The Land is my Home

I’m returning to writing as another form of expression— listening to the moment and what wants to be written.

When I was a child

The land was my home

Soft moss floors

Rivers flowing their breath

Trees standing in quiet strength

When I was a child

Dreams were an open sky

Time in flow with moments open

Our hearts beating with our footsteps on the forest floor

Landing us home with each step

I believe we all belong to this earth and that art and creativity belongs to us all.

When I wrote this poem, my heart opened up and I felt a deep connection to my humanity. I feel this when I make art as well. It brings me into the present moment and into a knowing of heart, mind, and spirit. It is such a gift to experience this medicine.

This poem reminded me of why I include nature in my artwork. When I ran through the woods with my friends as a child, acting out stories together, laughing, and climbing trees, we felt free, adventurous, and strong.

When I create art and poetry, I return to myself and my heart feels open and connected.

Depicting women, trees, mountains, water, and stones in my art, brings me home.

artwork by Melanie Rivers, ‘Ancient Lands’