Upper Left Edge

04/23/2026

Please read and share this beautiful essay by Cliff Taylor. Words of medicine for what ails us.

Opening the Book of Indigenous Grief April 21, 2026 by Cliff Taylor Leave a Comment WE DRIVE AWAY from the ranch, where the three-day grief ritual was held, and we’re sparkling, tired, clean, talking about picking up some Mexican food when we get back to the city. Lively sundown desert passes outs...

08/05/2025

Here's a beautiful new poem from Steven Mayer. We're always grateful for his words. https://www.upperleftedge.com/2025/08/04/end-of-the-street/

06/02/2025

Happy Birthday to Our Beloved Reverend Billy Lloyd Hults (June 2, 1944)! As a gift in his honor we have sponsored the digitalization of the Upper Left Edge. Archived editions can now be read online at the University of Oregon (link to first issue is in the comments below).

04/17/2024

Watt Childress wrote an epic springtime poem.

Here Try Some of This OintmentApril 17, 2024 by Watt Childress Leave a Comment Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) Spirit is risen forever in these surgingWeeks of spring. Greentide rolls along,Letting go of drudge, finding newWays to release our keeps. All thrallsBe free as a word now, flown from ga...

02/21/2024

Here's to ice storms and wet walks and healing at home. Huddle up for a winter essay by Cliff Taylor.

The Beautiful Live Wire of 2024February 20, 2024 by Cliff Taylor 1 Comment Life on the Oregon Coast is lush, rainy, packed with creativity and community, and like everywhere else, doesn’t always go as planned. Barely a month and a week into this new year, my life has been lovingly sculpted by unfo...

12/21/2023

Cliff Taylor bundles up an evocative holiday poem!

READ ALL ABOUT IT! 1999December 19, 2023 by Cliff Taylor 1 Comment Still a teenager and wrapping customers’books for Christmas at the bookstore.Sun and snow and cold temperaturesmaking a giant snowball out ofall the cars in the parking lot.My bossy retired teacher co-workerslike noble Muppets expe...

12/17/2023

Thank you Steven Mayer for this wonderful holiday gift!

A Memorable ChristmasDecember 15, 2023 by Steven Mayer 1 Comment “First story ever written in my life.” Steven MayerIt is the coldest winter in recent German history (1963). Coal shortages and power outages compound record snowfall and freezing temperatures. A deep sense of religious tradition e...

11/27/2023

Watershed FolkNovember 27, 2023 by Watt Childress Leave a Comment Friday November 17, 2023. Community members circle up at sunset to honor Native salmon.We gathered around a small fire on the sand by Ecola Creek, near the spot where a whale gave her life in service to others. Our purpose was to hono...

06/20/2023

Watt Childress dispatches words from the bedside of Mother Nature.

Open Letter for Creation’s CaregiversJune 19, 2023 by Watt Childress Leave a Comment “The Tree Whale” painted by Jessica Bromley Bartram(jessicabartram.ca)Good morning everyone who loves the earth. Greetings from Appalachia, where I’m helping Mom endure bedfast living on hospice. She watches...

05/13/2023

Darrell Clukey poses a question many of us have asked.

Am I a Writer?May 8, 2023 by Darrell Clukey 3 Comments About twenty years ago, as I stood outside my office at Portland State University, it struck me in an instant that my life had just changed. A surge of energy rose through me, emptying me of any desires that had driven my long career. All profes...