Writing on the Wild Side - "The Anthology"

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Kayla Humiston

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Kayla Humiston was born and raised in Utah. She is currently living, working and studying in the state of Washington.

"Dandelion" was inspired by sitting one afternoon and observing dandelions in the field. My paternal grandfather used to make dandelion wine. He lived in Connecticut and I didn't see him that much, but I remember how we had a bottle of that wine in our garage for a long time. Dandelion is indirectly inspired by my brothers, who influenced my taste in music, and the song "wildflowers" by Tom Petty. Another inspiration is in a statement I heard a young woman in India say. I was taking this contact improvisation class in a place called Auroville. There were maybe 12 of us in this class, sitting in a circle around a lit candle and lotus flower in water. The teacher instructed us to go around the circle and introduce ourselves and say something about ourselves. I don't remember what I said, probably something plain like "My name is Kayla and I'm a student from the U.S.". But this young woman, about my age, who was born and being raised in Auroville, said "My name is Aura Anquolee, and sometimes, I wish I were a flower". That was the most beautiful statement and I wished I were a flower too.

"Waiting Out the Storm at Camp Heliotrope on a Mid-Spring Afternoon" is directly inspired by a climbing trip with my partner. Writing is influenced, somewhat, by "Five T'ang Poets." As the title states, it is about waiting out a storm. I wrote it in a small tent and felt I was at the mercy of the weather. Weather cleared the next day. We awoke at 4 in the morning and climbed to the summit. It took longer than six hours. Wind chill was intense. I got really sunburned on my lips and face. It was a huge challenge for me. Thank you Andy for putting up with me, and helping me push my limits, and challenge myself in ways I never would have ventured to before I met you.

My love of writing has been passed down to me from my mother, and my father helped shape my love of the natural world. I am greatful to each of them for teaching me well and then letting me go and find the way on my own.

Finally, the writing for these submissions has been influenced by Bill Ransom, Dylan Fischer, and the students of Writing on the Wild Side. Thanks for the lessons, teachings, guest lectures, feedback, patience and laughs.

Poetry

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