Welcome

“The entangled foundations of the conservation and prison industrial complexes are laid bare in Butterfly Roots. And yet, hope is there, too: in metaphors manifest in flesh, bone and wings; in ruderal species reaching for the light; in questions emerging in the flow – and in our shared work: as silent witness to the living things we grew to release.”  

– Dr. Karen Hall, former director of ecological education at the Institute for Applied Ecology

“A beautiful compilation that eloquently links critical academic thought with poetry and art in support of a deep land ethic.” 

– Dr. Olivia Sylvester, Head of Environment, Development, and Peace Department at the University for Peace

“Every chapter has a surprise and a pearl of inner wisdom. This is one of the clearest messages about humanity’s imperatives to enliven our entire human consciousness, individually and collectively.  It is the best exposé I have ever read about the unique inner logic emanating from natural law. This is a book about the new path our civilization should follow at this very moment in human history.”

– Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, Ph.D. Director, Strategic Affairs, and Chancellor for Chile, International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP)

“Both lyrical and thought-provoking. The author’s passion for the natural world shines through on every page, as he explores the profound wisdom that can be gleaned from observing the growth and evolution of trees. Whether you are a student of the environment, a lover of poetry, or simply seeking to deepen your connection to the world around you, this book is sure to offer something of value.”

-Jamie Nix, Editor at Plants & Poetry Journal

“When I read any book, I mark passages with a little piece of stickie note for future reference, or because I loved what I read. When I realized I was marking nearly every page of your book, I stopped. What a wonderful book you’ve written. Clearly, you are not only well-educated in the biology and theories of Climate Change, diversity and so on, but you are also very caring and wise.”

– Amalie Hill, Author

“The poems, often rooted in a specific place indicated in their subtitles, take readers on a journey of exploration and reflection on the beauty and strength of life-cycles, on the flow of energy from rain and sunlight, into fruit, into us.  A wise man is able to comprehend the secrets of life and share this knowledge with others. Here, ‘enlightenment’ means not some grandiose achievement, but understanding the flow of “waves within tides within lifetimes.”  It is good for us to read this inspired and inspirational verse… Highly recommended!”

– Dr. Maja Trochimczyk, President of California State Poetry Society, President of Moonrise Press, author

“Edward Abbey’s famous advice to young people was: ‘Flee to the wilderness! The one within, if you can find it.’ Frederick Livingston has fled into the wilderness—both of the world and his own uncharted soul—and returned bearing gifts.

With astounding wordcraft and an unceasing sense of wonder, these poems take us on a journey that spans the planet, and the heart. If you’ve ever sat on a mountaintop, aching with joy and a desire that you can’t quite put your finger on, these poems are for you.  If you’ve ever stared at the moon and felt tears welling up in your eyes, these poems are for you.  This is a book to put in your backpack, or keep under your pillow.  These are poems to devour slowly, on a train heading into new and mysterious lands.”

– Wess Mongo Jolley, author and editor

“From the garden to Kentucky, kitchen to orchard to Africa, Japan to forest trail, follow Frederick Livingston in “The Moon and Other Fruits” as he travels and honors the moment with deep attention to what’s around him. In these well-considered lines he offers us what has grown and ripened between his well-tuned senses and the world… Take the hint to slow down and read these poems aloud. Listen and you’ll be drawn in, asked to take part, and come out better for the journey. 

The coherent love of synched sounds and related themes ties together the variety of density and light—like walking through forest, into meadow, and back—in ways that can keep contemplation and delight alive as you go.”

– Don Freas, poet, designer/craftsman, sculptor

“I haven’t enjoyed a poetry book this much in years. Each section is perfectly organized, masterfully written, and ripe with truth and love. Livingston peels away the nature of his story and journey as a poet with unique eloquence. It’s rare to find a book that speaks to your soul with every word and breath. This is one of them —  a book for every occasion, moment, and turn of the moon.”

– Amanda Marrero, editor-in-chief of The Field guide Poetry Magazine

“A friend gave me your wonderful collection a couple weeks ago and I was VERY happy to own it and savor it–so many succulent pieces, dripping with wordplay and imagery and beautiful emotions. Your illustrations are perfect and add so much joy! Thanks for donating your proceeds as well–good use for poems!”

– Victoria Floor, author