Mj Pettengill

Given the opportunity, they imply balance in a world that has lost its equilibrium.


"As I Began to Love Myself" —Poem by Kim and Alison McMillen
 (Falsely attributed to Charlie Chaplin)

I do not believe in coincidences and am grateful for miracles, especially the small, unexpected ones.

We need not vanish in pale shadows, alienated from our essence. To be silenced, overlooked, or crushed leads to an uncertain death.

I have stood beneath the raging skies—a thousand storms threatening life as we once knew it.

What did it mean to win or lose?

Within moments of hiking on the path, my son found a perfect walking stick for me. I will admit, I felt like a wizardess.

Tho’ I knew that mornin’ had indeed arrived, its general nature had gone wrong.

I will make my way home, leaving behind footsteps for future generations while adding another rich layer of memory on this much-loved land.

Poor wretched Outcast! I will weep for thee, And sorrow for forlorn humanity.

One of the most dangerous things that we can do is forget to sing and dance.

Had I left the fireflies alone, our stories may have taken a different turn.

A few weeks ago, what was weedy and brown is now waving layers of green, flowerets of yellow, and reaching for the perfect blue sky.

Here and now, we witness the great unknown, blazing new trails, and discovering that we are not lost, but the world itself is adrift.

I am a historical whistleblower. It's what I do...

The daisies come when my wearied soul is adrift in unknown waters.

Up the airy mountain, Down the rushy glen, We daren’t go a-hunting For fear of little men...

I played as a daughter—your daughter. This was no ordinary gig.

Each time I cried for her, the river took me back in her rage. I fought White River until I could fight no more.

Apparently, it isn’t who or what you worship, or where and why. It is about somethin’ much bigger than us, and we’re in it together.