The Fall Collection: TO THE MOUNTAINS
MASTHEAD
Sarah Steele, senior editor
Ashley Whittemore, editor
Kimberly Kralovic, editor
Heather Lobe Johnson, editor
Kimberly Phinney, editor-in-chief
Listen to the poets of The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal perform their work with our podcast, The Poetry Corner, a spin-off from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward Holmes and Deidre Braley.
Storytellers Poetry Contest Winner: Behold! He Who Was, Long Before Us (2nd Place)
Journey around the world and throughout time with poet Jessica Jolley in “Behold! He Who Was, Long Before Us.”
At the Edge of a Mountain Lake and Photography
Lauren Madsen’s poem “At the Edge of a Mountain Lake” invites us into a metaphorical moment of connection between mother and daughter. Her photos provoke wonder and draw the eye into the beauty of creation.
Detour Through the Mountains and Photography
Alisha Roth describes in captivating detail her path to discovering God in unexpected places in her essay “Detour Through the Mountains.” Her photo evokes a sense of awe and highlights the natural highs and lows in creation.
Up Where the Wind Breathes
In her poem “Up Where the Wind Breathes,” Christina Wallace shows us what the wind is like from the top of a mountain.
A Still Small Voice and Other Photography
Lift your eyes to golden skies as Janelle Ryan paints a beautiful masterpiece with her brilliant photography.
Terra Viventium and Photography
Amy Buchanan’s poem “Terra Viventium” invites us to find the goodness of the Lord, even in the face of grief or the arduous climb to a new place. Her photos take us to a variety of stunning mountains from Wyoming to Switzerland.
Descent to Grace
Influenced by the Christian allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, Sarah Steele takes us on a hike in “Descent to Grace,” represented as well by her photography and watercolor art.
Valley of Loud Springs
Travel to the “Valley of Loud Springs” in Switzerland with photographer Lisa M. Johnson. Rest a while here.
Be Still
Lose yourself in the layers and reflections found in Aileen Gronewold’s stunning photograph called “Be Still.”
Beckoning and Other Photographs
Cheryl Eichman takes us with her to the mountainside through her stunning photography.
Cartographer of Life
Janessa Cypher shows us the land through her beautiful photography that perfectly complements her poetic musings in “Cartographer of Life.”
Coastal Mountains
Kayla Goodman’s photo, “Coastal Mountains,” draws us into the beauty and diversity of creation.
Lost and Found: Essay and Photography
Cheryl Eichman’s stunning photography accompanies her insightful essay “Lost and Found,” which reflects on a classic story, challenging us to return to childlike wonder and connect with the Creator through nature.
Matriarch: A Meditation in Poetry and Photography
In her new poem “Matriarch,” Kimberly Phinney mediates on the maternal power of an acorn, layering her own maternal longings and subtle depictions of Mother Mary. In her photography, she looks at ways the garden gives back like a selfless mother to the land.
Wait for It
In “Wait for It,” her garden helps Sarah Steele realize that patience is an essential component to a growing life. Her photography captures her garden flowers at various stages of growth.
Begin Again: Poetry and Photography
In her poem "Begin Again,” which is paired with her nature photography, Kim Lilley invites beauty and transformation through the story of one hungry caterpillar.
The Fragrance of God
Young Woong Yi’s unique photography captures the essence of “The Fragrance of God.”
Plant / Yield / Glean (Tanka Triptych)
In her three-poem tanka triptych entitled “Plant / Yield / Glean,” Lisa explores a series of former beliefs with her new understandings.
Eden’s Beauty Restored
In her essay, “Eden’s Beauty Restored,” Donna Bucher learns about what God can do with our “wastelands” in a most surprising place. Her photography demonstrates the beauty found in God’s gardens.
Evening Calm and Other Photos
In her beautiful photography, Janessa Cyphers captures the moments we sometimes overlook with “Evening Calm” and “Learning How to Plant Seeds.”
Start your journey.
It starts today— in the small steps you take, the hands you hold, the prayers you say, the art you make, and the hard things you conquer… The way back isn’t as far as you think.
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