Performed by Val Cole

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Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of Footsteps is the exploration of humanity’s deep connection to nature.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

I was raised in the forests of Northern California, where my life was always intertwined with nature, yet every time I interact with the natural world I discover more of its magic and I feel the connection strengthen.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I have loved writing and creating poetry since I was a child, and though I put my creative writing on hold for some time in order to get a BA in Journalism, I came back to writing poetry throughout my 30’s.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Without hesitation I will say my mother. She passed away when I was 16 and she was an incredible woman who lived an amazing life. I wish everyday that I could get to know her now that I am the age that she was when she was raising me.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I believe there is something very beautiful and profound about the spoken word as a form of art. Poetry read out loud is unique; it fills a space between music and literature read out loud.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Besides poetry, of which I had a published book released last year called WildLife, most of what I write tends to be more journalistic in nature. I create works such as blog posts on sustainability or other specific topics, and editorial pieces regarding travel and living abroad.

7) What is your passion in life?

The best way to put it would be that my passion in life is to be a present, positive, loving, compassionate, conscientious & sustainable human being.

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POEM:

FOOTSTEPS, by J. Amber Griffin

Footsteps beneath the branches
lead to
a descension into deepness

A haze of heaviness clears
revealing
contemplative consciousness

Sensations of fervor
writing
the beginning of the story

Noting the colors, textures, shapes
inviting
all of us are welcomed

Curiosity and admiration
adorning
the kinship between us

Flowers grow, petals fall
planted
are new seeds of growth

Rising up together
not fickle
determined by the delight

Continue chapter by chapter
cyclical
until death it doesn’t part

Where sunlight lacks
shadows
protect another haven

Often unseen is the balance
the perfection
too often strived for

Connection bears witness
intrinsic
a feeling of the truth

Staring at starry skies
release
and simply remember

Before ego was eco