The Fox at Dawn

It may have the face of love

but sorrow thinks only

of itself, wails in the dark

where it must learn to sleep.

-from Changeling by Jane Hicks

Last year, Fireside Industries published Jane Hick’s remarkable poetry collection The Safety of Small Things, one of my favorite books of 2024. I read it all at once and have dipped back into it again and again. It is such good company. It lends me courage.  The book speaks of her journey through cancer, of grief and fear and of the small mercies that can lead you through. I have been lucky to attend workshops and retreats with her at Hindman Settlement School- wise, grounded, funny and focused, Jane raises the energy of every room. Poet in the house, I remember to breathe.

Also floodkin, here is lovely poem of hers in the digital anthology of Troublesome Rising. https://hindman.org/fireside/titles/troublesome-rising/troublesome-rising-digital-anthology/poetry-jane-hicks/

 and some wonderful poems in Cutleaf, a pretty fabulous online journal. I hope you will read them.https://cutleafjournal.com/authors/jane-hicks

My Advent Tree this year is dedicated to my writer friends and teachers. I am so grateful for all the light you shine in the darkness. 

I’m really loving your advent musings. Thanks so much for sharing with us

“…When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.” ~Mary Oliver

Comment by melisatbayoupierre December 10, 2025 @ 12:00 am

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I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. I really love making this annual tree.

Comment by Loren Crawford December 10, 2025 @ 5:14 am

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