The secret agent at Middle Class Mirrors has released the second edition of their zine Water Science. The contributions are from Arizona writers and abroad, with some favorite local illustrators.

The second release is a treat. For once, a zine’s poetry seems to shine stronger than its prose. If you dread flipping through a publication with terrible hope, no expectations, and shame – give this one a shot.

Poetry highlights

“High Orders in Pertrubation Theory,” presents an accessible, but engaging read. At first, it appears to be dense and almost an academic exercise. The kind of language that loses ears. Slow down, and treat the lines as singular experiences.

“O’Clock” is simple and experiential. Instead of time spent grasping at the supposed meaning of poems, time is often better spent experiencing the poem. Try that with this one…

I’m sure this translates as “bullshit” in some people’s heads, but that proves my point. If you are currently imagining a big pile of a bull’s shit, typing my thoughts helped you there. It’s not often a writer will let you do this, day dreaming about a bull’s shit.

Prose highlights

“The Russian Master” is both a funny and severe story about an alcoholic chess master. Despite its brevity, it switches cleanly from humor, depression, and fondness. It also confirms a longstanding theory, only depressed people enjoy vodka.

“Smoke Signals” and “The Leveling of Buildings,” both focus on character development with completely different approaches. Perhaps, in the constraint of a zine’s length, they fall a little flat. Regardless, it suggests two writers to pay attention for in the future.

This site never intended to do reviews, yet this zine teased the idea out. The writing is chosen with care, and suggests heartfelt scrutiny. We’ve seen a few other zines in past, released under pretense and selfishness. It did more harm than good. Yet, it’s unwise to become jaded and angry, because we’ll forget to celebrate a developing success. No vodka please.

Here, I feel like I have a zine I’m curious and excited to see continue producing in the coming months.