Oh, to be the dark-
eyed junco, wild
in its flitter, flap
through hemlock
branch, snow-
covered trunk.
To be driven,
resourceful
in the search
for seed, warmth,
shelter from squall
and bluster.
©
Kersten Christianson is a raven-watching, moon-gazing, high school English-teaching Alaskan. She serves as poetry editor of the quarterly journal Alaska Women Speak. Her latest collection of poetry, Curating the House of Nostalgia, will publish in 2020 (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions). Kersten holds an MFA from the University of Alaska. www.kerstenchristianson.com
Well, if THIS is the kind of poetry you present to your students to interest them in writing, there are LOTS of budding great writers out there. They’re lucky to have you.