I’ve got something soft and bright to share today… my poem “Sunlight In Honey” has been published by Magique Publishing in their collection Furrily Lovable. This collection isn’t just poems. Instead it’s full of pictures, art, and heartfelt pieces about the ones we love most: our fur babies.
Writing “Sunlight In Honey” felt like tracing pawprints across a mountain trail, capturing the warmth of golden light on fur, the quiet bond between dog and human after a long hike. I pictured my dog tail wagging, tongue lolling, ears perked soaking in the forest’s hush. I wanted to hold that moment in words, to honor the loyalty, the joy, the wild love.
When Magique Publishing posted about the submission call bing open, I felt like this was made for me. Their collection brings together art and soul, dog lovers and dreamers, human and animal kin. Holding the physical copy, seeing my poem next to paintings, photos, other poems, felt like standing among many storytellers all speaking the same language: love for the creatures we share our lives with.
If you want to grab a physical copy, it’s available on Amazon now. Look for Furrily Lovable flip the pages, feel the brush of whiskers, the softness of paws, the pulse of life we sometimes rush past.
For those who know me you know this kind of publishing is the reason I started Poeaxtry_ and The Prism. It’s about collecting the whispers, the small wild moments, the love that often goes unseen. It’s for the underdogs, the moon-lit hikes, the pages stained with dirt and hope.
If you grab a copy, I’d love to hear which poem or art piece hits you hardest. And maybe someday I’ll share behind-the-scenes of writing “Sunlight In Honey” from trail dust to printer ink.
I had just finished reformatting my very first e-book,
the one that started everything. I didn’t change much, just softened it visually, made it feel more like me again. A small act, but somehow it felt like reclaiming the beginning. I also cave it a whole new book cover.
With a little light left in the day, I grabbed Luna’s leash. That’s all she needed, no words, just instinct. She was at my heel in seconds.
We climbed into the Honda, just the two of us, and headed out.
Roughly thirty-five minutes to Dublin. It’s one of those drives that doesn’t feel long if your heart is quiet enough.
Stop One Indian Falls- Dublin, Ohio
We hit Indian Falls first.
It’s not huge, but I’ve been wanting to check it out, so it felt like a good place to start.
We did the little loop around. Luna sniffing everything like it was her first time outside in her life. Of course, I had to let her get in the water for a second. Which meant, obviously, photos were required. Wet dog, sunshine, that kind of magic. Her joy’s contagious.
Stop Two: Hayden Falls Dublin, Ohio
After that, we drove maybe four minutes down the road to Hayden Falls.
This spot didn’t have any of those “no swimming” signs, so people were actually in the water this time. Wading in. Laughing. It looked inviting. Like, deeply inviting.
Had I dressed for it, I probably would’ve been in there too.
We started off seeing 8 sheriffs with one car pulled over. Then our route was detoured two times for the same wreck. We were 20 minutes behind schedule.
Luna, my seven-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, and I hit the 1.6-mile Mambourg Park Loop in Lancaster, Ohio. It’s a smaller trail with just about 144 feet of elevation gain. However, it’s enough to wear us out in a good way. The trail starts wide and grassy. Then, it narrows as it climbs and gets more forested. It’s just the kind of walk Luna loves. There were plenty of squirrels and bunnies for her to try and chase.
Early on, we climbed some wooden steps, then crossed a small bridge over a creek. The sound of the water felt peaceful, especially with the light drizzle falling around us. Just off the trail, a small stream carved quietly through the edge. Little pretty rocks were scattered all around. Rocks, I was trying to ignore because, well, I already have enough at home for my Etsy store.
The air was thick with humidity, so muggy you could practically cut it with a knife. And, yeah, Ohio trails always get me with those spiderwebs, catching me every few steps. Luna didn’t care; she was busy watching every little rustle.
Lit.
About halfway through, I lit a joint… so you can consider the trail “lit.” It’s how I unwind. I take it all in. The buzz mixes with the fresh air and quiet sounds around us. Right as I extinguished the joint, we detoured off trail for a barking jack Russell terrier. Luna doesn’t do loud dogs and, Luna typically isn’t a loud dog. Don’t get me wrong she has dog friends but, they have all been introduced methodically.
