Wild Atlanta

“Wild Atlanta rambles along the pathways of the city’s hidden, untamed spaces. It reveals in exquisite detail a deep awareness of our essential humanity and personal connection to the natural world. Essentially a communion between outer and inner landscapes, the compelling poetic narratives unwind across the page, while verdant images reveal the city’s poignant, hidden beauty. . . . Wild Atlanta reminds us that we are meant to dwell within the natural world, not apart from it.”

“Finally, Atlanta’s urban forests receive the tribute they deserve with this blend of inspiring poetry and radiant photographs. The pages glow with the evident love that Stephen Wing and Luz Wright have for the subject matter. For those who have ever wandered backwoods and been filled with wonder at the flora and fauna, that magic is brought into the home with this volume.”

“I’ve read through this book three times so far! Each time, I fell under its spell and was pulled along. The poetry and photography dance beautifully page after page. It was like being lost in the woods, but not so lost that there is any concern, just a sense of wonder at all that reveals itself the more present I become. I loved re-visiting places I’ve wandered myself and couldn’t believe how many places remain to be explored. The Atlanta area is blessed to have these magical spaces.”

“Through Wing’s words and Luz’s splendid accompanying photos, I have been taken to amazing places and spaces in my own hometown, made sacred. Wing and Luz have also taken me back to places where as a child I ran free during family outings.  Atlanta is indeed fortunate to have someone who loves these Wild Atlanta spaces as much as Wing clearly does.”

“I love being in wild natural places and Wing’s poems take me there! His writing puts me in the picture, engaging my senses of smell, sound, sight and touch . . . feeling the earth beneath my feet and sensing the stillness of the forest. His poetry motivates us to be mindful in observing tiny details and to consider the passage of time in our natural spaces.”

“Wing’s poems and accompanying photographs are a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to urban wild spaces. This book is a gift to the Atlanta community and will inspire you to explore and protect these hidden gems nestled in the city of trees.”

“Stephen Wing is a keen observer of nature – and human nature. Like a seedling rising through a crack in the sidewalk, his poems will surprise you, and maybe even crumble the pavement, exposing the dark, fertile soil below. Watch to see what grows! Like Wing’s poetry, Luz Wright’s photography captures the otherworldly mythic grandeur of trails and benches, water and earth and sky, the tapestry of roots and leaves, gleaming like the emerald of an amulet.”

“While reading Wild Atlanta I found myself conflicted. I wanted to stay with the book, absorbing the images created by the words as well as the photographs. But at the same time I felt compelled to run out of my house to see for myself the gardens, fields, and forests that Stephen describes and Luz documents in pictures. The poetry drew me in with its joyous depictions of places both familiar and undiscovered.”

“Wild Atlanta is truly a little treasure. It describes my favorite southern city beautifully! As a nature lover myself I appreciate the wonderful mix of the city and its wild spaces that are hidden away in the middle of the hustle and bustle. . . . Reading it is as if one is taking a stroll through and connecting with ‘Wild Atlanta.’”

“Wing’s poems are as clear and focused as a tree against a blue winter sky, as he explores the natural world and our place in it. His poetic voice is like that of a friend with whom you are taking a pleasant leafy meander. This, combined with Wright’s lovely images of Atlanta’s green places are an invitation to discover, explore, and reflect on the natural beauty that still exists in our large metro area. . . . Open this book and soon, somehow, you will find yourself among the trees!”