In this episode, Stephanie and Brad discuss painting and writing poetry with Candace Hennekens. You can see more of her work at candacehennekens.com and find some of her published books in our collection.

by Candace Hennekens

When you’re past lovers

Husband in the ground

children grown and gone

befriend a river. Discover

how rivers flow, rise, fall,

ice over, melt, churn,

flash diamonds in sunshine.

You can watch a river

every second if you have time.

You can learn from, listen to,

and most of all love a river.

Rivers are alive, full of life.

Rivers are relaxed, meandering,

often carefree. This will rub off.

Watch for discovery of secrets.

Wild things living nearby:

a fisher, a fox, a family of otters.

Don’t tell those secrets.

Sit on the dock, run your fingers

through the surface of the water,

dangle your feet, submerge them.

Fish. Swim. Boat.

Get to know the river

like its your new lover.

When a leaf or twig floats by,

cup it in the palm of your hand

to examine. Consider it a gift.

(Original post available here.)

---

This episode contains brief mention of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many resources available to you both nationally and locally. Please see below for more information.

National

Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or visit their website https://www.thehotline.org/ to chat online or text “start” 88788

The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline https://thedeafhotline.org/ for online chat, email an advocate hotline@adwas.org , call 855-812-1001 (Video Phone)

Love is Respect. Domestic Violence Hotline for Teens & Young Adults call 1-866-311-9474, text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or chat online at https://www.loveisrespect.org/get-relationship-help/

Strong Hearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483 or chat online at https://strongheartshelpline.org/

Resources for individuals with pets https://redrover.org/relief-dv/dv-safe-escape-grants/

Resources for legal information related to domestic violence: https://hotline.womenslaw.org/public You may also reach out to your local domestic violence agencies and District Attorney’s offices/ victim-witness programs for local support.

Local

Bolton Refuge House 715-834-9578 https://www.boltonrefuge.org/

Family Support Center 800-400-7020 https://www.familysupportcentercf.com/

Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Call 715-832-8420 or email family.strengthening@ecahmaa.org to get more info

American Indians Against Abuse