They flit, they float, they fly

Upside down, sideways, to the sky

Tiny colorful blurred from speed

Nectar and pollen a tasty snack

Flower to flower they track

A trusted pollinator, in fact

A symbol of courage and power

Hummingbirds thought to have super powers

To protect the Aztecs in battle...

“We need to get out of here, now!” Sam’s rushed whisper seems to echo in the dimly lit alley.

I hesitate for a beat and look around. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and I break into a full sprint. Someone saw us.

My feat beat against the pavement panting as I run full speed to the meeting point. I need to run more when I get back to the compound.

I use the shadows to my advantage a...

Early morning lights

Quiet streets no ones around

Crisp and cold fall air

Seasonal produce

Locally sourced and farmed

Farmers market day

Berries and radish

Sweet corn and red tomatoes

Squash and crisp apples...

Cuts

Not deep enough to kill

Scar

Hearts

Keep going, even filled with

Pain

Many

Don’t recognize the deepest

Scars

I

Don’t think they will ever

Heal

Scars

On my heart, have changed my

Life...

I can hear my breathing, heavy and panicked. I don’t know where I am. I try to open my eyes but it’s dark. I’m blindfolded.

The material is thick and scratchy on my face. A piece of cotton is making my mouth dry. It’s hard to breathe.

Tingling shoots down my legs as my body starts to come to. I try to move but I can’t. I’m restrained.

I start to panic, my chest is tight as I hyperventilate a...

My breath is heavy, coming out in little clouds of steam as I paddle down the river. The cold air nips at my cheeks when I check over my shoulder.

No one is there…

Did I out run them? Or are they waiting for me in the trees?

My heart beat echoes in my head. Do I keep paddling?

Suddenly, I hear the unmistakable sound of an oar slicing through water. I jump and turn around, almost tipping th...