THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES
Literary Journal
The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal Presents:
M A S T H E A D:
Editors: Sarah Steele, Kimberly Kralovic, and Ashley Whittemore
Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Kimberly Phinney
MAY YOU HEAR THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS SPEAK INTO YOUR SOUL.
Listen to the poets of the Spring Collection: Renaissance read their work with our NEW podcast, The Poetry Corner from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward L. Holmes II and Deidre Braley. FALL COLLECTION coming soon…
“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.
Tumnus
In her poem “Tumnus,” Henrietta DuCap describes a November day in the English rain and the magic that ensues.
Women’s Work
In the poem “Women’s Work,” Carson Cawthon explores a few of the ways women have always participated in gospel work.
Roots
In his psalm-like poem “Roots,” Joel Adcock explores the process of faith, suffering, and restoration through nature metaphors.
Autumn Longings and Other Poems
Author and poet Courtney Siebring writes about longing, identity, and renewal through the lens of wind, nature, and faith in her collection of poems.
Remedy and Other Poems
Poet Ion Corcos explores themes of faith, nature, and awe in “Remedy” and his other poetry.
Reservoir, She
In her poem “Reservoir, She,” Laura McCullough speaks on finding a generations-old Cherokee woman’s tanning stone in a mountain creek.
A House for God and Other Poems
Poet Sheila Dougal articulates with beautiful imagery the union offered to us through Jesus’ sacrifice in her poem “A House for God.”
The Art of Becoming
In her poem “The Art of Becoming,” Kimberly Phinney celebrates coming home to yourself and God’s provisions through romantic verse and nature imagery.
One Spark
In his transcendental-inspired poem “One Spark,” Blake Ofstedal meditates on man’s place in nature and the heavens, as well as the devastating effects of modernity.
Birdsong and Eventide and Other Works
In her poetry and short story, Bethany Peck delves into the complexities of grief and longing with rich nature imagery and themes of faith and perseverance.
Consider the Seeds
Poet Bre Strobel reflects on nature’s quiet example of sowing seeds near and far as inspiration for us to take chances in her poem “Consider the Seeds.”
For Jim
Poet A.M. Everett calls us to pursue a higher purpose in her beautifully written piece “For Jim,” which is a loving ode to her husband.
Blood Relations
In her poem “Blood Relations,” Amber North boldly speaks about disappointment, hardship, and finding her true identity in Christ.
Joel 2:25
In her moving poem “Joel 2:25,” Heather Lobe Johnson beautifully portrays holding onto hope and faith amid suffering.
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.
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