By George Payne

too many bills, too many
arguments

my father needed
to get away

so we went camping
no words, just the woods

ten miles in
we found the lean-to

jerky and trail mix for dinner
a few swigs of Beam

I reached for the binoculars
the perfume of balsam

rustling of chipmunks
crack of falling birch

the night sky was clear
as the Caribbean and Jupiter

was a tiny white marble
its moons strung like a bracelet

of glass beads
a shimmering halo in the heavens

so wonderful and so 

inconsequential

George Cassidy Payne is a passionate advocate for social justice, a trained crisis counselor, and a former philosophy instructor with over 20 years of experience in the social work and mental health fields. His work spans various capacities, including program development, volunteer management, and grant writing, with a focus on addressing issues like intergenerational poverty, education, and mental health. George holds multiple degrees in philosophy and has taught courses in ethics, philosophy of religion, and technical ethics. With specialized training in suicide prevention and crisis intervention, including certifications in motivational interviewing and trauma-responsive practices, he strives to make a tangible impact through his work in both educational settings and community outreach. Beyond his professional work, George is also exploring opportunities in suicide prevention consulting and training. His commitment to helping others stems from a deeply held belief in the power of compassion and resilience. In his personal life, George enjoys engaging with literature, writing, and finding creative ways to connect with the world around him.