Who I am.

I write about the landscape of grief, nature, and the wisdom of fools. The author of four books, my essays, poems, and reviews have been published in over 50 journals, including in the Huffington Post and Colorado Review. I’ve won the River Teeth Nonfiction Book Award, the Chautauqua and Literal Latte’s essay prizes, and my work has been nominated for four Pushcart Prizes and named a notable by Best American Essays. My account of hiking in Yosemite to deal with my wife’s death, Mountains of Light, was published by the University of Nebraska Press. http://www.markliebenow.com.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Winter Prayer


 (I posted this earlier this year, but it’s still timely and needed. Photo taken by Marcia.)

 

 

Winter Prayer

 

 

In the turning of the natural world back towards light, may we so turn.

 

May we be grateful for what we have. 

and mindful of the widowed, the sick, the refugee, the battered, the abandoned. 

May we realize when we have enough and share the rest.

 

May we take risks and love without expecting anything in return. 

May we respond to others with compassion instead of judgment. 

May we sit with those who are hurting or lonely and be present.

 

May we realize that all of us are fearful, struggling, and have dreams. 

May we talk through disagreements instead of cementing divisions into place. 

May we be so open to others that they surprise us every day.

 

May we breathe slowly in the coming year. 

May we walk through nature and listen. 

May we be mindful of our heart and its leanings. 

 

May we be creative, brave, and caring. 

May we dance when the day’s work is done. 

May our lives exceed our expectations, but not our love.

 

                                    Mark Liebenow

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