A Lemon Light Embrace, by Cristina M. R. Norcross

Anastomosis by Danelle Rivas (USA) 2021

A Lemon Light Embrace
 
We are wired for connection.
We walk on living land.
Soil in our veins,
butterfly wings painting our palms
with heart line and life line.
The green of every living thing
exists in the grass beneath our feet.
Life swims to our fingertips.
 
We reach out to touch robin’s egg blue,
in love with the energy of air,
the pulsing rush of lifeblood
that comes with each savored breath.
Walk gently in meadows,
leave no mark on your life’s hike,
wash sorrow from the terrain
by removing bottles,
wrappers, and the debris of modern living.
 
Cocoon yourself in moments,
in the rise and fall of nature’s chest
that swells and falls just to release
oxygen for us all.
Hold close each and every tiny living thing.
Offer your hand like a mountain peak,
like a tree branch,
like a true offering of refuge.
Be the safe place for nature to flourish,
as you have been nurtured, 
embraced by a lemon-hued light.
 
Cristina M. R. Norcross
 
Cristina M. R. Norcross lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two sons.  She loves to sip and savor nature in her backyard which is home to sandhill cranes and owls.  She creates in several different mediums, including wire-wrapped beaded jewelry.  Cristina is the editor of Blue Heron Review, author of nine poetry collections, a multiple Pushcart Prize nominee, and an Eric Hoffer Book Award nominee.  Her most recent collection is The Sound of a Collective Pulse (Kelsay Books, 2021).  Her work appears in numerous journals and anthologies.  She facilitates a writing prompt group and hosts open mic readings.  www.cristinanorcross.com

Danelle Rivas was educated and trained at Pratt Institute and NYU at a master’s level which provided the foundation for her work, but it has been relentless, creative inquiry that has driven her career.  Danelle has studied at The Art Students League (NYC), The Brooklyn Museum Art School, and The School of Visual Arts (NYC).  She holds an M.A. in Studio Art from NYU and a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute.  She is a member of: ABLA (Art by Latina Artists), Art Lanow, Valour Art, DCA Slide Registry, and ArtSlant Worldwide.  Her work has been featured in numerous art exhibits.