
THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES
Community Literary Journal
THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES PRESENTS:
THE SPRING COLLECTION: IN HIS GARDEN
coming in April…
The Spring Collection: IN HIS GARDEN Print Journal Coming in May 2025
The Way Back to Ourselves is proud to present our FIRST print journal arriving in May 2025. Enjoy the free digital collection in this stunning keepsake for purchase on Amazon in paperback and hardcover from The Way Back Books, an imprint of TheWayBack2Ourselves.com.
Listen to the poets of The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal perform their work with our NEW podcast, The Poetry Corner, a spin-off from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward Holmes and Deidre Braley.

The Pieces of Me
In her poem “Pieces of Me,” Mary Kurnik reminds us that sometimes our pieces must undergo transformations in order to fit together in a renewed version of ourselves.

Quiescent
In “Quiescent,” Ashley Sposato watches God pull her from the darkness of a womb into true life.

Spring Will Come Again
In this must-be-read-aloud poem, Jodie Gerling takes us on a journey from death to life in “Spring Will Come Again.”

Still and Other Poems
In “Still,” Ginny Rodgers acknowledges the life that exists even in the winter. In “Always,” she reminds us that there is always an end to each season, even the hard ones.

“Storytellers” Poetry Contest WINNER: Do Not Preach and Other Poems
Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest WINNER, Deidre Braley, writes about the nature of true faith and love in her award-winning poem, “Do Not Preach.” In “Tomato on the Vine,” Deidre explores the beautiful grit of nature. In both poems, you will find the gentle and certain voice of a storyteller.

“Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up: We the Children
Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP, Kelly Meagher, writes about the resilience of children and deeper faith metaphors through an evocative memory from her own childhood.

“Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP and Pushcart Nominated: It Just Is and Other Poems
Our “Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up, Katie Ellen Bowers, writes about faith, struggle, and doubt in her searching poetry. In her award-winning poem, “It Just Is,” Katie writes intimately about her own faith journey through the lens of the universe and time.

“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.”
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.
Get involved. Write for us. Attend our workshops and retreats. Hire us for creative counseling, editing, or speaking engagements.