The amazingly talented editor, d. ellis phelps, has done it again!
I couldn’t be more honored to be a contributor to this beautiful project with my poem (and opening piece of this anthology!),”American Beech.”
American Beech
Let’s try, here,
in the cloud-grey
of this centuries-old beech—
stunning Bathsheba,her toes, immense,
clinging to the path’s edge—
to be held
tightly enough;let’s try, in this world
feathered green,
its daylight’s golden
crowns & rosy breasts,its predawn depths
teeming with robin-songs,
to dream ourselves
being alive:Shouldn’t we try
to wake up
high in this tree,
in tranquil forest-scent,roll over, lean
the other cheek against her
smooth-muscled wood
& listen?STEPHANIE L. HARPER
It’s a Wrap!
After months (four to be exact) of work, sorting through and considering hundreds of submissions, sending out acceptances and declines (thank goodness for Submittable), asking for and recording permissions and adding contributors to my database, re-reading and arranging the book, creating a cover image (many thanks to Cynthia Yachtman for her art that graces the cover), sending out the proof copy, publishing the digital version here, answering hundreds of emails, re-reading and making edits and more, woodlands (Moon Shadow Sanctuary Press, 2022) is finally ready!
This beautiful anthology includes the work of forty-nine writers and artists (we’ve included full-color art this time) from across the United States, Canada, and South America, most of whom are accomplished, seasoned writers.
The title poem and the concept for the book were generous gifts from Spirt Thom. His poem, 14 Ways to Stay Awake is the finale for the book…
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SLHARPERPOETRY 
Congratulations, Stephanie! I love your poem. My answer to the question it asks is yes.
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Thank you, Liz! Yes, I was a tree climber as a kid. I would’ve monkeyed my way up into this one and let myself be lost for the whole day…
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You’re welcome, Stephanie! I was known to climb a tree or two in my time.
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Wonderful! Congratulations, Stephanie.
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🙏🌳💖
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So beautiful, Stephanie, and a perfect message to carry into a new year. My only resolution is to spend more time forest bathing. Congratulations and all the best in 2023!
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Thank you, Sunshine! 🌳❤️☀️ You always have the most perfect responses! I absolutely need to do more forest bathing, too! All the best to you in 2023!
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