Second Spire to the Right

Postcards from Travels Past and Present

  • In Loving Memory

    The text came in somewhere around early morning England time, which was late at night where my family gathered around my grandfather’s deathbed. Just a few days into my third and final term at Oxford, I had spent most of the night laying awake. I think I believed my vigilance could somehow transport me across Read more

  • Let’s Begin at the Beginning

    My first journey to Oxford University from departure to arrival can best be marked by strange men who saw me cry.  Man 1. Baggage steward in Dublin.  Background: I had spent the entire day delayed in D.C., followed by another delayed layover in Boston. We took off from Boston around 1 a.m. I had just Read more

  • Past and Present

    I first conceived of this space during one of the scariest chapters of my life. Temporarily disabled by Long COVID, unable to drive, barely able to work, I struggled even to stand some days, all while managing a home on my own. I spent many days on my couch those days, grieving the past and Read more

  • Second Spire to the Right And Straight On ‘Till Morning

    Peter Pan taught us that the way to Neverland is “Second Star to the Right and Straight on ‘till morning.” I’ll tell you a secret. I believe Neverland is real. It’s a part of all of us that blossoms and thrives as we’re children and tends to shrink as we age. It remains with us Read more

Photo Source: Jessica Tucker

Welcome! I’m Erin, a freelance writer, former teacher, and forever student. Thanks for stopping by. Follow along on Instagram @secondspiretotheright

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