For the Birds: "If I Were Feral"
Full moon inspiration, courtesy guest poet Christie DiLorenzo
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Dear Birds,
When Christie first shared the following text with me—part nature poem, part soul manifesto, part incantation—I immediately knew I wanted to publish it in For the Birds.
I was thrilled when she said yes.
I won’t say much about it in advance—the poem speaks for itself, standing powerfully on its own.
But I will say this: Christie is a tremendous nonfiction and travel writer, an innately skilled poet, and a consistently inspiring human to be in conversation with. In the time I’ve known her, I’ve come to admire her ferociously attuned sense of justice and quietly radical spirit—two qualities that make her a grounded yet deeply compelling artist.
I hope the following poem stirs something in you, as it did in me—and if so, I hope you’ll share your reflection in the comments. This is Christie’s first publication (!!!), and telling writers when they’ve had a positive impact on you is a karmic gift for all parties <3
If I Were Feral
If I were feral, my wild beast self, I wouldn’t be driving down highways, following the rules. Queuing up meekly at the airport, Being told what to do. Sitting quietly in my tiny seat Saying please and thank you. I would travel through woods and over mountain paths, Stealthy or playful as I preferred. Noting the direction of the wind, sunrise and sunset, the phase of the moon. If I were feral I wouldn’t be spending my time and money To retreat to a hotel with crisp linens and scuffed floors, Monotonous grey walls and big screen TVs. I would choose only the wildest places with the most creatures, In order to stoke my imagination And Sojourn with my creativity. If I were feral I wouldn’t sit here politely, With my half frozen croissant and runny eggs. I would growl and stalk and pounce on what I desire. If I were feral, I wouldn’t be so anxious all the time. I wouldn’t worry about: How I react to things How others see me What does it all mean? What’s coming next How should I spend my time How should I spend my money If I were feral I would focus on: How I feel in my body What I desire What I actually need What my own true nature is If I were feral, I wouldn’t bother trying to make appropriate small talk! If I were feral, I would love fiercely! I would Love without worry Without fear Without holding back. If I were feral, I would slink off Into the woods or mountains or meadows— Alone Whenever I needed to. I wouldn’t worry about being judged. I would trust myself My Desire. I was not raised to be feral. I was not raised to be bold. I will go to the wild places. I must learn on my own. Then I will take my place, Among all the Untamed souls.
Christie is a long time nurse, reluctant backpacker, passionate reader, and enthusiastic road tripper. She has enjoyed writing about the wild world around her since she was a child, but has only recently begun writing poetry. Christie lives in Northern California with her son, two dogs, six chickens, and husband.
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I love this! Thank you for sharing.
I did nature journaling for the first time this weekend. Sitting in the woods by a stream and listening to birds and jotting things down. Reading this was amazing.