Sonoma State University's International Literary Magazine
Zaum: The Pearl Issue
Artist Cover: Two Shooting Stars Cross The Sun by Willoughby Sinn
Letter from the Editors
Dear readers of Zaum 30,
Thirtieth anniversaries are celebrated through the symbolism of a pearl, a fitting metaphor for the turbulent times of 2026. Pearls are formed when an oyster is threatened by a parasite or other irritant that has invaded its shell. It responds by coating the irritant in the material of its own shell, gradually forming layers to protect itself. The end product of this process are the smooth, often imperfect, yet beautifully iridescent pearls. Through this issue of Zaum, we hope to find solidarity with all the other oysters in the sea trying to protect themselves from the parasites of our current world and emerge stronger together.
We humbly thank you for supporting the hard work of the student staff by reading our literary magazine. At its core, Zaum is a community of dedicated and passionate students who seek to utilize their voices in a way that uplifts marginalized voices and communities. Our central goal is to reflect the experiences of students everywhere through the use of published creative expression. We hope the works of art and literature in this issue bring
you solace; that they will, in some way, constitute your own pearl.
Sincerely,
The Editors
