As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has read, liked, and followed my Caro’s Writing Perspectives Substack posts. A special thank you goes to all my subscribers, whose support means the world to me. This year has been one of deep loss and challenge, yet also one marked by moments of light and connection that I hold close.

2025 brought heartache in many ways. I said goodbye to my mother-in-law, whose kindness and strength left a lasting impression on those who knew her. I also lost my beloved black Labrador Retriever, a loyal companion whose presence brought joy and comfort through countless days. Beyond personal loss, this country, my country, where I’ve lived for more than 50 years, faces dark times under an authoritarian and fascist regime, testing our resilience and hope.

Yet, even in this difficult landscape, there were bright spots. February brought me the chance to share Bear and Bella, a short story about the bond between pets and their families. Writing it was emotional and healing, and knowing it resonated with you made it all the more meaningful.

March was a time of discovery. My post Earth Movers began with a poem about earthworms but grew into something bigger. I dove into the earthworm’s ecological role and life cycles, learning how these small creatures help maintain the balance of nature. It was a reminder that every part of life connects and that we must protect those fragile ties.

In April, I challenged myself to write a poem every day for NaPoWriMo. Two poems stand out for me: Mr. Brightside, capturing the rush of singing along to a favorite song while driving on a sunlit road, and Sanctuary of Dreams, which explores the comfort found in companionship and imagination. Both offered a creative escape and a way to celebrate small joys.

August brought It Begins With Us, a poem about how simple acts can spread hope and unity. This piece inspired by also gave me the chance to introduce Nick’s two new Substacks: Sick of this Shit Publications and Banner & Backbone Media. These platforms blend personal stories with civic insight, and I see them as a vital part of standing against authoritarianism. Writing that poem was my small way of joining the fight and encouraging others to do the same.

September brought a flash fiction piece, Creativity and Suffering, exploring love, loss, and the transformative power of creativity. This month was also a creative milestone with In the Woods, a video poem that combines visuals and sound to deepen the experience. Exploring poetry through multimedia was exciting, and I look forward to expanding this approach in 2026.

October’s highlight was inviting guest authors to share Halloween-themed stories. From spooky to political commentary, from horror to dark humor, these tales brought a festive spirit to the Substack community. You can find them all at https://www.caroehenry.com/t/halloween, or enjoy each one via the individual links below. Their creativity added a wonderful variety to the month.

Halloween Candy by

Spooky Season by

Homecoming by D. Mann

A Dark and Dreary Night by

Blood Moon on Halloween by

Day Dreaming by

Seven Year Itch by Barrie Thomson ( )

Dead Undead by

Spoiler: Mr. D. B. Dies by

The Night Maples Talked by

November featured the final guest story of the year, Brown Girl in the Ring, by . Rooted in Jamaican lore, it introduces Sharpe, a character from his novel When Trees Fall. This story, rich in culture and depth, was a strong way to close the year’s guest contributions. I plan to bring more voices and stories from guest authors in 2026.

Looking back, 2025 was a year of contrasts—loss and hope, darkness and light, struggle and creativity. I am grateful to have shared it with you, and I am inspired to continue writing and exploring together. Thank you for being part of this journey with Caro’s Writing Perspectives. Here’s to what lies ahead.

Upcoming…

• A reflection on kindness:

  Snowfall, 3 January 2026

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Hey everyone!

I can hardly believe I’m almost halfway through my quest to write 30 poems in 30 days for NaPoWriMo! I hope you've been enjoying the daily poems inspired by the prompts. Today’s poem is below!

I’m also celebrating my second anniversary on Substack, and I’m thrilled to share some highlights! I've put together a list of the Top 10 posts that showcase the variety of themes and styles we've explored together.

Additionally, I’ve highlighted my Top 5 Fiction posts that have taken us on some adventures, as well as the Top 5 Poetry pieces that have touched our hearts and sparked some deep thoughts.

Some of these Top posts include a mix of fiction, poetry, and even an essay. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, I’d absolutely love for you to give them a read! And if you're new here, please share your thoughts after diving in—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Thanks so much for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to many more adventures ahead!

✨Top 10✨

✨Top 5 in Fiction✨

✨Top 5 in Poetry✨

This poem is part of the NaPoWriMo 2025 challenge to write a poem a day in April. This is the prompt for April 12.

Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a poem inspired by Wallace Stevens’ poem, “Peter Quince at the Clavier.” It’s a complex poem that not only heavily features the idea of music, but is structured like a symphony. Its four sections, like symphonic movements, play with and expand on an overall theme, using the story of Susannah and the Elders as a backdrop.

Try writing a poem that makes reference to one or more myths, legends, or other well-known stories, that features wordplay (including rhyme), mixes formal and informal language, and contains multiple sections that play with a theme. Try also to incorporate at least one abstract concept – for example, desire or sorrow or pride or whimsy.

I. Prelude to Curiosity

In cosmos’ cradle, Pandora stands,  
a girl with tender and curious heart,  
a gilded box of secrets, risky fate,  
temptation drips like honey on a plate.  
Desire calls, enticing siren's song,  
"Open the lid, dear one; what could go wrong?"  
Each breath a question, each heartbeat a dare,
as ghostly shadows press their advantage.

II. Unraveling of Secrets

With a breath that trembles, she lifts the lid,  
and the air thickens, charged with potential,  
sorrow spills forth like rain from a dark cloud,  
a tempest of despair, echoing loud.  
But wait! Amid tumult, a gleam of light,
hope, a firefly dancing in still night—  
a fragile reminder: in despair’s  depths,  
even in darkness, the spirit rebounds.

III. Dance of Shadows and Light

In the ruins of dreams that once shone bright,
the elders gather, their wisdom tested,  
with grief-laden eyes, they recount the past,  
the laughter, the sorrow, the shadows cast.  
Yet Pandora, in her sadness, stands tall,  
hope swells within, it rises after all.  
Each note of her heart beats a rhythm true,  
a song of resilience, music of hope.

IV. Coda of Whimsy and Hope

And so we gather, a chorus of souls,  
beneath the vast sky where the starlight spills; 
our voices raised, celebrating the night,  
to Pandora, the box, sparks of our light.  
Weaving our stories, in joy and in strife,  
we locate sweet essence, pulse of our life—  
our laughter’s banquet, a feast for the mind,  
the symphony of existence we find.  
As the last chord lingers, slowly floating,  
we carry the hope, the love we all share.

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I intended to post some flash fiction, but felt it was important to address the difficulties immigrants face in the U.S. The threat of arbitrary deportation to harsh foreign prisons is alarming for immigrants, including student visa and green card holders.

My poem captures the essence of resilience amid turmoil. It reflects on the dreams and struggles of generations who dared to imagine a life beyond their limitations, juxtaposed with the lurking fear of oppression and separation.

The subsequent essay explores the contrast between the longing for belonging and the fear of deportation. It reminds us of our shared humanity and highlights the need for compassion and dignity for immigrants and refugees striving for a better life.

Dreams unfold,  
carried by those who dared to rise,  
facing the world’s heavy hand.  
Their laughter fills the air,  
stretching across time,  
full of strength and yearning.

Beneath calm waters,  
storms gather,  
fear’s soldiers move with empty eyes,  
darkness swallowing light,  
ready to break fragile ties of belonging,  
to scatter vibrant pieces of self.

In this delicate place,  
families hold tight to hope,  
reaching across gaps filled with doubt;  
where once joy sparkled in the air,  
now silence lingers,  
a sharp reminder of happiness lost.

Children, once bursting with dreams,  
now carry the weight of absence,  
their toys left behind in quiet corners,  
laughter fading into distant echoes,  
each moment a battle against the pull,  
the harsh grasp of a world unkind.

Yet hearts keep beating strong,  
defiance woven deep inside,  
each tear watering roots below,  
each bond forged in hardship grows stronger—  
a soft fight against the storm—  
as love, like a light, shows the way.

Let them come with cold intent,  
for in the deepest pain,  
hope’s flame will burn bright,  
and while hearts still beat,  
dreams will survive,  
proof of a spirit that won’t break.

DREAMS ARE DELICATE yet powerful threads that weave our past and present together. They sway like the branches of a sturdy old oak tree, with roots buried deep in the soil of our memories. These hopes carry the legacy of those who came before us, echoing their joys and challenges as they dared to envision a life beyond their limits.

