I am a poet

(she said, in a confessional tone.)

What do you do?

Capitalism loves to tell us what “work” is. Work is something you do, usually something you do not enjoy doing. Work is exhausting, all-consuming, and effortful. Work is something you do for money and money is tied to exertion. Worth is tied to relentless action - and rest, well, rest is what has to happen in order for you to continue to produce effectively.

Work is not raising children, or tending the garden, or staring out the window while you think. Work is not writing or contemplation. Work is definitely not art. Work is not checking in on your friends or bringing them soup when they are sick. Work is quantifiable, measurable, objective.

And so it is that for the past few years I have found myself somewhat tongue-tied when I meet someone new and they ask me “what do you do?”

What do I do? I tend to my community, my home, my relationships. I talk to people when they’re having a hard time, and I pay attention to the way that spirit moves in my life. And I let words and images have their way with me. I gather truth and meaning from as many places as I can. I love hard and rest long.

I practice saying the truth like it’s a confession; I am a poet.

Journal prompt: What messages did you get about work growing up? What is work to you? What isn't work?

Poetry Prompt: Start with the question, “What do I do?” and let yourself get creative about your answers.

What did you love to do as a child? Find a few minutes this week to do exactly that.

Rest & Creativity

One of the things I love about this community, is that I know I don’t have to explain or validate my worth to you. This space is designed specifically to honor poetry, creativity, and community care. But we live in this system that values productivity over everything else and we are inundated with messages that tell us that we are not enough. Moreover our very survival depends on us working within this system and so it is that I believe we simply cannot hear this message often enough:

Rest and creativity are part of the sacred work of community care. You are welcome here even when you feel like you have nothing to give, but witness.

Poetry Prompt: I am not a machine…

Radical Emprints

Finally…

Coming This September….Quietly Wild!

I am so excited to finally share with you that my new book, Quietly Wild, will be in the world on September 16th, 2025 - thanks to Mandala Earth (the Mind, Body, Spirit imprint of Insight Editions!)

Cover reveal and Live Call Zoom info for paid subscribers below!