After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology by Michelle Ayon Navajas–Contributor Profiles

Hey, friends. Nine days remain until the release of Michelle Ayon Navajas’ book After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology. March 8, 2025 will herald the arrival of a vitally important collection of poetry and prose dealing with violence and abuse and the stories of those who have survived and shared their personal experiences. You can read more about this anthology here:

In the lead-up to the book’s release, Michelle has been kind enough to feature short contributor profiles of those whose work appears in the anthology. Her graciousness in recognizing these authors is so appreciated. Recently, she featured my profile, and you can check it out here if you’d like:

I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this initiative to raise awareness for this significant cause. Michelle’s advocacy and hard work have done wonders for victims of abuse and violence, saving lives and helping people heal and find the light of hope again. Sincere thanks, Michelle, for allowing me to participate in this endeavor. ❤️

“Kintsugi”

“Kintsugi”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

In the winter hour
Of my broken soul
This fragile vase cannot contain
My essence

It sits cracked
On the cornerstone of my hut
Catching melting snow
From which my heart drinks

My soul, old and plain
Cannot match the pace
Of setting sun or rising moon
Or brisk stream

Nor can it
Rival beautiful sakura
Kiku or fuji
But it is my soul

Born in raku fire
Tested by the flames
Etched and pitted by the glaze of
Toil and tears

Loneliness
Has found me at last as long years
Pass by on the trail
Up the mountainside

Misty mysteries
Hidden from my eyes
As I watch my sorrowful tears
Melt the snow

I have lost
Many pieces of myself through
Seasons of regret
Too many winters

How can I replace
All that has perished
All my soul has cannibalized
In my pain

Who can find
A way to patch this vase that leaks
My life on the ground
Draining my essence

Who will knead the clay
Who will brave the snow
To gather golden suisen
Seal the cracks

Kintsugi
Make my mournful soul whole again
Gild my wounds and heal
Me with tender care

Fill my soul with hope
Set me on the path
Up the mountainside so I may
Find my way
Again