My adventure began in a sunlit place that felt hopeless to me. So, I left on an adventure. As a young idealist, I clung tightly to my dreams, saying goodbye to the familiar sights of home—colorful streets filled with laughter, the melodic sound of patois, and lively gatherings filled with reggae, soca, and steelpan music. Those warm memories now live in my heart. Even though I faced doubts on my journey to this new country, I also held onto hope for a future where my dreams could thrive.

When I arrived, I found a world bursting with opportunities but also encountered significant challenges. Many people, like me, seeking better lives for ourselves and our families, often face prejudices simply because we’re immigrants.

A college professor once wondered aloud why I would want to enroll in a Shakespeare class. I’ve lost job opportunities because unimaginative people couldn’t believe that a Caribbean woman would be qualified for certain positions. This brutal reality sometimes overshadowed my bright hopes and dreams. But I persevered and can only thank those who gave me the chance to shine (I’m looking at you, Jack, and you, Steve).

Yet, even in my happiest moments, that little fear still lingers.

I worry that one day, the goons will come for me and others, taking us away from our loved ones just because we’re different. Perhaps it’s because we weren’t born in the U.S., have an accent, hold differing views, or come from an unacceptable country. Maybe it's not any one of those things but all taken together.

Imagine the heartbreak—a family torn apart, desperately clinging to their dreams while agents sweep in like a storm, shattering their hopes. Where laughter once filled the air, only cries of despair remain.

We don’t have to imagine it. It is happening right now! We hear their stories almost every day.

People like Fabian Schmidt, a US green card holder originally from Germany. He was here legally and returning from visiting Luxembourg. At Boston Logan International Airport, upon attempting reentry, officials detained, interrogated, and took Fabian Schmidt to a detention center. His mother hasn’t heard from him since March 11.

Then, there is Rumeysa Ozturk. She is a Turkish national enrolled in a PhD program at Tufts University on a valid F-1 visa, which allows international students to pursue full-time academic studies. Ozturk has been studying in the US since 2018. Her brother said she won a Fulbright scholarship, completed her master’s degree at Columbia University, and then started her doctorate at Tufts University in Boston.

Immigration officers arrested and physically restrained her near her apartment, close to Tufts University’s Somerville campus. Her alleged crime was co-writing a pro Palestinian article for the school newspaper.

Now, she is being held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

According to a news report, on Friday, March 28, a federal judge in Boston issued an order to prevent Ozturk from being deported.

Also, did you hear? ICE held a Canadian woman for a fortnight. Jasmine Mooney, applied for a NAFTA work visa. In an article for The Guardian, she wrote:

There was no explanation, no warning. One minute, I was in an immigration office talking to an officer about my work visa, which had been approved months before and allowed me, a Canadian, to work in the US. The next, I was told to put my hands against the wall, and patted down like a criminal before being sent to an Ice detention center without the chance to talk to a lawyer.

These stories and many more emphasize the harsh realities of an unfair system. A system where assumptions based on rhetoric vilify the unknown, erode our dignity and reduce us to mere political pawns.

It’s time to act.

What can you do, you ask?

• Resist the voices that spread fear and division.

• Do not allow dehumanizing language to obscure the valuable contributions immigrants make to society.

• Celebrate what unites us as we reflect on our dreams.

• Connect our stories, honoring the past while embracing the potential of the future.

• Appreciate the beauty of our cultural diversity and the energy created by uplifting each other’s aspirations.

• Speak out for our immigrant communities on social media and in discussions with family and friends.

Despite the challenges, the dreams of immigrants shine brightly. Within every story, we see an unbreakable spirit. These dreams aren’t just individual; they connect us as humans, reminding us that many descend from brave individuals who escaped hardship or persecution. Immigrant journeys go beyond simple survival stories; they celebrate hope and reflect humanity’s courageous spirit, even amid immense challenges.

In the end, through our shared dreams, we will find the strength to build a brighter tomorrow, ensuring that no one has to live in fear of being separated from their loved ones just for daring to dream.

Author’s Note

• Immigrant Dreams, an award-winning collection of 33 poems celebrating the resilience and hope of those who dare to dream beyond borders, is now available in digital, paperback, and hardcover formats at:

  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple | Tolino | Vivlio | Smashwords | Fable | Palace Marketplace | Everand | Tertulia | IngramSpark | Google Play

  • Details and information on signed and free copies are available here.

• My award-winning book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, IngramSpark, and Kobo.

Upcoming…

• 30 poems in 30 days:

  NaPoWriMo, April 2025

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On this Ides of March, when Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus (44 BCE), we turn our attention to a world below our feet. In the moist, fertile soil, a hidden world flourishes, teeming with modest yet remarkable earthworms.

In my poem, a father guides his daughter into nature's wonders, emphasizing earthworms as vital ecosystem contributors rather than just fishing bait.

My subsequent essay explores the vital role these unassuming, slender, segmented creatures play in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.

Under the arching sky,  
where the sun spills golden light,  
a father and daughter stand,  
their feet sinking into the soft embrace of the earth,  
the scent of damp soil rising to meet them.

In his hands, a small bucket sways,  
its contents wriggling, alive—  
earthworms,  
slender, unassuming creatures,  
filling the space between them with silent promise.

Look at them, the father says,  
his voice low, a gentle current.  
They’re more than just bait;  
they’re the quiet workers of the earth.
He kneels, the warmth of the day  
painting his skin,  
and she mimics him,  
eyes wide with curiosity.

Together, they sift through the soil,  
fingers brushing against cool, moist earth,  
each worm evidence of life’s intricate web.  
Do you think they know? she asks,  
her voice a whisper,  
What shall we do with them?
wondering if the worms understand  
their existence in this shared moment;
the bond they are forging,  
the lessons learned in the stillness.

He smiles, a slow, knowing grin;
They may not know their purpose,
but I wanted you to learn
how important they are.
As their fingers uncovered 
each wriggling creature  
a connection deepens,  
rooted in nature's simplicity,  
in the dance of father and daughter,  
in the laughter that bubbles up  
like gentle ripples on the lake.

Meanwhile the sun dips lower,  
elongating shadows,  
and they cast their lines 
into the clear lake water,  
not sacrificing the worms,
but using the lures he made
from discarded feathers and wood;
bridging the gap between generations,  
weaving the warp and weft of memories,  
an unspoken bond,  
silent yet profound,  
just like the earth beneath their feet.

BENEATH THE SURFACE, where light struggles to penetrate, the world of earthworms unfolds, a hidden design woven with soil and decay. The earthworm’s habitat is a labyrinth of darkness, where the soil is cool and moist, providing the perfect conditions for these creatures to thrive.

The delicate interplay of moisture and temperature is essential; too dry, and they risk desiccation; too wet, and they can drown.

This finely balanced environment is where the earthworm finds its sanctuary, burrowing deep into the earth and playing an integral role in the ecosystem’s rhythm.

Environmental Allies

AS THEY TRAVERSE the soil, earthworms consume vast amounts of organic debris, breaking it down into simpler forms. This process enhances soil structure and fertility, turning waste into nutrient-rich castings, or “black gold.” The castings are teeming with beneficial microorganisms that promote healthy plant growth, contributing to the carbon cycle.

By consuming organic material, they help decompose plant matter, returning carbon to the soil and, ultimately, to the atmosphere. This process plays a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gases, making earthworms essential allies in the fight against climate change.

Earthworms are also sensitive indicators of environmental change. Their presence or absence can reveal much about soil health and pollution levels.

For instance, a thriving population of earthworms typically signifies healthy soil rich in organic content and free from harmful chemicals.

Conversely, dwindling populations often signal poor soil health, highlighting their importance to environmental scientists studying ecosystems.

Their ability to bioaccumulate toxins means they can also serve as bio-indicators, helping to monitor soil contamination and guide conservation efforts.

The channels created by earthworms as they tunnel allow air and water to reach deeper soil layers, thus benefiting plant roots. This natural aeration process prevents soil compaction and promotes a vibrant ecosystem beneath the surface.

By aerating the soil and improving water infiltration, earthworms promote plant growth and a thriving underground habitat, highlighting the need to protect these remarkable creatures in our efforts against environmental degradation and climate change.

Enhancing Biodiversity

AS WE OBSERVE an earthworm in its element, we notice its body glistening with a slimy sheen. This sheen is a protective layer of mucus that aids in locomotion and moisture retention.

Each segment of its body, marked by delicate annulations, contributes to its remarkable ability to move through the soil.

