I’d intended to write a brief introduction to the ULTRAVIOLET themed issue of Burning House Press but will instead juxtapose two seemingly incongruous observations.

(1)

I began 2026 following the typical method for practicing Buddhist mettā (lovingkindness) meditation which involves the repetition of phrases, a series of well wishes that you extend to yourself and others:

MAY YOU BE SAFE AND PROTECTED

MAY YOU BE FILLED WITH HAPPINESS

MAY YOU BE HEALTHY

MAY YOU LIVE WITH PEACE AND KINDNESS

Mettā training usually involves beginning with subjects for whom such feelings come most naturally, then extending mettā to increasingly “difficult” subjects until you can consistently set your heart on fire for anyone, for everything.

(2)

On a record-breaking balmy day in early January, there sat between melting snow banks on the damp concrete of a sidewalk downtown, a troubled young white man. He was shouting what I presumed to be obscenities at the pedestrians passing him by. I trained my ears on his voice and this is what I heard:

I’LL SUCK YOUR DICK SO HARD YOU’LL PASS OUT

I’LL SLIP MY HAND IN YOUR POCKET AND TAKE A TWENTY

I’LL LET YOU PUNCH ME IN THE FACE FOR IT

PUT IT ON YOUTUBE

***

Some contradictions are more meaningful than others. Reject facile binaries and embrace polyvalence. Be canny and cunning with your metaphors. Cultivate trust in your ethic to navigate the obscenity that is life. I believe in you, dear reader. May you partake of these ULTRAVIOLET offerings until you feel weak in the knees. – K.S.