Jaclynn Loibl

Here Kitty Kitty

Have you ever unintentionally stumbled upon a nugget of gold? How about in the way of a misdelivery from the good ol’ Mr. Postman? At first sight, “Backwoods Home Magazine” was a joke, with its second-largest font stating “The Potato Issue” and other titles of “Making Fertilizer” and “Butchering Beef” did little to stir anythingContinue reading “Here Kitty Kitty”

Walking Into Spiderwebs

The limp fishing lines of spider webs with their weighty beads of dew are welcoming fall in like enthusiastic Walmart greeters. As the wind whips leaves free, I lay in the hammock swinging, wondering how I can communicate the depth of my love for this season. Evelyn’s 35-lb body is limp on mine. At theContinue reading “Walking Into Spiderwebs”

The Juice

I had a visitor arrive at our cabin, my cousin, who’s being smoked out of her house due to wildfire pollution. I didn’t have time to write; therefore, the writing exercise I did earlier will have to suffice. Time stops on June 17, 1994. “Girls, get in here.” The authoritative tone shivers me to dropContinue reading “The Juice”

Break A Leg

It is a blur, but I can make out the curvature of its face, the light, and dark of its body, how it swoops smoothly and lowly, and its massive and oblong shape. An owl, I realize. Dave and I see it amidst playing pretend with Evelyn using a stick for an oar and a roundContinue reading “Break A Leg”

Old Man

Every night it seems, when I start writing, there’s this frosting layer of depressed emotion I have to wade through to find words. Is it resistance? Is it my actual state of being? Its wall-like presence intimidates me like one of those weeping angels from Dr. Who. I wish I didn’t have this old codgerContinue reading “Old Man”

Hush Little Baby

I’m unsure what to write about: My lackluster job at being a duck mom? The new couple I’m working with? Our trip to the ocean in the morning? Or something else. I can hear a murmur of “Mary Had A Little Lamb” sung by Dave one room over. I’m writing, yet slightly annoyed it’s takingContinue reading “Hush Little Baby”

Sit Ubu, Sit

“Don’t fight the test” is a figure of speech I tell myself when I need to back off. Years ago, when studying for the National Mental Health Counseling Examination, I kept running into answers with which I disagreed. Whenever I encountered one, I’d jump out of my chair, storm into my supervisor’s office, and shareContinue reading “Sit Ubu, Sit”

Heart Healin’

When I drift to the land of not, to a space of no more, I wonder why I came. To grieve, to breathe, for a bit of reprieve? Sometimes I’ll sift through the rubble of the past for answers. I’ll see a hill of bricks, pick one up, and analyze its shape and lines. DidContinue reading “Heart Healin’”

Reflections: A Poem

Under the streaked window and the dust-bunnied cracks are the streams of light that come from staring too long; the whisps drawing across the room like a megaphone. A standstill in a game of tug-a-war. A glimpse in the mirror. For free, the advice I give. I nod off, “Leave a tip on the counter.”Continue reading “Reflections: A Poem”

Recklessly Responsible

I’m in the lazy river period of my life; I barely need to flick a finger to steer myself on track. No whitewater rapids. No sudden drops or jagged rocks. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery. I’m patting my mouth from a nice, long yawn; without the bumps, shoots, and unexpected chaos, what’s theContinue reading “Recklessly Responsible”