I Tried Till I Was Blue in the Face

Digital Images by Ann Johnson

Oh, my goodness. City living was such a challenge for me. I didn't realize just how much of an Island soul I am. I am visiting downstate Illinois at the moment. Summer began yesterday, marked by stifling humidity; a lightning bug floating by midday; a walk with three young women: my daughter, her friend from Estonia (remember the documentary, The Singing Revolution?), and her friend from Germany who is a new mother. This morning a dragonfly landed on the path in front of me, all four wings vibrating in syncopated rhythm that soon came to stillness.

I am witnessing the impacts of the Great Recession in all my travels. An Irish film crew put together a dark comedy in the form of a silent movie. You may find it interesting on

YouTube: Scenes from the Great Recession, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gAfPWnRvRM

For 36 hours this week (June 15-17), I had the feeling once again of having a job to return to following my August Residency, along with the promise of retirement and health benefits. A school offered me a job, but daily were in heavy union negotiations. The job offer came Monday afternoon and was retracted Wednesday morning! "We no longer have a position to offer you. We may have federal stimulus money coming to create a position, but there is no guarantee. Sorry, Ann." The travels in rural Illinois to go to interviews have provided lots of material for short video clips, photos and poetry.

Uncommon Fields

Planted pockets are tucked
into a communion of oaks
and maples and osage.
The Farmer
buttons up a narrow
placket
with corn
between the roadway
and the rails.
Across the road
on long shirttails of soil,
golden mustard
paints the set-aside lands
surrounding the red barn
under the sea blue sky.