Editor's Note Editor's Note

eshajōri 会者定離 - noun. “people meet, always part”; the concept that expresses the idea about the impermanence of all things, that every human relationship will end someday due to the transient nature of life

Emerging from the haze of the past three years, it seems that each of us has experienced more life and loss than we ever anticipated. While the two are intrinsically linked, this does not limit the significance of either event. Still, the question remains as to whether the transient nature of human relationships renders them pointless or futile. At the Literary Harrovian, we refute this point. Life and loss make us feel things, and if all that remains of these feelings is what we have documented, possibly through literature, then we have something to contribute to the world.

Writing my final editor’s note for the Harrovian, the concept of eshajori feels particularly apt. When two of my friends and I first started the magazine in 2019, we never dreamt that it would continue past the first amateur publication put together on a Google Doc. Four editions later, I feel extremely grateful for all the amazing people I have worked with and very proud of the work we have produced showcasing the literary talent at this school! I gratefully hand over the reins to Jessica, Prinda and Nicole who I trust will carry on the great legacy of women championing the English Department. They have been phenomenal at bringing together the now twenty-strong team of editors and writers to produce this edition of Life and Loss I look forward to reading future publications!

We hope this edition reminds you to appreciate the beautiful and tragic moments of life and loss, and perhaps disproves the Japanese proverb of eshajori People meet, always part, but may meet again

Chloe Levieux