The Peace of Wild Things
a new poem and an autumn literary journal
The Way Back to Ourselves was one of the communities God brought my way last year to encourage me in my journey as a poet.
I’ve always loved poetry, but haven't always taken it seriously. Until November 2023, I wrote sporadically and (although I often dreamt about it) had never submitted to a literary journal. I didn’t know myself as a writer because there were parts of me I was afraid of showing in my work. Primarily, my faith. I thought that if I wrote about God, or even alluded to him, no one would be interested in my words.
But… Kimberly Phinney had something else to say about that. The community she’s built through TWBTO was the confidence-booster I needed to realize my words could still be impactful, and I didn’t have to compromise my faith in the process. Now I know there's a place for me at the writing table. That God has given me words for a reason. That those who need to read them, will.
A year later, I am honored to have three poems (which I’ll share more about below) featured in The Way Back To Ourselves autumn journal: The Peace of Wild Things. Inspired by Wendell Berry’s poem, this issue’s theme drew me in from the start: moody, nature-inspired, contemplative… all words I would use to describe myself as a poet, and as a person. If that sounds like you, too, I invite you to come, stay awhile, and enjoy what this wonderful collection of art has to offer. May we all find some rest in the peace of wild things.
Thank you to the editors
, , Sarah Steele, and Ashley Whittemore for the hard and God-honoring work on this publication.Keep scrolling for one of my poems as well as a link to the other two pieces.
You can read all three of my poems here (Soft-boned, Wonders of Old, and New Mercies), but I wanted to included one of them as part of this post. In my opinion, this piece is best experienced when read and heard.
I wrote Soft-boned toward the end of this past summer, a season filled with avian friends and their birdsong. I thought about them often during those months—their ordinariness, their ease, and the fact that God still cared—and began to relate to them. I was comforted by own ordinariness, but it didn’t take long for me to realize I lacked their trust and ease. This poem came after that realization. To consider the birds is a lesson I am still learning.
Soft-boned First published in The Way Back To Ourselves literary journal Flitter, flutter, flap Soft-boned and feathered wings wander across the wide expanse. Not a sliver of worry, of where, when to land— blessed assurance of the Maker’s hand. Small soaring sparrow trusts the turning of the wind; the uncertainty of the air is not a care—for her. With willing wishful whispers she makes desires known, content to cruise on altitudes of high hopes. Trouble never plagues her peaceful ponderings. Only serenity seeps into her spirit to fly forever, soft-boned and feathered, under the providence of Heaven. - r.e.g.
Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? — Matthew 6:26 CSB
If one of my pieces speaks to you, it would mean the world if you could leave some encouragement on the website’s comment section! Also, let me know below which poem was your favorite, and why.
Don’t forget to linger, browse, and read the rest of the collection. Some favorites of mine like
, , , ,, , , , , , and more are part of this issue as well! Thank you for reading. Your support means everything.Resting in the peace of wild things today,
Rosa Gilbert
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Your poetry is so beautiful! Congratulations. I’m glad you are part of my online poetry community 💛🙌
So beautiful! I’m so glad TWBTO gave you the courage to share your writing—not only that, but to share about God too. Your writing has blessed me this year!