I have an essay out in the latest issue of River Teeth Literary Journal.

The piece, “Dark Secrets of Mother Trees,” reminds me that when it comes to writing, it’s important to slow down and let the words come. And to let the science of the world transform itself into art and poetry. And to be okay with rejection. This essay wasn’t picked up on the first submission. I wrote it more than a year ago and it’s just now seeing the light of day.

The idea for this essay came about when I was listening to a story on public radio about the science of why deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall. Later, I picked up a leaf in the park, dried it, and looked at it for a long time before the essay formed in my mind. All the senses came finally together in the form of words one morning while I was out on a walk.

From the essay:

Sometimes I wake deep inside of midnight, my mind grappling with how to mother sons who are no longer babies or boys, quickly transforming into men. I am unable, at times, to listen to the chemistry of my body that naturally knows what to do, reason and logic hampered by a dangerous human brain. 

Dangerous, indeed.

Patience isn’t my virtue, but for creatives, it must at least be a forced quality, just like practice and life-long learning. If you’re a writer or artist, don’t give up. Develop a thick skin. Stay curious. Make rejection your goal and find joy in the creating.