Muscles beneath the skin contract and relax in a coordinated dance. This allows the worm to stretch and shorten, enabling it to inch forward with a smooth, undulating motion.

This movement facilitates the worm’s foraging for food and helps to aerate the soil. It creates microhabitats for countless microorganisms and enhances the ecosystem’s biodiversity.

The intricate interplay of movement and ecosystem health underscores the earthworm’s significance, highlighting how such a seemingly simple creature contributes to the vitality and resilience of the soil environment.

Life Cycle

THE EARTHWORM’S LIFE cycle is equally captivating. It begins with a tiny egg encased in a protective cocoon, which the mother worm secretes to safeguard against the elements. A new generation of earthworms develops within this cocoon, nurtured by the rich organic matter surrounding them. As they emerge, they instinctively burrow and feed, testimony to nature’s intricate design.

This process of growth and reproduction reminds us of the continuity of life, as each generation contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Physiology

EARTHWORMS HAVE FASCINATING physiology, especially their circulatory system. Unlike many other creatures, earthworms have five hearts.

These aren’t hearts in the traditional sense, but a series of muscular structures that function to pump blood throughout their elongated bodies.

The earthworm’s colorless blood circulates through a network of vessels, facilitating the transport of nutrients and waste. This vital system enables them to flourish in organic-rich environments by consuming decaying plant matter, thus ensuring their survival.

Their fascinating physiology supports their life processes and underscores the earthworm’s critical role in maintaining ecosystem health by facilitating decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Tenacious Survivors

IN THE GRAND scheme of life, earthworms embody resilience and adaptability. They have survived through geological epochs, witnessing the transformation of landscapes and climates. Their remarkable capacity to thrive in diverse habitats, from lush gardens to barren fields, speaks to their evolutionary success.

As we reflect on the world of earthworms, we appreciate their understated beauty and significance. They are not just simple creatures, but complex beings intricately linked to the earth’s fabric. Their tireless work beneath our feet ensures a balanced ecosystem, allowing plants to flourish, and animals to find sustenance.

Their role shows us how everything in nature interconnects and why cherishing life’s delicate balance is vital for our survival.

Using earthworms as bait undermines their critical role in maintaining healthy soil and nutrient cycles. We can protect these essential creatures and promote sustainable fishing practices—that respect the natural balance of our environment—by choosing alternative bait options.

The earthworm, with its five hearts, serves as a symbol of life’s persistence, a testament to the resilience of nature, and a reminder of the vital importance of even the smallest creatures in maintaining the health of our planet.

Author’s Note

• Immigrant Dreams, an award-winning collection of 33 poems celebrating the resilience and hope of those who dare to dream beyond borders, is now available in digital, paperback, and hardcover formats at:

  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple | Tolino | Vivlio | Smashwords | Fable | Palace Marketplace | Everand | Tertulia | IngramSpark | Google Play

  • Details and information on signed and free copies are available here.

• My award-winning book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, IngramSpark, and Kobo.

Upcoming…

• March’s writing prompt:

  One Hundred-Word Wonders, 19 March 2025

  For those who want a head start, this month’s prompt is TIRED. Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, using the prompt. Pieces should be exactly 100 words, no more or less. The 100-word count does not include the title. Hold your piece until the 19th!

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Hello!

First, I want to express my gratitude to you, my readers, in a brief word (or two).

In the stillness of my cluttered mind,  
where shadows linger and thoughts collide,  
I carve my words into the fabric of time,  
each phrase a vessel for shared moments,  
a quiet conversation with distant hearts,  
reaching out across the expanse of silence.  

How deeply I treasure the eyes that pause,  
who find refuge in my humble pages,  
exploring the landscapes of my mind,  
where emotions flow like rivers unbound.  
You, who catch my whispers in the dark,  
your presence lingers like the scent of rain.  

With every reading, you breathe life anew,  
each sigh, a testament to connection,  
a reminder that my voice does not fade,  
but echoes softly in the chambers of hope.  
For every smile ignited by my words,  
I bow in gratitude, feeling your light.  

In your laughter, I glimpse the joy of sharing,  
in your tears, the depth of our journey.  
Together, we traverse the realms of thought,  
you and I, a communion of souls,  
where every word is a stepping stone,  
leading us through valleys of understanding.  

So here I stand, humbled and aware,  
a chronicler of life’s fleeting moments,  
grateful for the souls I’ve touched, however small,  
as we navigate the beauty of existence.  

This month was jam-packed for me!

It’s not common knowledge, but my mother-in-law lives with us. She’s had frequent hospital and doctor visits this month. She expressed a desire to stay home as much as possible, and we’re respecting that by providing care here.

I did not see my sister this month but I will in December. She has an exceptional caregiver who’s a lifesaver. I will see my sister and give her caregiver a few days off.

I barely had any time to write or engage with Substack. I found it difficult to carve out time for myself.

This is my last monthly writing update for the year, and I’m taking a break from them in 2025. I’ll continue to publish a poem or short story weekly, and I’ll keep up with my One Hundred-Word Wonders writing prompt every third Wednesday of the month.

About writing prompts, explore these exceptional and clever writers, their prompts, and the reactions they have generated.

• Erica Drayton’s Microzine

• Justin Deming’s Fifties by the Fire

• The Fiction Dealer’s Microdosing

(aka The Fiction Dealer) has a new book, Microdosing Fiction. Please support his excellent microfiction by getting a copy.

Also, please check out TopinFiction.com for a weekly link round-up of new short stories, microfiction, serials, and poetry.

In this update, I include brief excerpts of each work in progress. I’m unsure if I will include these excerpts in the final draft.

SHORT STORY COLLECTION

I’m still working on my fantasy short story collection.

Here are two brief paragraphs from one of the short stories.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the ancient trees of the Alderamin Woods, Lyra found herself on the outskirts of the forest.

A mysterious figure summoned her, an elf whose dark aura sent shivers down her spine. The elf, with eyes as cold as ice and a voice like honey laced with poison, spoke of power beyond imagining and whispered promises of conquest and glory.

NEW POETRY BOOK

A slimmer volume than my first book, this one (like my previous book) features a variety of poetic forms, including narrative poems. These are new, never-published poems not included in my book, The Edges. They capture the essence of people forced to leave their homes, whether escaping religious or political persecution, poverty, or the effects of climate change. Look for a quick turnaround on this one, ideally early in 2025.

Here’s an excerpt of a narrative poem included in the new book.

No Long Goodbyes

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

[…]
Fifteen years old,  
and yet the mantle of adulthood  
draped upon him, a cloak  
he never asked to wear.

His stomach churned;  
a tumult of confusion, fear,
friends left behind,  
laughter echoing in empty spaces,  
winnowed memories.  
[…]

Author’s Note

• My book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is now available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.

Upcoming…

• A poem about loss and longing:

  Nothing Compares, 7 December 2024

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The heart of spring brings warmth and light to the awakening world.

Trees stand tall. Their leaves unfurl like the pages of a newly opened book, each one a testament to the exuberance of life.

Chlorophyll, that vibrant green pigment, flows through them like a lifeblood. It converts sunlight into sustenance with a fervor that mirrors the season's energy. In this time of growth, of flourishing, trees stretch their limbs wide, basking in the glow of long days and warm nights.

Yet, beneath this verdant exterior lies a complex tapestry of colors waiting to emerge.

Xanthophyll whispers in soft yellows, a gentle reminder of the sunlight that nourishes life.

Carotenoids flicker in oranges, reminiscent of sunsets that paint the sky with fleeting beauty.

Anthocyanins lurk in the depths of the leaves, ready to burst forth in passionate reds and purples.

These pigments, though hidden, are an integral part of the tree’s story, much like the emotions we often keep tucked away, only to reveal them in moments of vulnerability.

As summer wanes, the air shifts, taking on a crispness that heralds change. The days grow shorter, and the trees begin their quiet preparation for the inevitable embrace of winter.

They cease their relentless production of chlorophyll, a decision born not from defeat but from wisdom. As light wanes, trees gracefully release burdensome energy to sustain vibrancy.

Like deft artisans, enzymes break down the chlorophyll, dismantling the green facade to reveal the hidden hues beneath. In every loss, a transformation emerges, speaking to the essence of existence.

Colors ignite in a riot, trees celebrating their essence—a reminder that beauty endures despite fading light.

