The Artistry of Aging
Our Wildly Free Elder community is continually exploring the many facets of life, not only in the aging process, but from curiosity, transparency, vulnerability and celebration. This page is devoted to the writing that emerges from our every day, moment to moment experience of embodied life, as well as what is stirred through our connection with each other – the “WE” space.
If you would like to contribute a poem or join our community by becoming a Spotlight, please let us know.
Image: Julie Ann Wylie along Cape Flattery Trail, Makah Indian Reservation, Washington; photographer Wayne Wylie
Throughout years of seeking I’ve quite naturally embodied the interpretive & educational qualities of the Hierophant. Translating useful principles, methods and wisdom of others has been a necessary step for my own application and self-study. Passing along both process and outcome to querents along the way fulfills an inner drive to inspire self-healing.
I didn’t see this coming, in fact I wasn’t even sure I had it in me. Never before, best as I recall, have my own words, my unique thoughts, my inherent wisdom poured forth so bountifully.
It started innocently enough with a ‘YES’ to participate in a training for Poetry as a Tool for Wellness. The six hour course brilliantly fosters empathetic facilitators by introducing their curriculum experientially.
On the last day of training, two poems were introduced. I listened closely as they were read and as peers shared what these writings had evoked in them. Next, our trainer gave us 8-10 minutes to write about our impressions and I was ready to go! Thoughts were forming into words and words into sentences as she continued her instructions. Sensationally present within my body, I could hardly wait to get pen to paper as the head waters of this prose poured out …
poeticmedicine.org julieannwylie.com
WHAT DO I VALUE MOST? This was the question posed to our small Wildly Free Elder group in a 3-session Zoom exploration with Andy Kidd in a focus on “What Does Your Life Stand For?” The immediate response that arose from within me was the title of this free form poem. A path of wholeness I have explored as an embodied female for my entire life.
The process of formation of female gametes
Grandma, tell me the story of how I was a seed in you.
Oo child, you were a precious seed inside your mum when she was
a babe growing in me. The grandmother tree holds the nest safe.
All living things are made of cells.
One single cell—then there are two, four, eight, sixteen, and…. billions,
Trillions. Living and dying. No celebrations and no mourning.
But stars, which rarely dim: how often do I bow to your Grace?
Programmed Cell Death: A Normal
Part of Physical Development
Goodbye, my dear gills and fins and tail—you’ve heard the call, It’s time
to die. No need to cry and mourn and wail—I’ve heard there’s something
new afoot—four legs to hop and flail—and bring you joy! Riddeep!