for our little town

was a grant for new logos

we couldn’t turn down.

It’s not easy to pick

just one image, we found,

for a spot known as special

the whole world around.

With so many good folks

and things to do in this place,

first try put a frown

on everybody’s face.

We were all united

by what we didn’t like,

but then told each other

to go take a hike.

The debacle was reported

by The Mountain Ear,

which brought forth some ideas,

so let’s give them a cheer.

An artist thought of

special places she’s known,

and what was in common

with the one she calls home.

It’s the journey to get here,

the beauty and friendships,

the desire to stay

despite nature’s hardships.

So she tries out a sketch

to capture that sense,

hoping to ease

a discourse gone tense.

Then other designers

gave it a trace,

and a positive meaning

for negative space.

After some changing

of lines that were blurred,

the shape of the landscape

turned into a bird!

…or maybe a dragon,

or the dove on peace signs,

or a phoenix rising up

from frozen dead designs.

Step back and look closer,

whatever the feather,

what you see is resulting

from working together,

and from difficult process,

but now that it’s done,

let’s enjoy the efforts,

because everybody won.

Use the moose and the bear

for stickers on your car,

or make into “boops,”

(whatever those are).

Taglines on t-shirts

would look great in black,

and at least we don’t have to

give grant money back.

Best not to get stuck

on what might offend

when we face many more

big decisions to attend.

We’re still shoveling snow,

and soon we’ll be weeding,

so helping each other

is what we are needing.

There’s so much here

to be grateful for,

and spiraling uplift

will make even more.

Spring is here Nederland!

So get out in the sun,

Change up the clocks,

and let’s all have some fun!

—Positive Space

by Laurelyn Sayah, Nederland