We cannot help but draw parallels to our lives as we walk beneath these colorful canopies. The trees, in their autumnal glory, remind us that every breakdown reveals the intricate layers of our being.

Just as the leaves surrender to the wind, releasing their vibrant colors into the air, we, too, can find strength in our vulnerability. The trees teach us that even as we lose, we also gain—an understanding of ourselves and a deeper appreciation for the moments that make us who we are.

Amidst this dance of decay and rebirth, we unearth a profound truth: life transcends the preservation of green and promising things. It is also about embracing cycles of change, and accepting every ending leads to new beginnings.

In their fleeting beauty, the autumn leaves serve as a living reminder that even in our losses, we can find the colors of our existence shining brighter than ever before.

Author’s Note

• My new book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is now available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.

Upcoming…

• A poem about the essence of now:

  Later, 16 November 2024

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Hello friends!

What a month it's been! This past month, I’ve visited my ailing sister, had COVID-19, celebrated a birthday, traveled to my high school reunion, and reconnected with three friends with whom I used to work for a spa vacation.

Also, to my surprise, I’ve started writing a children’s book. Trick or treat!

CHILDREN’S BOOK

This is a children’s story about a timid girl who struggles with her fears from a young age, often feeling overwhelmed by the world around her.

Her fearless nature does not emerge until she encounters a supportive group of girls her age.

Through friendship, love, and encouragement, Faith learns to navigate her fears and discovers the strength that lies within her.

A group of women with whom I went to high school and met again at our high school reunion inspired this story. It is my story, as well as theirs. Their shared memories and rekindled friendships were powerful reminders of the support and love needed to overcome life’s challenges.

I’d like to target this tale for children aged 6 to 9. I hope the story’s relatable themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of support resonate with young readers, making it an excellent choice for family reading or classroom discussions.

I aim to inspire children to face their fears and embrace their unique qualities—their fearless nature, just as Faith did.

SHORT STORY COLLECTION

I’m still working on a short story collection that will take readers through my fantasy world.

Fierce female warriors populate my world, defying the odds. Wise elves share their ageless knowledge, while playful fairies spread joy in every corner. Majestic dragons also soar through the skies, guarding ancient secrets.

Each tale will show a different aspect of my world, showcasing the beauty and complexity of its inhabitants. The bravery of the warriors, the wisdom of the elves, the whimsy of the fairies, and the majesty of the dragons will intertwine, revealing unexpected links between their fates.

In my world, time is not a linear progression. It is a fluid concept that allows the past to echo in the present and the future to shimmer with possibilities.

I aim to show how one character’s choices may ripple through others’ lives, creating a rich, intricate, and cohesive (I hope) narrative.

I’m as excited about this collection as I am about the children’s book.

Author’s Note

• Check out my Halloween/Horror posts.

• My new book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is now available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.

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Hello friends!

I’m not very good at self-promotion. I’ve always been the quiet one of the group, observing, listening. After arguing with myself about whether I should use this space to promote my book, I decided to include buttons (links) to buying options in my October posts. I also decided this monthly writing update will focus on promoting the book.

I’m thrilled to announce that my book is available in a digital format and paperback on various platforms! I hope you get the book in one of these formats, read the poems, and leave a review. Amazon, in particular, uses reviews as part of their algorithm. More Amazon reviews help promote my work.

The book has six sections: Love & War, Nature & Cosmos, Time & Memories, Seasons & Liminal Spaces, Observations & Views, and Wounds & Contemplations.

I invite you to engage with the themes of love, nature, time, and the complexities of existence. I hope this book inspires, challenges, and transforms you.

As in wrote in a recent essay:

[…] it does something, doesn’t it? Poetry. It does something to your brain. Pokes a finger in and wiggles around inside it.

Here’s a sneak peak at part of a poem I titled, Music’s Power.

Music’s Power

[…]
Notes, like delicate threads,
Weave a story of forgotten yesterdays,
Each key—a portal to a time long gone,
A time when memories were crystal clear.

The piano comes alive, singing a melancholic tune,
A symphony of forgotten dreams and faded hopes,
The man's eyes flicker with a spark of recognition,
A brief glimpse of a life once lived.

In that fleeting moment, time stands still,
The barriers of age and memory crumble,
And the music becomes a lifeline,
A bridge to a world lost in the fog of the past.
[…]

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

APPLE BOOKS

KOBO

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Hello friends!

I hope you’re enjoying your summer.

My life has been eventful, filled with necessary tasks like finding a caregiver for my sister and completing my poetry anthology.

We took some time off to visit our daughter in Colorado last month, though. She continues to shine in her chosen career and has a wonderful group of friends who love and support her. It was a glorious trip!

Before you know it, the cooler autumn days will be here. I’m not sure about yours, but my days will overflow with activities.

Besides all the usual little things like birthdays, I have doctors’ appointments with my sister, a high school reunion, a chocolate spa getaway with a trio of former coworkers, and one of the most consequential elections of my lifetime on November 5.

Friends in the US, we have a call to action this election season. It’s one that urges each soul to embrace the power vested in their hands—the power to shape the course of tomorrow.

I've put some of my thoughts about voting in this poem.

The promise of change lingers, 
Beckoning with possibility’s sweet allure. 

November 5th, a date etched in time,
Where history meets future's gaze;
Each voter holds the key to change,
A ballot cast for more than self alone.

Walk with purpose to your polling places,
Each step a declaration of values held;
In the heart of democracy's rhythm,
Lies the power to paint a world anew.

Let joy be your compass, guiding true,
To a future adorned with laughter's hues;
Hope, a beacon lighting the path ahead,
Illuminating the realm of untold tomorrows.

Love, the binding force of communities,
Weaving threads of unity and compassion;
Freedom, an anthem of voices unchained,
Echoing the promise of a boundless tomorrow.

As the day unfolds and ballots are cast, 
Remember power rests within your hands;
For on that evening, as the sun sets low,
We will hear our voices ring with dreams fulfilled.

Testament to the human spirit, democracy’s beauty;
Celebrating the land of the free, home of the brave.

As for me, I’m casting my vote for joy, not sorrow. I'm casting my vote for hope, not despair. I'm casting my vote for love, not hate. I’ve made my plan. Have you?

Poetry Anthology

I hope to release this sometime next month (September). As I mentioned some months ago, this anthology contains poetry and prose divided into six sections, some of which I've never published.

Short Story Collection

I dug through old stories, gathering, rewriting, and adding new ones in my quest to create a linked collection.

As I read through the pages, each one a window into a different world, I can’t help but feel a pang of uncertainty. Each story requires its unique tone and backdrop.

Just like with my poetry anthology, curating my short story collection will be a labor of love. My plan is to create a unique collection that will inspire and captivate you.

I’m hoping to complete and publish this sometime next year.

Novel

I need to admit my doubts in the story, its ending in particular.

I think putting the novel aside for now is a good idea. It’s a decision that worries me.

The characters I created and the world I described in the book keep haunting my thoughts. They prompt me to explore different paths and narrate their journey in a way that captivates and connects with readers.

I aim to return to the novel with newfound clarity and renewed inspiration to guide my characters to a deserving conclusion.

Upcoming…

• Creative non-fiction pieces:

  We All Scream for Ice Cream, 7 September 2024

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Hello friends!

I took a mini-break this month that will continue through mid-August. I have postings scheduled through that time.

We visited Denver, Colorado (the mile-high city) and had a great time. Here are a few photos from the trip.

The rest of these are from the Denver Botanic Gardens.

At the Denver Botanic Gardens we encountered “Spirit Guides,” an exhibit inspired by the Zapotec calendar that offers a special outdoor chance to contemplate our connection with earthly and celestial beings.

Jacobo and María Ángeles, a creative duo from Mexico, have crafted sculptures depicting vibrant and intricate hybrid creatures. The sculptures act as spiritual guides, symbolizing astrological traits.

Here are more spirit guide sculptures:

Besides traveling to Denver, it was a busy month arranging a caregiver for my sister and getting my poetry anthology ready for publication.

By the way, here are the results from the poll that asked:

Which emotion best describes your feeling towards attending a high school reunion?

• Excitement: 20%

• Nervousness: 10%

• Indifference: 20%

• Curiosity: 30%

• Dread: 20%

I fall somewhere between curiosity and dread.

Only paying subscribers can view the remaining content in this post. Below this paywall, you will learn about my works in progress. Paid subscribers enjoy complete access to all novel updates, exclusive polls, and access to archived posts. To upgrade your subscription or start a FREE trial, please click the button below.

