From Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

“‘I like the woods,” she said. ‘In them, the possibilities seem endless. They are where wild things are, and I like to think the wild always wins. In the woods, it doesn’t matter that there is no patch of earth that has not known bone, known blood, known rot. It feeds from that. It growsContinue reading “From Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon”

From “Untamed – The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island” by Will Harlan

“Carol began wondering if she would ever escape Atlanta. Amid her daily drudgery, she followed one guiding principle, which kept her connected to the real world beneath the concrete and beyond the city limits; search for the source. Food didn’t come from a grocery store. Water didn’t come from a faucet. Ultimately, everything came fromContinue reading “From “Untamed – The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island” by Will Harlan”

From “No Rules” by Sharon Dukett

“I stood and began walking through the mammoth trees, keeping the river in sight. There was a hush in the forest as I entered it. The trees seemed to absorb all sound. It reminded me of reverence, like when you enter a church and voices grow dim and respectful. Except church was the exact oppositeContinue reading “From “No Rules” by Sharon Dukett”

Fifty-two days, my Son my sun

Today after school is out my son gets to come spend time with me. I miss him like the trees miss the rain, like the earth misses the moon, skies dark without him, only little pricks of starlight to find my way. Every other weekend means twenty-six weekends a year and a few holidays. ItContinue reading “Fifty-two days, my Son my sun”

Fingernails black with soil

Last weekend I spent half a day clearing out old growth and weeds and grass overtaking my little garden beds. It felt right that when the sun was shining and warm, after quite a bit of rain, that I pull and dig and carry countless armfuls of bracken from the beds. That I pull offContinue reading “Fingernails black with soil”

Loss of a family

I miss my parents tonight. Growing up a Jehovah’s Witness they were my entire world. Our little congregation was all I knew. My father, a pilot, a machinist, a pirate, a fascinating big-hearted man. My mother a hippie, nature-loving, passionate, creative artist. All of course within the confines of the expectations of the religion. MyContinue reading “Loss of a family”

Snow in Texas …And thoughts on needing to NOT be needed

We haven’t had so much snow in this area in forty years I think. It’s charming and reminds me of being in Idaho this time last year. I think it’s beautiful even as it reminds me of what I left behind. I need to be not needed. More than I need water, or air. IContinue reading “Snow in Texas …And thoughts on needing to NOT be needed”

Do Not Be Domesticated

Do not be domesticated. You were born with the moon in your blood And owls know your true name. Howl in everything you do, even if it is silent. Leave wakes of energy behind you That smell of fresh rain and teardrops. Hidden wildlings recognize you, Shouldering out of the shadows, Nuzzling the folds ofContinue reading “Do Not Be Domesticated”

“But she who dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.” ― Anne Bronte

I kept at it, my palm sticky and wet red, Grabbing again and again, until I changed hands, My right my left The wounds grew jagged and wept and dried black On the edges. I’d been doing this a long time now, Even though the flower had thrown me away she was the one whoContinue reading ““But she who dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.” ― Anne Bronte”