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.

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Steady My Gaze
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Steady My Gaze

In her poem “Steady My Gaze,” Mary Folkerts explores a soul’s turmoil while finding peace in God.

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The Watcher of Moments
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

The Watcher of Moments

In her poem "The Watcher of Moments," Amber Ginter offers a call to slow down and linger from the unique perspective of a timeless mountain.

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Bound For Zion
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Bound For Zion

In her poem “Bound For Zion,” Amber North reflects on spiritual tension while recognizing God’s perfect timing.

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As the Indigo Bunting Flies
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

As the Indigo Bunting Flies

Poet Gail Davidson reminds us of the communal aspect of our spiritual journey. “As the Indigo Bunting Flies” tells of the trail markers used to guide others on the physical ascent up the mountain, harkens back to Moses’s role in his people’s journey, and also speaks to the way we can help those who come after us in the sojourn.

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Thorns and Honey
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Thorns and Honey

In her lush and evocative poem “Thorns and Honey,” Mariana Mosli finds herself in the Garden of Eden as the Lord searches earnestly for her.

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Sowing Across the Rows: Essay and Poetry
poetry, essay Kimberly Phinney poetry, essay Kimberly Phinney

Sowing Across the Rows: Essay and Poetry

In her essay “Sowing Across the Rows,” Mckenzie Hunt draws us into the seasons of life as it relates to nature’s rhythms when she remembers precious time spent with her mother in the garden. In her poem “Garden Dreams,” she reminds us of God’s unyielding love.

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Creatura
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Creatura

In her poem “Creatura," folklorist Ashley Sposato becomes one with nature and the garden, as she explores what it is to be a poem in the ways nature and God offer themselves as poetry.

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Through Grief and Grace
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Through Grief and Grace

In his deeply moving poem, “Through Grief and Grace," Edward Holmes laments and praises God through a painful loss and his hopes for future gardens.

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Iron Creek Blues
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Iron Creek Blues

In “Iron Creek Blues,” Nicholas Trandahl writes of a grounded yet ethereal encounter with nature as Mother Earth and Father God as he delves into the wild gardens of his heart.

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Vernalization and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Vernalization and Other Poems

In her poems "Vernalization," "On the Existence of Almonds," and "Perennial People," Courtney Moody dreams of peace and harmony as she meditates on what happens in the garden in all seasons.

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