Poetry Anthology

This is not quite ready, but hopefully in the next few months I’ll be able to announce a launch date.

In the meantime, here’s a peek at a draft of the book cover.

Novel

I’m back on track with the second draft, but it’s slow going. I still have some kinks to massage.

Short Story Collection

This is coalescing around a theme, at least in my mind. I’m hoping to complete and publish this next year.

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.

Hello friends!

I wish to tell you about the one event swirling around in my head besides arranging care for my sister before moving on to my writing update. Here then are my thoughts on my high school reunion later this year.

I stood before the mirror, noting the wrinkles around my eyes and the lines that bracketed my mouth.

The email about my high school reunion had stirred a whirlwind of emotions, bringing back memories long buried beneath the layers of time.

Decades had passed since I walked the long verandas of the all-girls school nestled on the vibrant island of Jamaica, a place where the echoes of British education reverberated through the classrooms.

As I traced the lines of my reflection, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. Reconnecting with the women from my past feels like a journey backwards through time. Would they realize I carried the mere echoes of the person I was back then? How would they perceive me now?

Memories flooded back, painting vivid scenes of laughter in the classrooms, whispered secrets under the shade of towering mango trees, and evening cramming sessions before exams.

I remembered the strict teachers who instilled discipline with a firm hand, yet also nurtured our curiosity and thirst for knowledge. The British education system had meant structure and tradition (uniforms!), shaping not only our minds but also our characters.

Those high school years encompassed more than academics. Friendships from those formative years helped me navigate adulthood’s challenges. The lessons learned, both inside and outside the classroom, had prepared me for the complexities of the world beyond the school’s walls.

As I took a deep breath and gathered my courage to confirm my attendance, I realized the reunion was not just about reminiscing, but also about celebrating the women we had become.

The reunion will rekindle the fires of our shared history, the bonds that transcend time and distance. I know the island of Jamaica and my high school have imprinted a legacy of strength, resilience, and sisterhood that will continue to shape my journey.

Now that I’ve told you about my anxieties related to attending my high school reunion, what say you?

Only paying subscribers can view the remaining content in this post. Below this paywall, you will learn about my works in progress. Paid subscribers enjoy complete access to all novel updates, exclusive polls, and access to archived posts. To upgrade your subscription or start a FREE trial, please click the button below.

Here, in a prose poetry format, is an update of my writing progress. A tad cheeky, I know.

As my keyboard hums with the cadence of creation, I tread the path of a storyteller, embroidering dreams and realities onto fabric that mirrors the labyrinthine (by the way, I love this word! I love the way it rolls off the tongue when you say it out loud) corridors of my imagination.

With each word penned, each verse sculpted, and each tale spun, I march forward, a solitary traveler in the realm of words, guided by the flickering light of inspiration and the promise of completion on the distant horizon.

June unfurls into July with threads of diligence and patience.

Novel

Amidst the labyrinth of words, my novel, in its second draft, moves at the pace of a gentle stream meandering through a landscape of revisions.

The journey is slow, akin to the growth of a seed into a mighty oak, each word a tender leaf unfurling under the sun of scrutiny.

Poetry Collection

In the garden of my poetic musings, a collection blooms like a bouquet of varied blossoms.

The poems, handpicked like precious gems, find their places in the various sections.

Accompanied by black and white photography at the beginning of each section, the collection takes shape.

A friend’s hands, skilled in the art of design, will use my own photography to craft covers that cloak the verses in garments of allure.

Short Story Collection

Amongst the cobwebbed corridors of memory, old short stories stir, awakening from a slumber like ancient spirits roused by a summoning spell.

Dust motes swirl in the air as I breathe life into these tales, polishing the rough edges and infusing new tales with the breath of creativity.

This anthology, a treasure trove of narratives old and new, remains a treasure chest locked with the promise of unveiling its riches only in the coming year.

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.

Life is bristling with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to cultivate one's garden.—Voltaire

Hello friends!

It’s the last day of May and time for another update on my writing progress. Before I get to that, I’d like to tell you a little about what I’ve been reading and thinking.

As the warmth of spring enveloped the air, I found myself drawn to the garden. It was a familiar routine, something I never missed doing each year. This year was different. Because of unexpected events, I began my gardening later than I had hoped.

As I dug into the earth with my garden trowel, I recalled the words of Oliver Sacks, a brilliant mind who had eloquently written about the significance of gardens in our lives. In his short essay titled “Why We Need Gardens,” found in Everything in Its Place: First Loves and Last Tales, he explored the profound impact that these green spaces have on our well-being.

“Within the garden, time becomes suspended,” Sacks had written. “The rhythm of nature’s cycles, the growth and decay, the seasons shifting seamlessly, all create a sense of timelessness. In this sanctuary, we are reminded of the beauty and fragility of life.”

Each stroke of my garden trowel deepened my connection to Sacks’ words. Through gardening, I witness the rhythmic cycles of life and the constant regeneration of nature. Despite starting late, I knew the garden would provide its gifts, and unfold its wonders in due time.

Sacks had mused about the therapeutic nature of gardens, noting how they can heal both body and soul. “The act of tending to plants, nurturing their growth, is a form of meditation,” he had remarked. “It brings us back to the present moment, grounding us in the here and now.”

As I planted seeds and tended to the soil, I could feel the weight of the world lifting from my shoulders. Worries and anxieties vanished, replaced by calm and purpose. In the garden, I found solace, a respite from the chaos of everyday life.

Sacks delved into the sensory experiences of gardens in his essay. The vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and rustling leaves formed a sensory symphony. The beauty of the garden engulfed me, with Sacks’ words resonating in my thoughts.

“Gardens awaken our senses,” he had written. “They ignite our imagination and inspire creativity. They invite us to explore, to discover the wonders that lie within their boundaries.”

I wandered through the garden, enchanted by the fragile flowers, intricate fern patterns, and elegant cabbage white butterflies as they flitted among the cat mint, purple salvia, and blue lupines. Each passing moment reminded me of the extraordinary world beyond my front door.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the garden, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this late start. The delay had allowed me to appreciate the beauty and significance of the garden. It reminded me that gardening takes patience, resilience, and the embracing of life’s unexpected twists and turns.

With renewed enthusiasm, I continue gardening, knowing that the seeds I plant will grow and flourish in their own time. And as I tend to my garden, I carry with me the wisdom of Oliver Sacks, the reminder that in the embrace of nature, we can find comfort, healing, and a profound sense of connection to the world.

In his words:

As a writer, I find gardens essential to the creative process; as a physician, I take my patients to gardens whenever possible. All of us have had the experience of wandering through a lush garden or a timeless desert, walking by a river or an ocean, or climbing a mountain and finding ourselves simultaneously calmed and reinvigorated, engaged in mind, refreshed in body and spirit. The importance of these physiological states on individual and community health is fundamental and wide-ranging. In forty years of medical practice, I have found only two types of non-pharmaceutical “therapy” to be vitally important for patients with chronic neurological diseases: music and gardens.

[…]

Clearly, nature calls to something very deep in us. Biophilia, the love of nature and living things, is an essential part of the human condition. Hortophilia, the desire to interact with, manage, and tend nature, is also deeply instilled in us. The role that nature plays in health and healing becomes even more critical for people working long days in windowless offices, for those living in city neighborhoods without access to green spaces, for children in city schools, or for those in institutional settings such as nursing homes. The effects of nature’s qualities on health are not only spiritual and emotional but physical and neurological. I have no doubt that they reflect deep changes in the brain’s physiology, and perhaps even its structure.

Novel

My novel is coming along. I’m still on my second draft, and among other things, I’m considering setting it in the future.

Yeah, yeah. I know I should have addressed that sooner. I’m not thinking of Star Trek’s future, but more like forward in time by 50 years. Not a great leap.

Also, I want one of the main characters to be my murder victim, not just “a victim.”

I will admit here that I am anxious about the entire thing. Sometimes, thinking about it gives me a weird feeling in my stomach. See, anxious.

It’s a good thing I can distract myself with my:

Poetry Collection

I’ve titled my collection of poems, The Edges, because of my love of transitional spaces. I mean those borders, thresholds, doorways, portals, edges that offer a transition from one state to another. In this poetry collection, I will sometimes approach a transitional space, sometimes dwell in it, and other times, cross to other worlds beyond this one.

