Reentry: A Love Poem
Last night I attended a poetry workshop on writing love poems– it’s focus was on writing love poems that aren’t grandiose, sappy, saccharine, etc. It was a fun conversation with some fellow women whose wordsmithing impressed and inspired me. I imagine I’ll keep playing with the piece I started during the workshop, but for now,…
Explaining Your Religion in Triage
These days, I typically only get asked about my religious beliefs when I’m at my yearly physical, or in triage at the hospital. Which is to say, it’s not super common. Still, I always chuckle to myself when they ask. Is it in case I die here today? So they’ll know which type of spiritual…
What Is There Left To Say?
There were children murdered and injured at school yesterday. There were children murdered at school yesterday, once again, and we didn’t even talk about it. We went to bed, woke up, ate breakfast— business as usual on the surface. I felt hollow sending her off to school, kissing my husband goodbye. Is it on his…
Dear Doctor Dobson
Must Be Nice
I watched a video the other day of a kangaroo, and the baby she had just given birth to. It looked like science fiction, or a cartoon plot imagined and developed by a first-grader. This massive kangaroo with her shoulder muscles bulging, her tail dense and capable of destruction. Legs for days. This kangaroo gave…
In Service of Children, Mine and Yours
I tend to this guiltThat gnaws at my heelsNo matter the shoes I wearOr the role I play that day I carry this guiltLike a babyToo heavy for its sling When I choose to spend my daysIn the service of children Who aren’t you And I hear myself tell other parentsHow quality time with their children Is…
In the Blink of an Eye
I don’t want anotherI just want youAll over again I’ve never felt such longingFor a past lifeGone so soon They say, In the blink of an eyeSo I cover mine–No luck Except the Unbelievable luckOf beingYour mom
Little Seal
On Being a Human in 2025
I am a fanOscillating between cool breezeAnd dry, intense heat I am a childCarefreeThen tantruming I am FloridaSunshine permeatingThen storm and take cover I am the BuddhaUnattached and acceptingI am NapoleonEverything a threat I am a dogUnburdened, rolling on my backI am a wolfWild-eyed and roaming I am compassionI am disgust I am readyI am…
The Other Courtney 