Poetry, biography, and children's book author
San Elijo Lagoon, North San Diego County, CA I didn’t think I’d see you here today, concealed in this wetland sanctuary amid stumps and snags and muddy ground, clumps of bulrush twisted all around the evergreen arroyo willow trees— until something betrayed your nesting place: the sunlight danced on your brilliant pate and… Continue reading Valentine for a Mallard Drake
Crest Canyon Preserve, San Diego, California Shouldn't I be pleased that it's still here? The path I walked twenty years ago, edging my way down the sandstone slope. Now it’s scaled by steep redwood steps grey and weathered as my hair, the grain exposed like many veins on my hand. With the ease… Continue reading Return to a Canyon
That you could whisper through unseen webs and care for the earth with a mother's love— I didn't know, I just didn't know. That you could harbor so much in your cells, sequestering carbon that threatens the world— I didn't understand, I didn't know. That you could give even more than your heart,… Continue reading Dear Tree
You won't need books, or cutting-edge tools, or class on a Saturday morning at 8, or much in the way of gardens or lawn. Only two things—a small patch of ground inside your soul that yearns for some shade— a leafy umbrella to soften the sun and the granite-hard edges of everyday life— … Continue reading What You Will Need to Plant a Tree