Arlene Jones & Dr. Scott Minar

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores the intersections of personal and professional lives with Arlene and Scott, discovering how their experiences have shaped their paths. Scott shares a touching poem dedicated to Arlene, capturing the essence of growth, love, and the journey of life. Arlene reflects on her career in child welfare and housing, offering insights into her motivations, challenges, and the impact of her work.  Listeners will be inspired by the shared stories and artistic expressions that underscore the belief that everyone has a place in this world. The episode concludes with actionable steps for fostering a sense of belonging and love in our communities.  Meet Arlene: A passionate program manager at Youth Navigator Network, Arlene cherishes the outdoors and her family. Drawing from her own experiences in the child welfare and housing systems, Arlene now dedicates her life to making a difference for young people navigating similar challenges. Her journey is one of strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Meet Scott: Dr. Scott Minar is a celebrated poet, essayist, songwriter, and Professor Emeritus of English at Ohio University. With a rich career that includes teaching internationally and collaborating with scholars and writers worldwide, Scott’s work has been published in multiple languages. His books include "Arctic Accordion: Selected Poems" and "Lunch at Mark Twain's Grave." Scott continues to inspire through his poetry, songwriting, and collaborations, including his partnership with Athens-based songwriter Bruce Dalzell.  A CHILD WALKSby Dr. Scott MinarA child walksBecomes the adult that followsWind blows an oak leaf outOf a tree and it sailsSide to sideAs if conducting musicWhat song is thisSo lovely it hurts to seeIts scalloping down imaginarySteps of airI was one leafYou were oneThere are moreThat are oursA river is so beautifulIt rises and swellsOr grows smaller and liftsThe landscape showing us moreIt does not know its own nameBut it knows its real selfAs fulsome and tangibleThere is no gap in a riverClouds separateBut all move togetherAll with the windIt’s not the same birdsThe same flock every yearSchooling the skiesIn a perfect arc, perfectMoment, a sky gestureI was in a field onceLooking up to see the faceOf a sky god terribleNo, not terribleBut powerful far beyond mePerhaps this is justA metaphor for my lifeI decided thenThat it was not god or fate looking downOn me that matteredBut who I was looking backI know this is just a wayOf saying how we liveBut it mattersI chose love because it’s what I amWhat I’ve made myself to beWhich is to say somethingI was shown oftenBy adults around meAll were childrenInside themselvesLike a monarch, a swallowtailWe seem light but are strongAs the wind that carries usIn Mexico there are high mountainVistas covered with their orangeWings lined and drawnOn something lighter than a featherThey made the impossible journeyAnd all came togetherIn a kind of heavenA worldly work of artWe are among them nowAglow within ourselvesBecause we love, have always lovedIt is the only peaceThe only piece of ourselvesWorth clinging toLike a sparThe hand of that childAt a crossroadsWe will not let go ofWhile we liveGuest Links: https://www.scottminar.com/ https://www.kinnect.org/about/our-staff/Support the show