Currently, I have the poems collected in six sections.

• Nature and the Cosmos

• Love and War

• Seasons and Liminal Spaces

• Wounds and Contemplations

• Time and Memories

• Observations and World Views

The collection contains some poems I've never published. Some of these new poems might be seen as political and will be included in the Observations and World Views section. As expected, I have most poems in the Nature and the Cosmos section.

Short Story Collection

I am still organizing and writing a collection of short stories. I'll have to blow off the dust bunnies that have collected and overhaul entire story lines on some of these. This collection won’t be ready for at least another year.

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.

Greetings, friends!

I cannot believe we are on the last day of April! As my husband would say: it’ll be the Christmas holidays before we know it. Yikes!

I’d like to take this opportunity and thank all my subscribers. Over 500 of you are now receiving my posts via email or the Substack app. I appreciate every one of you.

This month was a very busy one, despite distractions. Once I accepted I would encounter events that could distract me, I pulled up my big girl pants and hunkered down.

I’ve written 30 poems in 30 days for the NaPoWriMo 2024 challenge, wrote another 25,000 words while editing the 2nd draft of my book, found time to write an essay, and categorized some of my poems for publication.

I’ve also been reading… a lot. As Stephen King said:

If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.

Here are three books I recently read.

1. Do You Believe in Miracles? (Dark Circles Trilogy Book 3) by Jim Melvin. Jim was previously an award-winning journalist at several large newspapers and a communications director at Clemson.

   Jim’s latest works are books 1-3 of the teen fantasy adventure trilogy titled “Dark Circles,” which is about a group of kids transported to a magical land where it's deadly to sleep. The “Dark Circles” series is appropriate for ages 13 and older and has won many awards. This is a great coming-of-age series for fans of J. K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.

   Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic?

   Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters?

   Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles?

   Jim is the author of “The Death Wizard Chronicles,” an action-packed, six-book epic fantasy for mature readers that was published by Bell Bridge Books. This series is appropriate for ages 18 and older.

   Jim also has a Substack page, Jim Melvin’s Realms of Fantasy, where every Friday, he posts the opening paragraphs from a chapter of his latest book. He then breaks down the excerpt with comments about context, themes, and conflict. He also includes writing tips.

2. Poetry Comics by Grant Snider. Grant writes, draws, and lives in Wichita, Kansas. His first book, “The Shape of Ideas,” is a personal exploration of the joys and frustrations of the creative process. His work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The New Yorker, The Kansas City Star, The Best American Comics 2013, and across the internet as the popular strip “Incidental Comics.” Grant works as an orthodontist in his day job. You can often find him carrying a sketchbook, lost in his own thoughts.

   Grant also has a Substack page, Incidental Comics, where he, in his own words, writes:

   Weekly comics on imagination, inspiration, and frustration.

3. The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science by Alan Lightman. In case you missed it, I wrote and posted an essay about it this past Saturday.

I hope you have time to read these books.

Author’s Note

I usually reserve my novel update posts (at least some of it) for my paid subscribers. I wanted to send this post to everyone today because I feel it's important to share a glimpse of the journey with all of you. The books I read are a part of that journey, a slice of my backstory. Look for more posts listing recent books I’ve read in the coming months.

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Science and religion/spirituality are the two most powerful forces that have shaped human civilization. Neither is going away.

Spirituality, a personal and subjective aspect of human existence, has captivated individuals for centuries. It is a concept that extends beyond traditional religious beliefs and delves into the metaphysical and transcendental realms. Alan Lightman's book The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science explores the connection between spirituality and science from a poetic physicist's point of view.

Skeptics may question the compatibility of science and spirituality, citing the objective nature of science versus the subjective nature of spirituality. Alan Lightman's book disputes the opposition of spirituality and science. His argument is that both spheres aim to unravel the secrets of the universe, albeit with different approaches.

Science, the compass in our quest for truth, leads us to the shores of understanding, where spirituality awaits as a lighthouse guiding us through uncharted waters.

While Lightman presents the natural world's marvels, some argue that science can explain them all, dismissing spirituality. Some may argue that attributing wonder to the divine is an unnecessary assumption. Science relies on empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Spirituality explores emotions, intuition, and personal experiences. Lightman suggests that pursuing knowledge through the scientific method can deepen our spiritual connection with the universe.

Spirituality is the wellspring of our deepest values and our noblest aspirations, transcending the boundaries of culture, religion, and time. It is the flame that ignites our curiosity and fuels our search for meaning.

[…]

Science, like spirituality, is an exploration, a quest for truth. It unveils the mysteries of the universe, unraveling the tapestry of existence, and offering glimpses of the divine.

Lightman's approach is refreshing because he aims to connect these different realms, fostering dialogue and deepening our understanding of the human experience.

One of the key themes in The Transcendent Brain is exploring consciousness and its connection to spirituality.

Consciousness, that ethereal thread that weaves the tapestry of our existence, may hold the key to understanding the spiritual dimensions of reality. It is through consciousness that we transcend the boundaries of the material world, embarking on a journey into the realm of the ineffable.

Lightman discusses scientific theories and research on the brain and its functions, while recognizing science's limitations in explaining human consciousness. He asserts that neurological processes alone cannot explain aspects of consciousness, and he emphasizes a deeper spiritual aspect of human existence. In a time of scientific progress and technological advancements, he acknowledges we can overlook or deem spirituality irrelevant. He contends that spirituality is crucial in this era of science.

Science, for all its brilliance, can only shed light on the physical realm, leaving the spiritual realm shrouded in mystery. It is through embracing both science and spirituality that we can navigate the intricacies of our existence.

His poetic background enhances Lightman's exploration of spirituality. By blending scientific explanations and lyrical prose, he creates a harmonious fusion of logic and emotion. He uses poetic language to encourage readers to ponder the universe's mysteries and profound spiritual questions.

In the vast tapestry of the cosmos, we are but stardust, particles formed in the crucible of exploding stars. We are connected to the very fabric of the universe, intricately woven into its grand design.

Lightman's approach highlights the beauty of blending rationality and intuition for a complete spiritual understanding.

The Transcendent Brain also explores how spirituality contributes to discovering meaning and purpose in life. Lightman claims that science alone cannot answer questions about purpose and the human condition. According to him, spirituality provides a framework for finding solace, meaning, and connection to something beyond oneself. Lightman's perspective prompts readers to delve into their spirituality, whether through religion, meditation, or other contemplative practices.

Some critics claim that spirituality establishes a link to a higher power or religious framework. Lightman disputes the idea of religious beliefs limiting spirituality, instead arguing it is a personal encounter that exists in different facets of life, like art, nature, and human connections. He urges readers to foster wonder and awe in their daily lives, acknowledging the possibility of spiritual encounters in ordinary moments.

Spirituality, like a gentle breeze, whispers to us from the depths of our being, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and connecting us to something greater than ourselves.

A thought-provoking exploration of spirituality, The Transcendent Brain also challenges the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Lightman recognizes the significant strides science has taken in understanding the universe, but warns against disregarding the spiritual realm as mere superstition or fantasy. He emphasizes the unexplainable aspects of human existence and the unique perspective spirituality provides in exploring them.

Lightman’s exploration of the intersection between spirituality and science has practical implications in our daily lives. We can develop a complete understanding of the world by embracing both realms, finding meaning in science and nurturing our spirituality. This integration fosters a sense of wonder, promoting compassion, empathy, and a deeper connection with nature.

Alan Lightman's book explores spirituality in a thought-provoking way, challenging conventional beliefs and promoting a holistic understanding of the human experience. Lightman's poetic style and his effort to connect science and spirituality make this book a valuable addition to the ongoing conversation on spirituality. Lightman's words emphasize the importance of integrating spirituality and science for a deeper comprehension of the universe and our place in it.

If you could tag each of the atoms in your body and follow them backward in time, through the air that you breathed during your life, through the food that you ate, back through the geological history of the Earth, through the ancient seas and soil, back to the formation of the Earth out of the solar nebular cloud, and then out into interstellar space, you could trace each of your atoms, those exact atoms, to particular massive stars in the past of our galaxy. At the end of their lifetimes, those stars exploded and spewed out their newly forged atoms into space, later to condense into planets and oceans and plants and your body at this moment.

