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At fifty years of age, I have a bit of history behind me, and I have enough experience and people in my life to have a multitude
of self-definitions. I am (first and foremost) a mother, having two (usually) wonderful children (aged 26 and almost 18.)
I also am the proud "owner" of a wonderful dog (Lucy) who figures prominently in my poetry. I also define myself
based on my work of more than twenty years as an advocate for abuse and other victims, and of course, as a would-be poet.
I have been writing poetry for nearly 40 years, and have had two of my poems published in small literary magazines. I
have only begun submitting my work in the past year - due to a surprising lack of courage I've discovered in myself. I had
always thought myself quite brave until now.
I have driven clients to safe shelter in such tense situations that it required law enforcement "tag team" escorts
from county to county. I have never failed to raise my voice in protest against injustice, no matter what the cost. I have
taught seminars to more than 200 people at a time, reported to legislative committees, and given television and radio interviews.
But, I never knew terror until I stood before a group of about 45 people and read my poetry. Mine is a fine cowardice, you
see.
My poetry is drawn from my everyday experience. I try to be a student of nature, and can get lost in the beauty and wonder
of the breathtaking Oregon coast on which I live. I believe that - as one poet wrote- "You can't always get what you
want, but you get what you need." The trick lies in cultivating an "eye" for the miraculous, and a heart humble
enough to accept the instruction life offers.
In closing, I would like to thank you for your interest in my poetry and the goals of this site. I suppose, as I so often
do in these situations, I have given far more information than anyone could possibly find interest in. But, in my defense,
I am pretty sure I haven't left anything worth knowing out of this bio. I hope you will find something in my words that moves
your heart or engages your mind. And, I wish you faith, peace, wonder, and happiness.
Morning Song
Shhhh. If you sit very still, you can hear it.
The trill of the earth waking, as the golden
sun begins breaking itself into shards of
crimson and mauve on the horizon. I've
heard it said that the earth has a heartbeat,
and in moments like this, I believe it. If
I lay myself down on the dew dampened
ground at this instant I think I might feel
it-hear it, if I pressed my ear against the
green-dressed breast of the world. This is
a time of magic, grander than any that might
show itself at midnight. Right now, the earth
is waking and I feel it down in my very bones.
© MuseStalker
Read my poems on this site
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