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The journey of self-compassion can be one of the hardest journeys of all. And I love the ways that Lizzie Winn and Justin Wise discuss it in practical and poetic terms in their podcast Turning Towards Life.  In this episode, they use one of my poems, “Above the Paradox Valley,” …

How does hope influence our lives? I think about how Vincent van Gogh put so much hope into the home where he planned to live and paint with Paul Gaugin, and I love the art that was made in these hope-rich days before the visit went sour. That’s the theme …

It matters where we put our attention. That’s what I consider in this poem, “Stitching It Together,” published in the wonderful Journal of Radical Wonder.  Stitching It Together In our imperfect world/ we are meant to repair/ and stitch together/ what beauty there is ​ — Stuart Kestenbaum, “Holding the Light” …

On July 30, 2022, Rosemerry read poems from her book Naked for Tea as part of a trio of readers all published by Able Muse Press. Hosted by Rebecca Starks, the program also includes James Pollock and Jennifer Reeser. Each poet reads for about 15 minutes, followed by a question …

My dear friend composer/pianist/historian Kayleen Asbo and I want to offer you the video recording of our hour-long conversation about Vincent Van Gogh, loss and The Art of Creative Collaboration– click here. This project has been such an important part for each of us in holding on to hope and beauty …

Reading and writing poems about the natural world can invite a deeper relationship with the earth and teach us so much about what it means to be alive. In this 45-minute webinar-style thoughtshop, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer shares poems about the natural world and its flora and fauna—poems that help us …

It matters how we treat each other. In every interaction the chance to remind others (and ourselves) that we are made of treasure. I am grateful to Reformed Journal for publishing this poem.   As You Have Done for Me If you were here I would put my hand on …

What happens when we all bring whatever small light we have? I am grateful to Reformed Journal for publishing “Bioluminescence“–and grateful to Rose Postma for the podcast she did on this poem–in this 15-minute Reformed Journal podcast,  I read the poem and we talk about its origins. Bioluminescence Sometimes, when …

It matters, the story we tell ourselves. Nowhere has this been more profoundly evident for me than around the death of my son. It’s poetry, but it’s practical. Step one: Hear the story. Step two: Notice what other story is possible.  Step three: Notice how this framing deeply influences how …

I think of it all the time–how will humanity come together? How will we unite? Is it possible? I look for metaphors in the world that give evidence for such miracles. And there’s evidence. That’s what this poem is about, published in the amazing Braided Way in May, 2022. Coming …