The text of the poem is below. This is a first draft, first take production. I am preparing books where each poem has been through many drafts, which is my inclination, but those could take years to be published. I feel compelled to share some of my daily poems each week because they speak to this time we are going through together. These words are coming straight from my heart in this moment, and I hope they provide some kind of gift to your heart. They help me to write. I hope they help you to read. And we sure need help, don’t we? This poem is about one place I find it.

Such Places

I climb this hill each day 
for sanity.  It’s keeping me 
alive as so much 
dies.  I find great comfort 
in this massive tree that 
has survived somehow, 
by storms made wise.
I’m also humbled by 
the many signs of fellow creatures, 
up here to survive.  Tossed leaves, 
dense tracks, their hungers’ 
zig-zag lines.  We share this path. 
I’m glad we’re all alive. 
I’m glad that underneath 
the snow-packed leaves the deer 
and turkey find some 
nuts and seeds.  
I’m glad I find 
within this mind that grieves
the deeper calm and wisdom 
our world needs.  All 
plants and animals 
will soon be dead 
unless 
such places fill our 
heart and head.

3/26/25