Repetition is a form of love.
I understand the question “what is there left to say?” but I don’t feel it. What I feel is the need to say all of this over and over again, even if it’s just a redundant yell into the void. It’s all of us saying we don’t want it this way that builds affirmation, that instructs us toward something different. It’s a reminder that we will not settle for how it is. What else can we do in the face of merciless murder? Why not deliver the truth again and again? Why not let our sound get louder and louder? Don’t hold back in fear of repetition. Repetition is a form of love. I’m grateful for every person who keeps shouting and showing up to say NO, STOP, CEASEFIRE.
Geeking out in the forest, I brought a copy of my book to share with the old growth redwood on the cover. If you ever did an artist retreat @folklife_farm with me, I most likely took you inside this ancient muse and asked you to get on the ground with me. I was so excited to read a poem to the tree and then suddenly I felt compelled to leave a copy tucked inside. I took a rest in the darkness and the swallows started to hover high above me. Nothing planned, just informed by the unseen, the booming green voice, my earthly guide. Thought I’d share it here because it was really special! See you tomorrow in Arcata @northtownbooks 6pm. I can’t wait to read these poems to my fellow forest lovers.
A small collection of poems I’ve written over the years in response to genocide, war and oppression. Here in one place, bellowing forth, howling for a different path, grateful for everyone I shout and weep with. 🖤♾️
One year ago my ninth book found its way into the world on Earth Day. “The Verse for Now” is still my favorite thing I’ve written. Planetary messages, spirit communications, dirt speak and tree talk. Some human dread and hot desire, too. Thank you to everyone for reading it! Thank you to @flower.press for making it! Thank you to the trees for the inspiration and the paper, to California for the glorious book tour, and of course to earth, my beloved. Everything is for you.
And thank you my dear @flourranch@nd_abi for these film photos from my book release @27thletterbooks - what a special evening with my Detroit family.
I typed “creature” into my photo search and selected this piece from many. I guess I like the word creature a lot. This is a poem from a little book I made in 2021 based on some Carl Sagan writings. I like the way poems speak a kind of truth, not exact, but something full of holes that sprout questions, continually leading me to something new. This one does that. An infinity of images and possibilities on one tiny paper taped to another.
Opening my summer books for creative guidance and editing sessions. If you want some one on one time with me, I’ll give you an unparalleled pep talk and some quality critique. I’m open to assisting with the birth of any kind of creative project. These sessions fill up quickly, so head to my website and secure your summer spot asap! Link in bio. Thanks for trusting me with your precious creations! It’s an honor.
Marge Piercy, from “Living In The Open”
I found this gorgeous book in a thrift store in Humboldt on my last visit. It called to me from the shelf and struck me with the exact poems I needed. It’s been a while since I received that weird magic from a book, the kind that slams you into alignment with the universe as it sings “I see you, I am you, we’re all one.” Yes. Thank you Marge, born in Detroit. Yes.
It’s National Poetry Month & Earth Month. My favorite combo. I’m rolling through time over here. Poems help. Earth helps. Poem Store is open and I’m ready to write for you and your loved ones. I’m teaching. I’m editing. I’m hauling wet sand and staring into the underworld of my 112 year old home. I’m fascinated by this wild ride. Deer eating my tulips at 2am! Always yearning for the forest! Take me bowling! Order poems! Buy my books! I wrote a new poem in the middle of the night, pay for my substack and you can read it! Here’s to April and all it offers! 💚🌱
Heartwood appreciation post! I had the honor of being an early editor for @lindsaylaurenne and I’m excited to share her first book with you all. What a gift to dive into the intricacies of earth with someone who loves the planet the way Lindsay does. When I was editing with her, I just so happened to be visiting the Colorado aspens, her sacred kin that she speaks of so dearly in these pages. It never ceases to amaze me, the boundless nature of our cosmic connections that align in the most miraculous ways.
I have a few editing sessions opening up in the spring. If you’re looking for someone to collaborate with as you bring a book into the world, please reach out.
Filled my soul cup to the brim.
Earth said, yes, fill yourself up beloved.
Thank you @folklife_farm and California family.
Thank you perfect planet.
We did some major plotting for future retreats at Folklife Farm. Do you want to write and walk the woods with me? Stay tuned! 💚♾️
🌈❤️ @jjjennyo
