“THERE’S NO THROUGH TRAIL” —HAN-SHAN, TRANSLATED BY GARY SNYDER

Float

by Natalie Gutiérrez-Negrón

Issue: Fall/Winter 2020 Special Issue on the Undiscovered

Artist’s Statement

Having nothing but time and good fortune to look inward, finding reserves of strength and trust in yourself, and surrendering to that power, Float is an exploration of the perseverance and resilience within during pandemic times. The currents have dragged us toward freedom, liberation for all, away from the Challenger Deep.

Let’s let it take us, lest we sink deeper, a real fear for those of us who don’t know how to swim.

The shore is within sight. Walking on water is a wet step closer.

About Natalie Gutiérrez-Negrón

Natalie Gutiérrez-Negrón has a very close relationship with plants. They speak to her in leafy tongues and herbaceous secrets. Although she is generally humanoid, she is thought to be a double-agent for plantkind. Beware of her wildflowers.

While her roots remain in Caguas, Puerto Rico, her greenery can be observed around Oberlin, Ohio. This is her first publication.

Cold Mountain Review is published once a year in the Department of English at Appalachian State University. Support from Appalachian’s Office of Academic Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences enables CMR’s learning and publications program. The views and opinions expressed in CMR do not necessarily reflect those of university trustees, administration, faculty, students, or staff.

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