When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
— Peter Marshall
from the PREFACE to the river Beautiful
the river Beautiful Jason Hackwith the river Beautiful Jason Hackwith

from the PREFACE to the river Beautiful

Poetry is a bright light, illuminating the farthest, most desolate reaches of the soul. Poetry is darker than midnight; a useful mask, opaque and forbidding. I love the dichotomy of poetry, the paradox of it: day and night and shades of twilight rolled up into one. It’s easy to hide the heart behind colorful metaphors and well-turned phrases—even as you disclose the deepest depths of your heart to the world.

Read More

curated learning that ignites your world

KAIO tv

Almost thirty years in the making, the river Beautiful will be published as a premium hardcover, a value softcover, and a very special online multimedia experience.

Select a chapter below to view exclusive content from the upcoming collection of new and selected works by Jason Christopher Hackwith.

original prose, poetry, lyrics, illustrations and typography