You made everything and said it was good. Still, I have to ask… Why hurricanes? And tornadoes? Why cancer? Why weapons? Why war? Perhaps the question inshould be praying is…
Blessing for another school year
May you walk tall and stay humble,
be slow to anger and quick to serve,
And when you stumble or cry,
may you feel comfort and care,
and remember you are deeply loved
by your family and your Creator,
Finding God
God greeted my toddler from the garbage truck,
God cheered each batter at my oldest’s baseball game,
God saw me with my hands full and opened up the gate.
I CAN’T WRITE
Because school’s out for the summer and my kids are here all.the.time. Because there’s baseball practice tonight, basketball tomorrow and soccer camp next week. Because we have swim lessons and playdates and birthday parties on the calendar. Because long luxurious playground visits. Because concerts, nature walks and dining al fresco. Because pool days, beach trips,Continue reading “I CAN’T WRITE”
Advice to Young Women
When I stepped on stage to sing,
my voice shook, then steadied,
with each verse, I grew feathers,
soon after, I was soaring high in the sky.
The champion
She pitched. Standing in the center of the cul-de-sac, Mom threw straight, steady pitches, encouraging us to swing with a gentle, “Hey batta-batta, swing batta-batta.” When it was her turn to bat, she smacked line drives and fly balls into the outfield, which was the handsome neighbor’s front yard.
Some Things You Never Forget
The first time you swam you leaped into the pool,trusted the strength of your arms and legs,let the swell of water carry you forward,triumphant in your magenta swimsuit. The call that made you sinkto your knees in dread,“Cancer,” the doctor said,and your world stopped turning for an instant. Your first big heartbreak —dumped before seniorContinue reading “Some Things You Never Forget”
M A K E
something about making is essential to our humanity
Defining word: Voice
Isn’t the task of the artist that of turning a mirror toward her reader to help her grapple with the truth before her? To say, yes, there is pain in this world, but have you also noticed the grace of wildflowers?
Fear and courage
My son declares“I’m not scared of anything” Almost 7 and still a wonder boy whose life began with a lack of breath,who, since he found his voicerarely stops talking, who’s made of sugar, steel and laughter “That’s nice, honey,” I tell him, folding his words and slipping them into my back pocketlike a note IContinue reading “Fear and courage”
Erin Strybis 