
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.

Raindrop Stories
In “Raindrop Stories,” Lee Kiblinger poetically evokes renewal. Every raindrop bears a story. Rebirth and joy are on the way, bursting into the heavens.

Haikus for Blooming: Poetry with Photography
Kimberly Phinney expertly offers four haikus that tell a story of being dismissed and hated—and then blooming anyway in faith, strength, and love. They are paired with her professional flora photography.

Return Us to Morning and Other Poems
In her moving poetry, Christel Jeffs meditates on brokenness, pain, and the power of holy and wholly healing.

If I Step into the Light and Other Poems
In “If I Step Into the Light,” Megan Willome explores the audacity of a wildflower showing up in full bloom. “Golden-cheeked Warbler” shows how one little bird has much to tell us about life.

Tears
In “Tears,” Sue Fulmore demonstrates how our tears during suffering become the beginnings of new life.

Joy Returns
Through the cherry-petal sidewalk snow in the luminous spring glow, “Joy Returns,” by Lori Smith, breathes life. Through the One who holds us, comes everlasting joy.

You Teach Me Once Again and Other Poems
While gazing into the euphoric blue sky, Pat Severin’s poetry marvelously captures her spiritual journey. Her words provide guidance, peace, and solace, as we’re not alone on this earth.

Numbered Days and Years
In “Numbered Days and Years,” Lauren Madsen beautifully speaks on the power of God’s miracles despite suffering. There’s no refining without fire and no rainbow without the storm.

Stones Cry Out
Henrietta DuCap’s “Stones Cry Out” beautifully depicts change and metamorphosis. The heart is still made out of marble. One moment has become forever.

Daughter’s First Spring
These words are a sweet reminder of rebirth while holding onto life. “Daughter’s First Spring,” by Rosa Gilbert, paints beauty and innocence, soaking in the tender moments.

When Rainbows Disappear
In “When Rainbows Disappear,” Stephanie Nygaard beautifully provides hope and comfort in the winter months as we await spring rainbows.

Glass All Around Her
In his poem “Glass All Around Her,” Matthew Nash writes an anthem for women to never silence their voices as worthy daughters of God.

Weedy Eschatology
In “Weedy Eschatology,” Mark Stucky shows how we are more like weeds than roses—and how its resilience, not circumstance, that matters most.

Vineyard Vision and Other Poems
In “Vineyard Vision,” Hayley Rawnsley reminds us that what we call a desert place may just be a vineyard in God’s eyes. Then we journey to the first mundane signs of spring and how they mean spring nonetheless in “Sacred Spring.” And finally, “Fresh Coat” gives the picture of an abandoned canvas being repainted by the Master Artist Himself.

The Rock
A.M. Everett reminds us of God’s unyielding faithfulness in her beautiful poem, “The Rock.”

The Necessary Darkness and Other Poems
God does his best work in the darkness. Anokina Shahbaz shares words of triumph and transformation after emptiness and despair in “The Necessary Darkness.”

Tonight
In his thought-provoking poem “Tonight,” Justin Lacour recognizes God’s love through all things. A flower will bloom, even in the outer darkness.

A Conversation with Death
In her thought-provoking poem, “A Conversation with Death,” Donna Bucher leads us on a journey from death to life through the power of Christ.

A Letter from God
In her heartfelt words, Adine Pietersen bares her soul. “A Letter from God” is a love poem to humanity. God will take care of us, now and forever, with supernatural protection.

Embers of Eden
In “Embers of Eden,” Sheila Dougal laments how often our faces turn away from the beauty all around us in search of meaning (never to be found) on our screens.
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.