countless hours working with Grey Sparrow Journal sharing his wisdom and knowledge. From my perspective, he stands as a giant among us. His ability to navigate two worlds and two languages with an unparalleled depth of understanding stands as a bridge of brilliance between the East and the West. He is, in my opinion, a humanitarian of the first order.

All editors worked tirelessly for the journal, Annam Manthiram, Natalie Schriefer, Photographer Prasannan, and more.  Schriefer, by the way, always preserved and polished the poets’ voices. Sound editing is a fine art, as she demonstrated with each issue she helped develop. The editing of poetry is particularly complicated.  

Bhisma Upreti, a seasoned and respected poet, graciously delivered numerous printed copies to the authors in Nepal. Grey Sparrow was printing quarterlies back then. 

International and Nepali writers, translators, editors, artists, photographers, and volunteers made Grey Sparrow’s partnership possible for 15 years.   By the way, the first Nepali Poet Grey Sparrow Journal ever published was, drum-roll please, LB Chhetri. Chhetri and Khem opened a large door I pray never closes.

Vaya Con Dios, The Sparrow