Welcome
Larry Christianson is a Minnesota poet living in the Twin Cities metro area. For him – poetry is about paying attention as life rolls along. Observation and reflection. Insight and vision. Storytelling and self-discovery – all the while giving voice to memories and meanings in a stripped down style that aims to open many doors for readers to enter into their own stories and hopes and dreams.
Coming September 2010
In West of Everywhere Larry Christianson explores open horizons and expanding visions on life’s journey through poems telling stories from up north Minnesota to horizons unfolding west of everywhere. This is the latest book in Christianson’s “Compass Collection” joining Beyond Time: Poems from North of the Tension Line (2008) and South of Contrary (2009) – also available from North Star Press of St. Cloud.
SMOOTHING OUT
Not roughing it
in wilderness places
of solitude.
And challenge.
But smoothing out
in ancient patterns
of sunshine.
And moon.
And waters lapping
on rocky shorelines
in relaxing rhythms
of calm.
And contentment.
Smoothing out
rough edges
of daily life –
Like water action
through time passing
relentlessly.
Rolling on stones
scattered along beaches
cluttered with debris
accumulating.
In ragged patterns
of wounded experiences
mending,
healing.
Smoothing out
slowly.
--Larry Christianson
February 2010
thinking about differences between
roughing it and smoothing out