Author: Kara Kukovich
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Wedded On All Hallows’ Eve
I never really thought I would get married. I was too independent to be tied down by any man. However, despite my stubborn insistence to stay single, in my early thirties I found myself falling deeply in love with a wonderful man who (lucky for me) returned my affections. We quickly moved in together, and…
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Get the Kids Outside! The Case for Outdoor Education
Summer has come to an end, and kids are going back to school, where they will spend most of their time inside. After a full day of staring at Smart Boards and computer screens, many will then turn to their phones and video games. Very few will venture outdoors, let alone play outside until the…
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Salvation Is In The Woods
Deep into the woods, Beyond the road’s end, No motors or mines to offend, Is where my sick soul wends. Away from city insanity Cleansing air purifies, Cleaning out these smoky eyes, Letting lungs and spirit rise. Clear waters serve to soothe This damaged mind and flesh, Flowing through me to enmesh Its healing salve…
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Lost And Found In The Desert- (A True Story)
I thought it was my time. I had accepted death. I waited with abated breath As my faculties faded, Cracked by the sun, Forsaken below the barren sky. Five days had slid by In this summer desert heat. I had hiked dozens of miles, Summitted several mountains, And stitched together abandoned trails, Never failing until…
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To Be A Star In A Square World
I never was well-suited for civilization. I get overwhelmed by too many buildings, busy traffic, and swarms of people; I struggle with social expectations; I don’t follow time constraints well. I’d rather be left alone in the woods, or on a mountain top, or even in a desolate desert. After a difficult childhood and adolescence…
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Why I’m Fighting AI
More and more people around the world are starting to use artificial intelligence (AI) to make their lives a little easier and more efficient. Teenagers are asking Chat GPT for dating advice, businessmen are managing their schedules with Google Assistant, and globetrotters are picking up new languages with Duolingo. The principal at my former school…
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Society’s Sight
We think we’ll be okay. As long as our bills are paid. More money, more money Will keep our skies sunny. Few see the fate we forge, The coming senseless scourge Sweeping through our world, Our blind greed unfurled. The price we all pay For the rich to pillage and play Is subtly sickening our…
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There I Am
I’ve heard it said. “Wherever you go, There you are.” Across so many moons I’ve tried to run, To run from myself. The race was fruitless, For “Wherever you go, There you are.” In India, Nepal, and even Laos I thought I’d lose myself, But instead, I found Another side of me, For “Wherever you…
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Bernadette’s Story, Part 2: Living, Loving, and Learning to Trust
Bernadette was by no means a perfect dog, but she was the perfect dog for me. She could be unpredictable, aggressive, and would bite you if you tried to touch her feet. But she loved me unconditionally with her whole being. She followed me like a shadow and cuddled near me when I was sad…
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Bernadette’s Story, Part 1: Meeting The Mongrel
The staff at the animal shelter looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I wanted to adopt Bernadette. I had been volunteering there for a few months and had become fond of this “high-risk” dog, despite all her growling and snarling. However, I feared, due to her behavior and long stay,…