34 Comments
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Margaret Taylor Kane's avatar

Yikes, you’ve brought your readers inside this contentious space where minds may think but definitely don’t see. I think the policy makers need to get their boots on and take a walk with you.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Oh my goodness, I wish they would accept the invitations. It may be a lifelong pursuit.🌱💙🌎

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Truth. Powerful words,, Katharine.

What I was immediately struck by was the simple overarching presence of the river by virtue of capitalising to River, and the diminution of the self through I becoming i. Loved this.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

I feel as if I just received the Substack Booker.

Total swoon. Thank you for your words and your presence, Nathan.

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Nathan Slake's avatar

🤗

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Bliss Grey's avatar

This is beautiful. I am happy to have found your wok . My Daughter lives in Swannanoa, so much sadness and loss right now. People in positions of power need to listen to those younger than themselves.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Bliss, you are so welcome here. Thanks for chiming in.

My heart goes out to your daughter. Some of my clients live in Swannanoa. When they describe what they bear witness to each time they leave their home, it’s as you said so much sadness and loss. Please give your daughter my best regards. 💙🌎

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Bliss Grey's avatar

Thank you Katherine.

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Isabel Cowles Murphy's avatar

Absolutely stunning. I am feeling such a call to nature and writings about nature and I'm grateful for your work, witnessing and expressions....now more than ever. This is kinship.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Did you see that Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer is out today? It’s so your book!

Thank you for your loving presence here.💙🌱🌎

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Michelle Bettencourt's avatar

I am still and absorbing this. Gratitude for this reminder to listen. She is speaking a little louder.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Michelle, thank you for making my day. I am so happy you are here.

I’m still thinking about the wonder of your son and your husband delivering fresh produce via Bounty & Soul. What an incredible treat when we were in the throes of the aftermath and getting by on canned food.

Thank you for reading and commenting. I agree, she’s speaking a little louder. 😘

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Ann Collins's avatar

Your deep listening has made such a gorgeous poem, Katharine. So much truth in it.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

You are my forest listener neighbor!

Thank you for being present here.

Brian is up tomorrow!

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Ann Collins's avatar

Looking forward to the whole series!

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MK Creel's avatar

This is such a beautiful poem, that like the Swannanoa, offers so much. Its undulating shape. Sense of grace. Power. Wisdoms. Forgiveness. I am in awe.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

And I sit in awe of you, Kin, when you read your work in Janisse Ray’s American Nature Writing Masterclass. Thank you for your presence here.💙

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

Beautiful painting. Beautiful words.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Kateri! Thank you for being present here.

Thank you for your encouragement to continue to practice, especially with the circles.🎨💙

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Ohhhh .... WOW. This is stunning, Katharine. To go directly to the river -- that river -- and listen to her .... so powerful. Thank you! I join you in listening.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

That river.

I know you know.

thanks for joining me. much love, sister!🌱💙🌎

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Andi Penner's avatar

Dear Kat: This poet friend of yours has favored silence recently, not because I don't care, but because I am listening. Because the global, nonsensical noise is so loud, you have to listen closely to hear the river, to hear the poem, the pain. And what words do I have for any of it? Much love for you, your neighbors on the mountain, and this planet in desperate need of silence and blank spaces and caring attention.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Gosh, I miss you yet I know where you are. Thank you for highlighting the blank spaces. And the silence. we will attend, kat

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Nancy London's avatar

thank you. your words reached me this quiet morning in the high desert.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Love to you and the high desert. Many good people live in that quiet. Thank you🌱💙

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Leah Rampy's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you for the illuminating writing and for your courage to keep trying.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Leah, i love listening to her messages. This one stung but she is right. Thank you for being here. Present. 💙

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Peter Reason's avatar

Your gorgeous brushwork nearly says it all. But your words, 'i don't ask you anything' touch me as well. So closely aligned with our inquiries with Living Waters. Thank you so much.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Thank you, Kin. You were the first to comment. I appreciate your understanding. I appreciate your work🌱

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Brian Funke's avatar

I completely agree. This piece of art is gorgeous!

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Brian Funke's avatar

Katharine, it's been a pleasure to work with you and to get to you know better the past few months. It's exciting to see this first part released!

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Brian, thanks for inviting my words. The Swannanoa River thanks you. This first piece broke out of the dam without reference to our intro posted on Sunday. I’ll restack your response tomorrow with all the links. with so much respect, katharine

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Liz Gauffreau's avatar

A very insightful poem. I love the painting, too.

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David Kirkby's avatar

Yes. The land speaks. The rivers speak.

We need to learn to listen....

Best Wishes from Australia - Dave

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