[…]

The atoms in my body will remain, only they will be scattered about. Those atoms will not know where they came from, but they will have been mine. Some of them will once have been part of the memory of my mother dancing the bossa nova. Some will once have been part of the memory of the vinegary smell of my first apartment. Some will once have been part of my hand. If I could label each of my atoms at this moment, imprint each with my Social Security number, someone could follow them for the next thousand years as they floated in air, mixed with the soil, became parts of particular plants and trees, dissolved in the ocean, and then floated again to the air. And some will undoubtedly become parts of other people, particular people. So, we are literally connected to the stars, and we are literally connected to future generations of people. In this way, even in a material universe, we are connected to all things future and past.

Author’s Note

• Alan Lightman is the author of 6 novels, several collections of essays, a memoir, and a book-length narrative poem, as well as several books on science.

Upcoming…

• A story about discovering serenity:

  Magical Encounters, 4 May 2024

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Greetings friends!

A garden offers the opposite of the disembodied uncertainties of writing. It’s vivid to all the senses, it’s a space of bodily labor, of getting dirty in the best and most literal way, an opportunity to see immediate and unarguable effect… To spend time frequently with these direct experiences is clarifying, a way of stepping out of the whirlpools of words and the confusion they can whip up. In an age of lies and illusions, the garden is one way to ground yourself in the realm of the processes of growth and the passage of time, the rules of physics, meteorology, hydrology, and biology, and the realms of the senses.

So says Rebecca Solnit in Orwell’s Roses, her great non-biography biography of George Orwell.

By now in March, I would have already planned which plants to grow. I would have already chosen the perfect spots in the garden beds for each plant and selected the most suitable pots to display the more extravagant ones.

In my mind, I see begonias and petunias cascading over their containers, while fuchsias and coleus plants provide a colorful backdrop. The alliums are nodding their soft drummer heads in tune with gentle breezes in late spring.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to complete these preparations this year.

The remaining content in this post is available exclusively to subscribers who have paid for access. Below this paywall, you will learn the reasons I was not able to complete my garden preparations. Paid subscribers enjoy complete access to all novel updates, exclusive polls, and access to archived posts. To upgrade your subscription or start a FREE trial, please click the button below.

Read more

The Spring Equinox, or Vernal Equinox, is a significant astronomical occurrence that shows the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither inclined away from nor towards the Sun, resulting in equal lengths of day and night. This essay focuses on the global history of Spring Equinox celebrations, touching on the similarities and differences.

Ancient civilizations celebrated the Spring Equinox, paying tribute to the transition from winter to spring. These celebrations had a deep connection to their cultural and religious beliefs.

In ancient Egypt, one of the earliest documented Spring Equinox celebrations took place. The festival of Shemu marked the beginning of the agricultural season. In his writings, Plutarch, a Greek historian, described how the ancient Egyptians associated Osiris and Isis with the Nile River and the land. This emphasized the belief that the flooding of the Nile guaranteed fertility, sustenance, and abundance for ancient Egypt. Processions, offerings, and feasting were part of the festivities.

For this reason, the Egyptians call Osiris the Nile and Isis the land, and they believe that the Nile, receiving its first rise from the land, as from a mother, afterward, when it is full, opens the mouths of its outlets and pours its waters into the land, and thus they say the Nile is the cause of the earth’s fertility and the creator of plants and living creatures.1

In ancient Greece and Rome, people celebrated the Spring Equinox as part of the Dionysian festivals. The ancient Greeks and Romans honored Dionysus (Greek) or Bacchus (Roman), the gods of wine, fertility, and rebirth, during these celebrations.

Dionysus is the life-spirit of all green vegetation — ivy, pine tree and especially the vine; he is, in Dylan Thomas’ phrase, ‘the force that through the green fuse drives the flower.2

In his writings, Ovid, a Roman poet, recounted the rituals connected to Bacchus, which encompassed the wearing of wreaths, singing, and merriment. He describes the crowd adorned with ivy leaves and Bacchus’ thyrsus, a staff entwined with ivy and vine leaves. This imagery reflects the association of Bacchus with wine, celebration, and the joyous festivities that accompanied his worship.

And now the crowd, as custom wills, is studded with ivy leaves, and Bacchus’ thyrsus is mingled with the vine.3

The Celts celebrated the Spring Equinox with festivals such as Beltane and Ostara. Observed in Ireland and Scotland, Beltane signaled the start of summer. It included bonfires, dancing around Maypoles, and rituals to protect livestock and crops. Ostara, a Germanic celebration, honored the goddess of spring and fertility. People decorated eggs as symbols of new life and lit fires to welcome spring.

Where Ostara is the time of light’s arrival, Beltane is what grows from its warmth.4

Nowruz, celebrated on the Spring Equinox in Iran and by Persian communities worldwide, has ancient Zoroastrian origins. Nowruz, meaning “New Day,” symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It aligns with the beginning of the Persian calendar and includes traditions like spring cleaning, family get-togethers, and the Haft Seen table decorated with seven symbolic objects.

The spring breeze on a rose’s cheek spreads joy. The face you glimpse beyond the blooms grants bliss. No words about last winter can bring cheer; don’t speak of yesterday—rejoice today.5

In modern times, various Spring Equinox celebrations continue to thrive. Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, takes place on the last full moon before the Equinox. It is a joyous celebration where people throw colored powders (gulal) and water, symbolizing spring and the victory of good over evil.

That feeling which cannot be said by heart

Speak it in the language of colors;

Come, let us together sing and dance

With new enthusiasm and vivacity6

Christians celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter includes church services, prayers, and customs such as Easter egg hunts, symbolizing new life and rebirth.

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a time of profound hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. Through the story of Jesus’ resurrection, Christians find inspiration and a reminder of God’s love, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.7

Spring Equinox celebrations vary across cultures in terms of their cultural significance, rituals, and customs. Some celebrations, like Beltane and Holi, focus on fertility, growth, and the awakening of nature. Others, such as Easter and Nowruz, have spiritual connotations tied to specific beliefs and traditions. The food, music, and clothing associated with each celebration also differ.

Spring Equinox celebrations, despite being different, have common themes and symbols. The most notable commonality is the emphasis on renewal and rebirth. These celebrations symbolize the transition from winter to spring and the hope for a bountiful year through rituals, symbols, and customs. Many celebrations during the Spring Equinox cultivate a sense of community and togetherness, gathering people to commemorate the changing of seasons and the start of a new cycle.

People across the globe commemorate the Spring Equinox with a variety of customs and rituals, reflecting the diversity of their cultures. The celebrations show how humans are deeply connected to nature and the seasons. While cultural significance, specific rituals, and customs may vary, the themes of renewal, rebirth, and community remain universal. These celebrations symbolize our unity with nature and our mutual longing for spring.

Author’s Note

The equinox serves as a reminder of the passage of time, the changing daylight, and the cyclical nature of life. It signifies both new beginnings and the closure of certain chapters. In the garden, the spring solstice marks the beginning of a fresh planting season, while the fall solstice signifies the conclusion of that season.

I am excited to embrace the arrival of spring, a time for new beginnings and the opportunity to cultivate and nurture our endeavors.

Credits for photos used in the video I created (with the help of Canva) to introduce this post on Instagram and other social media, go to Yan Liu on Unsplash, John Thomas on Unsplash, Aldeca Productions, and denayune.

Upcoming…

• Haiku to honor baseball’s opening day:

  Summer Beckons, 30 March 2024

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.

Greetings all!

Nothing much to report this month. It has been pretty rough with a bunch of distractions. Taking care of my sick sister has been a major distraction, and I've also been dealing with some serious writer's block as far as the book I'm writing is concerned.

I'm not sure if the distractions caused the writer's block, but lately, it's been really hard to focus on writing. Maybe it's time for me to take a break from writing this book, think things through, and figure out what to do next.

Writing a crime/mystery book is a slow process for me, especially when I have so many distractions. So, I need to embrace any bursts of creativity and trust that I'll eventually finish it.

I might have writer’s block but I haven’t stopped thinking about how I’d like my characters to be true to themselves. Some of that has to do with their voice, their perspective, their point of view.

I remember this cool exercise from a creative writing class where I had to write three short stories using the same characters and setting from different perspectives: first-person, second-person, and third-person. It was a great way to explore different points of view.

Whether I choose the intimacy of first person, the immersion of second person, or the grand canvas of third person, my choice will shape my reader’s perception of my character.

In my book, I have characters from diverse backgrounds. I've used one of these backgrounds to create three simple stories using one character and setting (not from my book) to showcase different perspectives.

