Up a Hill and Over the Rim

When what was closest to my heart began to slip out of my pen and onto a page, I was in my early twenties. This book is a compilation of trail notes in poetry form of my interior exploration over the years, and follows a loose chronology. Like many folks before me, the metaphor of life as a journey resonates with my experience. It is reflected in what and how I write. Covering the geography of awe found in the world around us, in the paradoxical nature of our humanity, and in the profound territory of spiritual experience is the “what” of these poems. The vocabulary of seeking, finding, uncovering, discovering, and reclaiming is the “how” of these poems. My sojourn begins with a youthful, enthusiastic yet tentative Stepping Out; on to  finding  a pace and space in  Middling Ground;  continuing with the challenge of switchbacks and new terrain in Trekking Through; and the surprise of old steps on new ground and new steps on old ground as I take Ever Another Step. The poems are liberally littered with movement of up, down, around, through, toward, away, over, and yet, beckon toward a dynamic still point.  These poems lead you to communion with the natural world and beyond through trail ways paradoxical, experiential and spiritual.  As you walk these paths you will find the journey invites you toward Something or Someone more expansive within and beyond yourself. This movement toward a Source of Love and Deep Connection is on some level already known to you. Yet it is often elusive and waits to be uncovered, discovered and recovered again and again.All of my poems come from the heart of me and hearts often 'take the road less traveled'. The seeking and searching along this road is simply a path home to your deepest self.  Perhaps some of the poems will lead you on a way you least expect or even one you most desire. Whether you find yourself in familiar or foreign territory, explore with joy!