Nature's Embrace: Written Tales Chapbook, #10

By Written Tales

Welcome to "Nature's Embrace," a mesmerizing collection that delves into the intricate and profound relationship between humanity and the natural world. In Chapbook X, we are excited to unveil a collection of enchanting stories and poems that capture the diverse essence of Mother Nature. Within these pages, you will find many views that illustrate the deep connection we share with the environment around us.

Among the thought-provoking pieces are "Ancestors" by Tyson Shepherd and "Awaken Not the Earth to a Life Beyond the Grave" by Katrenia Busch, both of which provide unique explorations into the interplay between our lives and the natural rhythms of the Earth. To enrich your experience, some of the contributors graciously share insights into their creative process, offering glimpses into what inspired them to write their features.

The authors in this collection navigate the terrain of human emotion and experience, painting vivid landscapes of awe, inspiration, and contemplation. Their words invite us to reflect on the delicate balance between our existence and the environment, encouraging us to consider the beauty, power, and vulnerability of the world we inhabit.

As you journey through "Nature's Embrace," allow the prose and poetry to surround you like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves, carrying with it the essence of the wild and serene. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary relationship between humanity and the environment—a connection that has shaped cultures, inspired creativity, and stirred the depths of our souls.

Welcome to the world of "Nature's Embrace," where diverse voices converge to pay homage to the magnificence of Mother Nature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Written Tales
• Release date: Aug 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223148937

Book preview

I

POETRY

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.

ROBERT FROST

1

AWAKEN NOT THE EARTH TO A LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE

KATRENIA BUSCH

Awaken not the earth in roars

Let it sleep today—

For even when it sleeps and snores

I beg you not to stay—

Awaken not the earth from slumber

For its tiresome thoughts live on

In a dream that we must remember

Is not to be— tread upon

Awaken not the earth in war

For surely we are asleep

Lest— by chance both near and far

Be counted as woolly sheep

Awaken not the earth today!

For here we lie back down!

To this earth— where we will decay

And soon be beneath the ground

Awaken not the earth I say—

For days and years go on

Where we must live and obey

The laws that are said to govern

Awaken not my soul from slumber

Nor my body that carries it here—

Though my thoughts seem to censor

And to my life— adhere!

Awaken not my weary soul from slumber

For night befalls me daily

As my days be short in number

And life itself in enmity!

Awaken not the earth I said—

On this very day—

For we are tired, our souls are dead

To life that’s beyond the grave ¹

IN CONVERSATION WITH KATRENIA BUSCH: UNRAVELING 'AWAKEN NOT THE EARTH TO A LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE

As a talented freelance journalist with experience in newsrooms, how does your background in journalism influence your creative writing process? Does it shape the themes and storytelling in your poetic and short story works? 

To be perfectly honest, poetry was my first passion. I found that poetry itself has opened my eyes and doors to so many aspects and appreciation for writing, arts, philosophy, astrology, and journalism. When I began publishing it, poetry led me to philosophically think and ponder things like the movement of stars, and how to compose works of art and express things not only as creative expression but also as meaningful and true. As I loved the essence of writing and the freedom that comes with it, I then formally sought to gain a more formal education and experience in writing and decided to pursue a more professional career in journalism. I have been lucky in my endeavors and have gained valuable knowledge and experience in journalism and broadcasting though I admit it was secondary to poetry.  

The title Awaken Not the Earth to a Life Beyond the Grave is both mysterious and thought-provoking. Could you share what inspired you to choose this title and the theme readers can anticipate encountering within the piece? 

I have always been told that I myself am a bit mysterious, as I was truthfully unaware that people have perceived this unique quality about myself— I feel that my writing which comes from my intuitive and creative nature reveals part of myself— which is a bit mysterious. I am an avid reader and studious person by nature, and I spent some time studying the world around me when I wrote the piece. Russia for instance had just invaded Ukraine, and I feel that I wanted to write a piece aimed at the general population who is often overworked, tired, presented almost too often with heartache and troubles, and yet often lack the ability to really help others as they themselves struggle. I wanted to write an Oh woe is me— reversed to illustrate that perhaps we can identify as these people and perhaps lack the means to care about vital problems and this here is why, and leave me be— kind of mentality.  

Writing can be a rewarding and freeing experience. Can you tell us what draws you to writing poetry and short stories? How do you find the balance between journalistic writing and creative expression? 

I love wearing many hats! I learned long ago as an executive that you can have a position that truly requires you to be good and knowledgeable in many different things. I excelled in it and loved it, I love learning and feel we can never truly stop improving ourselves. This said— I like diversity and being able to juggle many projects and bounce between writing poems about different topics, then jumping on to a breaking news story and interviewing people, then running and writing a short story. Sometimes when I have writer’s block I will just look for calls on submissions and follow the prompts or themes, and sometimes my work surprises even me and other times it’s something I toss away, but it opens my mind to write and try different things.  

Poetry and short stories can carry powerful messages. Were there any specific emotions, experiences, or reflections that inspired you to create Awaken Not the Earth to a Life Beyond the Grave? 