Appalachia & Folk Lore
This area is part of Appalachia. It is a region steeped in rich folklore. It has haunting legends that have been passed down for generations. These stories were originally told around campfires and kitchen tables. They were meant to entertain, teach lessons, or warn travelers in the woods.
Dog Man
One well-known tale is Dog Man. It is a mysterious creature said to be part dog and part man. Dog Man roams the forest edges at night. Locals say his howl is eerie and unnatural, a warning to stay on the trail and not wander too deep.
Tall Guys
Then there are the Tall Guys. They are shadowy, elongated figures. These figures are said to stand motionless among the trees, blending perfectly with the trunks. Some say they’re spirits of ancient guardians or lost souls trapped between worlds. The Tall Guys are silent watchers. Spotting one is considered an omen. No one is quite sure if it’s good or bad.
Just don’t Whistle!
A common warning passed through the hills is don’t whistle in the woods. It’s believed whistling can summon malevolent spirits. It may attract the attention of the “haints” (ghostly beings). These beings follow the sound and may lead travelers astray or cause misfortune. Whistling breaks the natural silence of the forest, inviting unseen dangers.
Do NOT Look in the Trees!
Similarly, you don’t look directly into the trees, especially at twilight or nighttime. The woods are said to hide spirits called “tree watchers” or “shadow folk” who observe silently. Locking eyes with them is thought to invite their presence, which could bring bad luck, fear, or worse. It’s safer to keep your gaze low and avoid challenging the unknown.
The Wampus Cat
Other stories include the Wampus Cat. This fierce, cat-like creature has glowing eyes. It is said to prowl the forests at night, stalking anyone foolish enough to be out alone. It’s sometimes seen as a guardian of the wild, punishing those who disrespect nature.
The White Lady (LMAO!)
On a gentler note, there’s the tale of the White Lady. She is a ghostly woman dressed in white. She appears near certain creeks or clearings. Said to protect travelers from harm and guide lost hikers. She disappears without a trace once the danger passes.
Melungeons
A legend specific to this part of Appalachia involves The Melungeons. They are a mysterious group of people with a complex heritage. This heritage blends European, Native American, and African ancestry. For centuries, the Melungeons lived in the remote hills and hollows, often on the outskirts of mainstream society.
Folklore says they possessed secret knowledge passed down through generations. This knowledge included herbal medicines, ancient rituals, and a deep connection to the spirit world. Some believe they served as guardians of the forest. They were able to communicate with the unseen forces that roam the Appalachian woods.
Local tales whisper that encountering a Melungeon could bring both protection and a test. They were said to recognize those who respected the land and its spirits and offer help or healing. But for those who were disrespectful or ignorant, crossing their path might bring misfortune or strange happenings.
Their isolation and secrecy fueled many rumors. Some say they practiced old-world magic. Others believe they had ties to ancient European mystical traditions. Others claimed they could disappear into the woods like shadows, slipping between the seen and unseen realms.
Much about the Melungeons remains a mystery. Their legacy adds a rich, enigmatic layer to Appalachian folklore. It reminds hikers that these lands hold stories beyond what meets the eye. Here, history and myth intertwine deep in the hills.
Up up up up up!
As we pushed on, it got steeper, uphill, uphill, uphill. Luna’s panting grew louder. Her energy was fading. It’s funny because she started out wild. She ended up just as wiped as me.
The trail opens up at the end. Or it opens at the beginning, depending on how you look at it. It leads into a spot that reminded me of childhood afternoons. I used to spend those afternoons watching BMX races or riding little ATVs. My mom’s friends created a trail off to the side of the wheeling trail in the woods. We would race bikes or ATVs there.
We wrapped up around 7:31 PM, sweating more than I expected in the muggy air. Luna and I jumped into the car, blasting the AC full blast. It’s 74 degrees out, and we’re already plotting our next hike.
