Poetry & Prose

Nature’s Box of Love and Wisdom is inspired by the people and events in Mari’s life as well as countless walks. Whether hiking or snow-shoeing, she finds the expression solvitur ambulando, “it is solved by walking,” rings true. She often states, “For me, walking is about exploring my thoughts, and nature is my muse that often turns those thoughts into writing.” Many such walks and hikes that inspired the pages of this book took place in Fort Defiance State Park in Estherville, Iowa, which Mari refers to as nature’s box. As a mother, a daughter, and a partner, love factors into many of her poems and prose, and as a teacher she has passionately pursued knowledge in hopes it will lead to wisdom. From these roles emerged the four sections of this book: Gaea (nature), Pandora (first woman and her infamous box), Aphrodite (love), and Athena (wisdom). Pandora’s section is also titled 30 Minutes of Internet Radio, which emerged from Mari’s personal challenge to write a poem about each song played on Pandora within a half-hour.

As a survivor of two un-related cancers and a brain aneurysm, Mari appreciates the blessings of family, friends, knowledge, and nature.