maple goddess inspired by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer bedecked in shimmering orange sari sparkled with interwoven strands shining like filigree, blushing crimson, hair ablaze of sun’s dying glory, her many arms reach skyward as if to hold that glowing orb aloft, a newborn, or offering for tomorrow— what can I learn from you about being rugged and rooted the courage of bending through storms about letting go leaves of gold the bleak beauty of bleached winter bones the patience of waiting for warmth the miracle of sap’s lifeblood rising about growing toward light embracing dawn despite despair to plant seeds of hope again ///// Naomi Bindman’s articles, essays, and poetry have appeared in anthologies and journals including VTDigger, Mothering, So to Speak, Friends Journal, Consilience, Import Sky, First Literary Review--East, and Honeyguide. She was a finalist in the 2023 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Contest, and won the 2023 Creative Nonfiction Award from Dogwood: A Journal of Poetry and Prose. Naomi has received grants from the Vermont Arts Council, taught memoir-writing workshops funded by the Vermont Humanities Council, and is on the faculty of the Vermont State Colleges. Her memoir, You're the Words I Sing, commemorates the passing of her daughter.
Lightwood 