I’d like to express my gratitude to poet-, editor-, and human-extraordinaire Catherine Strisik for including my poem, “Message in a Bottle to Arthur Sze,” in the gorgeous new issue (issue 13) of Taos Journal of Poetry. I’m thrilled for this chance to share my poem with you, and deeply honored that it now resides amongst such gloriously earnest, inspired company…
SLHARPERPOETRY 
I read it a few days ago and once again was seduced by your lush language (love “moss-slurping banana slugs!). Congrats, Stephanie!
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Yay! Thanks, Lynne! I’ve been looking forward to posting this one on the blog, as it was released when I was out of town. We just returned last night from a whirlwind trip to Texas.
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What a great welcome home! Don’t you love that time in between finding out your poem is live and sharing the news – for me it’s the most delicious when still secret…. Anyway, really well done!
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Congratulations!
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Congratulations, Stephanie!
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Stephanie, both congratulations and thanks – this is therapeutic for me in ways you could not’ve imagined writing it … nor could I have anticipated when I began reading it … but just what I need to stop criticizing my slow healing from September’s tumble … in Taos. Curious triggering connection! Reflecting last 10 weeks mental flashes while body refused to budge I’m wishing I’d written ’em down! Voiced them into my iPhone maybe! A couple remain vivid and I take your poem as nudge to write about my 10-week mental “wander” and see what hatches from the pharmaceutical-curse/devil’s-purse. (Took last pill yesterday … )
Love these snippets:
… lines / that you were warned / against crossing did you / cross anyway
… who could I be / but a devil’s purse / the tide washed up?
… I hardly know / how to call to you / but know / that I could trip over / … you
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OMG, Jazz! I had no idea that you’d experienced such a tumble! Sounds like it’s been quite an ordeal (please do consider emailing me if you’re wanting to unload on someone… I’m here, and I do have an appreciation for things long recoveries tend to entail). I hope you’re feeling better every day, and I thank you for your warm and generous response to my poem! Also, sending hugs! 💖
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Congratulations Stephanie. I’m not surprised they were keen to publish your poem!
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Thank you, John! ☺️💖
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I am in awe of this breathtaking homage!
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Grazie, Amore Mío! ☺️❤️
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I have encountered enough fellow devil’s purses on that beach that I consider myself in the midst of astonishing wealth! Congratulations, Stephanie, and thank you for introducing me to Arthur Sze! I find more and more connections to New Mexico in the most interesting places.
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Thanks, Sun! ☀️☺️ One of these days, I suppose, I’ll stop whining long enough to appreciate the precious riches a castaway’s nowhere beach more often than not affords…
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Good job!
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I have an unspoken love affair with Taos, even though I’ve never been there. New Mexico seems to be my nexus “where all parallel lines meet”. Every time I travel through there I get spiritually centered by the time I get to Tucumcari. Beautiful poem.
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Thanks so much, Pablo! Both for stopping by to read and for your lovely response. Taos Journal of Poetry is opening for submissions again for the month of March, if you’re looking for an awesome place to submit…
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