Writer Leslie Cox

Author: Leslie J. Cox

  • Amalita’s Story

    I uncovered a collection of notes during my lowest point of the pandemic, after leaving my career, not seeing family for months, and feeling sorry for myself. One quiet afternoon, I unearthed several boxes of old pictures and greeting cards. Among those treasures was a manila envelope holding letters and quotes my Grannie had written…

  • Healing Hands

    Last week, I indulged in a much-needed 90-minute, full-body, deep-tissue massage. As the therapist focused on my shoulders, back, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet, I felt gratitude for her skilled hands. And though I tried clearing my head during that luxurious time, I couldn’t help but think of all the various massage experiences I’ve…

  • Bella and her Brood

    June 3rd Today is the day. Exactly fourteen days after hatching. Freedom. May 3rd Bella and Bobby set up their nest. Nice and cozy, in a safe cool place high on a back-porch pillar where no wind or rain could find them.  May 8th Bobby left Bella to rest there. She watched as he flew. …

  • Staceroo – A Tribute

    “It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” This quote is written on a rustic piece of wood that hangs on my family room wall—a gift from my childhood BFF, Stacey. Since the 3rd grade, we’ve experienced life together, even when we’re apart. Some of the best times involve singing with our guitars and…

  • The Silver Cuff

    I lift a silvery piece from Dad’s top drawer. The same drawer I snooped through as a kid to find coins, keys, and whistles. No longer here, he left these artifacts for me to sort through and ponder. A modest piece of jewelry, yet elegant and ornate, the silver bracelet speaks to me of stories…

  • The End is Only the Beginning

    A brief reflection…March 18 is a turning point as we experience the New Moon in Pisces. I invite you to reflect, let go, and renew. March 20 is the beginning of a new zodiac cycle and the start of a new astrological year. One ends; another begins. Most things in life will begin, end, and…

  • Embraced

    When was the last time you were embraced? I mean truly embraced. Where you dropped your head into someone’s chest, And Let Go. You could let go of everything and just Be. In a safe space. No tension. No judgment. No obligation. Where they wrapped their arms around you, Without a word being said. Just…

  • Me and Bobby McGee

    The heat had let up so I decided this was the day to catch up on yardwork. That meant collecting the equipment—edger, trimmer, mower, blower, and supplies—garbage bags, battery chargers, water bottle, air pods, phone, sunscreen, visor. Oh, and the pooper scooper for tortoise poo.  It’s a whole process, yardwork. I usually set aside several…

  • The Work of My Hands

    Read my essay interview – WOW! Q4 Creative Nonfiction Essay Runner Up My hands appear thin and frail, well-worn, and bony at the knuckles, age spots playing tag on my skin like connect-the-dot puzzles. Blue streaks settle beneath the surface, and new wrinkles line up near my wrist, promising not to deepen, though I know…

  • TREE OF LIGHT

    A Braided Essay “What is wrong with me,” she asks.  Her caregiver says, “Many are unwell. I’m diabetic and can’t enjoy sugar. For you, dementia means forgetting some things.”  They pull into the Tastee Freeze drive-through for an ice cream. She gazes beyond the passenger-side window, and points, saying, “I feel just like that tree.” …