Welcome!
I went on a beach hike with a group of teenagers. I thought it would
involve strolling down sand flats, looking at sea stars and listening to
the waves. I thought I should go because teenagers always need guidance
on their journeys.
To my chagrin, I found it involved huge, slimy boulders with water
swirling around them. We had to traverse these boulders while carrying
50-lb packs. (See the gray hair? It happened that weekend.)
At first, I clung to my walking stick and moved slowly. So slowly, in
fact, that the tide began creeping up the boulders . Joe and A.J. came
back for me. A.J. took my pack and Joe lifted me straight up from
boulder to boulder with one hand. (Really!) The two of them coached me
all the way to the nice, flat sand with the sea stars.
Stories work that way, too. We think we’re writing them, but really,
they write us.
What She Learned the First Day
It is more careful
Never to leave the city.
Once her
Trust seaweed that is dark and scrub;
Barnacles will offer purchase.
When a stone shifts
You must find your own balance.
You are her
To be foolish.
Limpet and littleneck clam
Move more slowly
In your shadow.
If, by standing still,
Now you must yield,
If you find a staff,
If you look out to sea,
Here you’ll find lists of my titles, lists of favorite books, info on how to bring me to your school or conference, and many interesting links. You’ll also hear about young writers and artists I mentor and ways I believe the arts can heal the world.