a poem —

A Poem —

A creative take on how I imagine my brain works while writing. — How do you find ideas to write? There is pandemonium in my brain. It’s a two-syllable sound bouncing on a glass surface. Searching for the source, I find not silvery shards, but letters. Luminous letters of language that like paper cutouts join hands to form words. …

In my last year of high school, I wrote many creative pieces as part of scholarship applications. Here, I revisit one of my favorites. — The year is 2011. I am months away from graduating high school and I’m working harder than ever. During the day, I take a heavy load of AP and honors courses. In the afternoon, I work at Subway. In the evening, I write responses to scholarship prompts. When do I…

In this poem, I describe how it feels to experience four seasons in a single day. — [6 AM, 27°F] The weatherwoman warned that we’d wake to winter, but still surprised, I stand outside without scarf or socks, silent in the sudden cold. The printer in the clouds must be working overtime, only snowflakes stout will withstand revolution. …

Remembering an author whose words make home in my soul. As a collective, we endured many iconic losses in 2021. One that continues to take up residence in my memory is that of the young adult author Gary Paulsen. Paulsen wrote what is categorized often as “wilderness survival” stories. …

In this poem, I recommit to writing more next year. Will you join me? Last December, like you, I brought home a journal — marbled gold, delicate. I wished my (twenty eight) years of thought would get more sun, venture external. …

Why I find peace, joy, and much-needed solitude by sitting in the car. — This afternoon, my husband took our kids out of the house for a few hours. After almost two weeks at home and away from our regular routine, I needed some time to myself. When he asked me what I would do, I said, “Get a coffee and sit in my…