The remaining content in this post is available exclusively to subscribers who have paid for access. Below this paywall, you will get a glimpse of a character from three points of view and participate in two polls. Paid subscribers enjoy complete access to all novel updates, exclusive polls, and access to archived posts. To upgrade your subscription or start a FREE trial, please click the button below.

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Every year on February 14th, people commemorate St. Valentine's Day, or Valentine's Day. It has become synonymous with love and romance, a day when people express their affection and appreciation for their loved ones. People began associating love and devotion with Valentine's Day during the Middle Ages, although we can trace its origins back to ancient Rome.

By following the thread of history, we can intertwine St. Valentine’s Day with the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. This celebration, which took place in February, honored Faunus, the god of bountiful harvests, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

In a whimsical dance, young men would pluck the names of young women from a mystical chest, binding themselves to their chosen companions throughout the duration of the festival. The enchanting belief held that this intricate matchmaking spectacle gave them a flourish of fertility and blessings beyond measure.

The association between Lupercalia and love continued even after the spread of Christianity in Rome. Declaring February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, Pope Gelasius 1 honored two Christian martyrs named Valentine executed on that day in the 5th century. As a celebration of love, the day held significance in the Middle Ages.

In the realm of European literature and culture, there blossomed a courtly love, casting its enchanting spell during the Middle Ages. This noble and chivalrous form of affection featured admiration, devotion, and romantic gestures.

With a symphony of words and melodies, people adorned courtly love with vibrant poetry, serenades, and acts of gallantry. St. Valentine’s Day entwined itself with courtly love, igniting a fire that sparked the exchange of love letters, sonnets, and precious tokens of affection among the lofty echelons of nobility.

By including it in his poem, The Parliament of Fowls, Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous English poet, played a significant role in popularizing St. Valentine's Day as a day of love.

People may know The Parliament of Fowls as the “Parlement of Foules,” “Parliament of Foules,” “Parlement of Briddes,” “Assembly of Fowls,” or “Assemble of Foules.”

The poem, covering 699 lines, serves as the narrator's dream vision. It is among the earliest references to St. Valentine's Day as a lovers' day.

For this was on seynt Volantynys day. Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

The Parliament of Fowls survived in fourteen manuscripts (excluding lost ones), despite the absence of the printing press during Chaucer’s time. Scholars agree Chaucer composed the poem in 1381-1382.

The plot follows the narrator, dreaming of passing through landscapes, from a dark temple to bright sunlight. As they gather to choose their mates, Dame Nature oversees a large flock of birds. The birds have a parliamentary debate while three male eagles try to seduce a female bird. The debate is full of speeches and insults. None of the three eagles wins the female eagle in the end. The dream ends, welcoming the coming spring.

As the centuries unfolded, St. Valentine’s Day bloomed into a day adorned with love and tenderness. Throughout the 18th century, the tradition of love took flight as handwritten love notes, affectionately known as “Valentines.” The essence of passion permeated these heartfelt missives as in the example below.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

With every beat, my heart sings your name,
A melody sweet, setting my soul aflame,
In your presence, my love, I'll never be the same.

Your eyes, like stars, light up my darkest night,
Your smile, a beacon, guiding me to the light,
In your embrace, my love, everything feels right.

Together we dance, in love's eternal embrace,
Our souls entwined, bound by love's grace,
Forever and always, my valentine, you hold my place.

So on this day, I declare my love anew,
With every breath, my valentine, I choose you,
For in your arms, my love, my dreams come true.

With the dawn of the 19th century, the commercialization of Valentine’s Day began, a cacophony of mass-produced cards, delectable chocolates, and other tokens of romance.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

Capitalized,
Valentine's Day now sells,
Emotions packaged in boxes,
Love commodified, hollowed out,
Illusion.

Let us defy the alluring whispers of consumerism and embrace the power of genuine affection. Love, in its purest form, transcends the boundaries of price tags and material possessions. It thrives in the tenderness of a touch, the sincerity of a smile, and the warmth of a heartfelt word. It surpasses the confines of commerce.

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Greetings, my friends!

I am currently editing my first draft and expect to be doing so for a while. What does editing my first draft mean? It includes several tasks, a few of which I'll cover today.

My initial task was to analyze the structure and plot of my novel. Is there a logical flow to the story? Are there any contradictions? I think I've resolved any issues I noticed while reviewing this draft, but I must exercise caution when adding scenarios to this or other drafts.

I'm evaluating the progress of both my main and supporting characters' development. Are there individual backstories, motivations, and distinct personalities for each? Are their voices distinct from one another? Throughout the story, do their actions and dialogue stay consistent?

While some characters and names spontaneously appeared in this rough first draft, I researched their names and meanings. Making a list of my characters, their backstories, and attributes was also helpful.

Here’s a look at some of the characters in my crime/mystery novel. It helped to separate them into good and evil when writing their back stories and motivations.

The remaining content in this post is available exclusively to subscribers who have paid for access. Below this paywall, you will get a glimpse at some of my novel’s characters. Paid subscribers enjoy complete access to all novel updates, exclusive polls, and access to archived posts. To upgrade your subscription or start a FREE trial, please click the button below.

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✨Happy New Year!✨

I joined Substack in mid-April 2023. My goal was to publish twice a week with a poem on Wednesdays and a short story or essay on Saturdays. I’ve managed to more or less stick to that schedule, at times posting my poems previously published in now-defunct literary journals. See a list of some of my favorite pieces I wrote in 2023 (two per month) below. Some of my writing, mostly poetry, has also been published in Spillwords and Written Tales Magazine.

On to 2024. I am editing the first draft of my novel and would like to devote more time to editing this and subsequent drafts. Look for my short stories and poetry by email and on the website once per week every Saturday in 2024. Every third Wednesday in a month, I will update paid subscribers on my novel’s progress and announce a writing prompt. This year’s prompts will be theme-related with the first seven based on the seven deadly sins and their antonyms. The Blue Chevy Malibu writing challenge will remain open all year and look for at least one other writing challenge that asks you to supply an ending to a story.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my subscribers. Your support means the world to me. Your words in the comment sections prop me up when I’m low.

I cannot forget my guest authors, who filled in for me in August (without much of a lead time) and continue to give me encouragement and support. Kris E. D., Herb Horowitz, D. Mann, Laura Simon, and Heather Wilmot, your stories and poetry inspired me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you also to all my fellow writers on Substack who inspire their readers with writing prompts. If you’ve been reading my posts, you know I have relied on prompts many times for inspiration, especially in the last half of the year as I dealt with my brother-in-law’s death, my sister’s illness, and the ongoing complications. Many thanks to Jason McBride, Honeygloom, Justin Deming, and Written Tales Magazine.

I also would like to acknowledge fellow Substack writers who supported me as subscribers, posted comments, or inspired me with their fabulous writing. Thank you Sharon Bassano, Alexander M Crow, Justin Deming, Kathy Gori, Honeygloom, Just Mud, Mark Kolke, Jason McBride, Jim Melvin, Daniel O'Donnell, Meg Oolders, David Perlmutter, S. E. Reid, James Ron, and Lauren Salas, for your brilliant pieces of writing and your encouraging words.

⭐My 2023 Favorites

April

• Spring Unfolding, poetry

• Drone, microfiction

May

• Wedding Day Haiku, haiku (poetry)

• Buzz Kill, flash fiction

June

• Daughter’s Lament, poetry

• The Flying Cockroach, flash fiction

July

• The Edges, prose poetry

• Blue Raspberry Slurshy, microfiction

August

• Hopeless, poetry

• Weather Alert, tanka (poetry)

September

• Heartbreak in Tennessee, flash fiction

• Sand Fulgurites, essay

October

• Grim, poetry

• A Vampire’s Curse, microfiction

November

• Giving Thanks, prose poetry

• Sonnet #12, sonnet (poetry)

December

• The Time Thief, prose poetry

• Snowstorm, poetry

⭐Other Lists

• Top 10 Pieces of 2023

• Top 5 Poetry Pieces of 2023

• Top 5 Fiction Pieces of 2023

Author’s Note

Credits for photos used in the video I created (with the help of Canva) to introduce this post on Instagram and other social media, go to Kris Kashtanova, Johnathan, and a curated group of 12 visual artists used throughout 2023.

Upcoming…

• An ending to Blue Chevy Malibu:

  Living… A Little by Laura Simon, 6 January 2024

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.

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