You write because once, an author wrote something that touched the deepest part of you, and you finally felt known and less messy and truly worthy and you want to try and do the same thing for someone else. You fold your memories and reflections with care and fashion them into an origami crane. You place the crane into a reader’s hands and say, “Here. I made this for you, I hope it makes you feel less alone. I hope it makes you feel something.”
Wishes
I wish that I was braver
And I wish I could give voice
to every injustice
that I witness and have experienced
as a mother
as a woman
as a girl
How our flock is surviving summer
Like our gosling friends, we’ve fallen into a summer rhythm with increased independence. Here are a few things that are helping us survive these long, hot weeks of change and growth.
A blessing for parenting in the summer
God of ice cream cones and sun-kissed cheeks, //
God of sticky fingers and pool-soaked bodies, //
You made summertime, with its warm breezes
and ample sunshine.
On the cusp of 40
she’s letting go /
of the idea that her best days /
are behind her
To mother
Even today, I wonder what I’d say to an expectant mother. How do you describe the toughest, most beautiful job in the world?
Planting season
The saying “Bloom where /
you’re planted” served /
her well for years
How do you pinpoint growth?
How do you see growth when brown leaves cling to the forest floor, when snow returns, when a new season swirls beneath the surface, seemingly hidden from view?
Reasons to wake early
To witness fuschia streak across the sky/ and tangerine clouds outlined in gold
What’s saving my life right now (or, some things that make this winter easier):
This is embarrassing, but in my 39 years, I’ve rarely considered my dependence on water. It’s always been available. After using bottled water to brush teeth, wash hands, cook and more, plus coping with toilets that didn’t flush, I felt painfully aware of those privileges. … “I can’t take this anymore. I’m calling Grandma.”
Erin Strybis 