I couldn’t agree more that poetry and short stories are excellent ways to evoke strong feelings. Russia had invaded Ukraine around the time I wrote it. Many times I think we too quickly, judge people for their inability or apathetic demeanor towards pressing topics and issues. I wanted to write an Oh woe is me- from that perspective. To identify from an apathetic person’s point of view, We are tired! Here I lie back down to earth where I will soon decay and be beneath the ground! We work 40+ hours a week, juggling kids, family, and our own pressing problems then get judged harshly for the inability to really try to stand up for something. I have always been a person that tries to see the big picture and felt the stance was worth advocating and truly something many can relate to or identify with.  

Each writer has a unique approach to crafting their work. Can you provide us with insights into your writing process? Do you have any rituals or techniques that help you tap into your creative flow? 

I have **bashfully** been told that I sound like Emily Dickinson from some— though I admit it is not intentional and I do agree with her legendary works, being a favorite poet of mine. She didn’t conform to the standards of her time, I, too, have maintained a more traditional approach towards writing— being a fan of Dickinson, Frost, Shakespeare, Donne, and others— I feel it’s important to maintain the traditional rhyme scheme they held. I compare it to a last name, as we pass down a tradition or name to maintain the authenticity and origin of something— and feel it’s worth maintaining. I also, being a psychology major and avid fan of Sigmund Freud, incorporate what’s termed Automatic Writing/Free Association, which is a way to tap into the unconscious mind— I sometimes lead with a thought and then allow it to fill in the blank and work my poems in this manner, and sometimes I feel they can be very keen on revealing things I wouldn’t of even consciously known about.  

Literary influences play a significant role in shaping an author's style. Who are some of your favorite authors, and how have they influenced your writing journey?

There are many! Though Donne is top of my list alongside Shakespeare, Frost, Dickinson, and Longfellow.

2

COLOR

SHERI SARETSKY

There are millions of distinct colors

We see them without awe

Calling 100 shades of leaves and grass green

Or the full range of the sea blue

As if the Earth could be illustrated

With one box of 24 Crayola crayons

But even a single tree has multiple shades

And flowers are never monochrome

But instead, are filled with unnumbered hues

Some disregard it as simple science

Just a trick of the light

But as I consider Mother Nature

And all that she gives

Color is my favorite ¹

IN CONVERSATION WITH SHERI SARETSKY: UNVEILING 'COLOR'

As a nurse and mother of three boys, your life must be filled with various experiences. How do these diverse roles influence your writing, and do they find their way into your poetry and essays?

My life has been filled with a variety of experiences, many of which have found their way into either a blog post or poem. Writing has been my way of making sense of the world, providing me room to identify how I feel about what I see, experience, or watch from afar. During COVID, I wrote about the sadness of knowing people were dying alone in hospital rooms. During a family member's struggle with addiction, I wrote about powerlessness and seeking hope. During my children's upbringing, I wrote poems and essays about the craziness of raising boys and how much mothering changed me for the better. When I moved into Nursing Education, students provided even more experiences to write about. Poetry allows me to remember not only the experiences but the emotions that drove the writing.

Color is an interesting title. Can you share what prompted you to choose this title and how it reflects the essence of your poem? What emotions or messages do you hope readers will take away from it?

This poem was written in response to a prompt regarding Earth Day. When I asked myself what I love about the earth, I thought about the inhabitants, the vegetation, and the land formations but finally landed on the earth's so many amazing colors. Color is everywhere - on the people, the animals, the land, the sea and yet we have so few words that we use regularly to actually define the different hues. I hope that people will go outside and look around at how many shades of the different colors they see. How many versions of green are there just from your front door? And then I hope they join me in being both fascinated and grateful for how many shades there are.

Writing can be a powerful outlet for self-expression. How does writing poetry and essays bring you joy, and how does it contribute to your personal growth and understanding of the world around you?

I love laughter and love finding the funny side of situations. My first blog was My Life in the Fat Suit, which helped me make peace with my body and seek ways to laugh at some of the struggles. When I lost weight, I started writing Mothering, Marriage, and Menopause, which provided a receptacle for all of my memories of raising my kids and my new experiences as a grandparent. My poetry tends to be more emotion-driven or a reflection of something I've learned. Poetry allows you not only to feel a wealth of emotions but come to a realization that there is most likely someone you know that has felt the same thing. I wrote about having a panic attack once, and my favorite response was, nailed it.

Each writer has a unique approach to their craft. Can you describe your writing process and any specific methodologies or rituals you follow to channel your creativity and connect with your readers?

I wish I could describe a great discipline that keeps me writing daily that provides a way to always get better. That would, however, be a lie. Most days, I am surrounded by nursing textbooks or curricula to write, which is not as much fun. I join writing groups such as 30 in 30 poetry circles that provide opportunities for feedback from established poets.

Your background as a nurse and mother might offer a unique perspective on life and human experiences. How do these roles shape