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…

FEATURED: Spring Stirring
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

FEATURED: Spring Stirring

From gnarled trees to the farmer’s steaming coffee, Mary Folkerts gives her readers imagery in “Spring Stirring” that walks from the despair of death to the first hope of new life.

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Come DREAM with Us: The Cultivate Retreat
Kimberly Phinney Kimberly Phinney

Come DREAM with Us: The Cultivate Retreat

The Way Back to Ourselves is EXCITED to announce our FIRST-EVER workshop, The Cultivate Retreat. Come join us June 22-23 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for a BEAUTIFUL weekend of learning, healing, community, and creativity.

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Martyrpiece and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Martyrpiece and Other Poems

Courtney Moody writes about the laborious sacrifice of the artist’s work, the pain required to grow, and the beauty of a new age of renaissance in her trio of poems.

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Dandelion in February and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Dandelion in February and Other Poems

In “Dandelion in February,” Elizabeth Houseman recognizes those who truly see others and make them feel like they belong. “The Woman I Am” is both lament and anthem for accepting the path before you, even when it looks different than you imagined.

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An Audacious Hope
essay Kimberly Phinney essay Kimberly Phinney

An Audacious Hope

In “An Audacious Hope,” Kelly Meagher equal parts mourns and accepts her season of life, crediting both pottery and poetry for guiding her toward healing.

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You’re Invited: The Poetry Hour- Get Writing, Get Published
Kimberly Phinney Kimberly Phinney

You’re Invited: The Poetry Hour- Get Writing, Get Published

The Way Back to Ourselves is EXCITED to announce our FIFTH workshop, The Poetry Hour: Get Writing, Get Published! Come join us for a night of learning, community, and creativity. We will be teaching you powerful craft hacks for your writing, along with how to publish independently, traditionally, and in journals/magazines. Join us May 14, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. EST. Register NOW! Seats are limited. Questions? Email us at thewayback2ourselves@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! Can’t wait to SEE you again! YOU BELONG HERE.

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The Dance of Sorrow: A Prose Poem
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

The Dance of Sorrow: A Prose Poem

In her immersive and intimate prose poem, Bri Odom tells the tale of heartbreak, loss, and a renewal of faith as she moves through powerful nature imagery, like trees and storms.

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Hold the Divine
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Hold the Divine

In her brief yet poignant poem “Hold the Divine,” Mariana Mosli mediates on the great banquet that awaits us in the Spirit.

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The Way Back to Ourselves and our Literary Journal is not for profit and FREE for all to read and enjoy. If you believe in our cause and want to support our mission and the creation of our journal and other content, like our podcast and blog, please consider donating. Thank you. God bless you. You belong here.

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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