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.
Vineyard Vision and Other Poems
In “Vineyard Vision,” Hayley Rawnsley reminds us that what we call a desert place may just be a vineyard in God’s eyes. Then we journey to the first mundane signs of spring and how they mean spring nonetheless in “Sacred Spring.” And finally, “Fresh Coat” gives the picture of an abandoned canvas being repainted by the Master Artist Himself.
The Rock
A.M. Everett reminds us of God’s unyielding faithfulness in her beautiful poem, “The Rock.”
The Necessary Darkness and Other Poems
God does his best work in the darkness. Anokina Shahbaz shares words of triumph and transformation after emptiness and despair in “The Necessary Darkness.”
Tonight
In his thought-provoking poem “Tonight,” Justin Lacour recognizes God’s love through all things. A flower will bloom, even in the outer darkness.
A Conversation with Death
In her thought-provoking poem, “A Conversation with Death,” Donna Bucher leads us on a journey from death to life through the power of Christ.
A Letter from God
In her heartfelt words, Adine Pietersen bares her soul. “A Letter from God” is a love poem to humanity. God will take care of us, now and forever, with supernatural protection.
Embers of Eden
In “Embers of Eden,” Sheila Dougal laments how often our faces turn away from the beauty all around us in search of meaning (never to be found) on our screens.
The Pieces of Me
In her poem “Pieces of Me,” Mary Kurnik reminds us that sometimes our pieces must undergo transformations in order to fit together in a renewed version of ourselves.
Quiescent
In “Quiescent,” Ashley Sposato watches God pull her from the darkness of a womb into true life.
Spring Will Come Again
In this must-be-read-aloud poem, Jodie Gerling takes us on a journey from death to life in “Spring Will Come Again.”
Still and Other Poems
In “Still,” Ginny Rodgers acknowledges the life that exists even in the winter. In “Always,” she reminds us that there is always an end to each season, even the hard ones.
“Storytellers” Poetry Contest WINNER: Do Not Preach and Other Poems
Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest WINNER, Deidre Braley, writes about the nature of true faith and love in her award-winning poem, “Do Not Preach.” In “Tomato on the Vine,” Deidre explores the beautiful grit of nature. In both poems, you will find the gentle and certain voice of a storyteller.
“Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up: We the Children
Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP, Kelly Meagher, writes about the resilience of children and deeper faith metaphors through an evocative memory from her own childhood.
“Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP and Pushcart Nominated: It Just Is and Other Poems
Our “Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up, Katie Ellen Bowers, writes about faith, struggle, and doubt in her searching poetry. In her award-winning poem, “It Just Is,” Katie writes intimately about her own faith journey through the lens of the universe and time.
“Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP: Poiesis and Other Poems
In her stunning poetry, “Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up Christel Jeffs explores the beauty of holding space, faith, and identity. Her award-winning poem, “Poiesis,” draws beautiful connections between the world of therapy and poetry—both as agents that hold space for our healing.
Pushcart Nominated: After the Last Supper and Other Poems
In his poems “After the Last Supper,” “Rosary,” and “Utah Sketches,” award-winning poet Nicholas Trandahl meditates on the power of faith, beauty, and nature to evoke deep human emotions and revelation, such as healing and truth.
Pushcart Nominated: Pilferage
In his moving poem “Pilferage,” Zachary Bartles laments a moment in his childhood when a seemingly innocent sport carried the weight of death.
Mulberry Season
In her sweet poem “Mulberry Season,” Julia McMullen finds delight and meaning in a simple outdoor excursion with her son.
On Body Image and Other Poems
In her intimate poetry, dancer and poet Courtney Moody tackles body image, worthiness, and wholeness through artistic metaphors.
Of Mist, Mountain, and Shore
In his rugged poem “Of Mist, Mountain, and Shore,” Christopher James draws deep from nature to meditate on his connections to the earth and the life it gives him.
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.
Get involved. Write for us. Attend our workshops and retreats. Hire us for creative counseling, editing, or speaking engagements.

