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The Understudy

Updated: Dec 8, 2023

My last moonlit August had a name: Judas. A farmer, planting weeds was his specialty. His last field was so brilliantly cultivated I cried. That year he won first place at the county fair. He was so proud. Thought his weeds resembled me and dedicated his ribbon to my name. So stirred by his gift, I grew a few weeds of my own dedicated to him, of course. Next year I’ll sow roots to withstand the coming fire— my blessed handiwork.


BIO

Joy Nettles is a wife and mom of three who currently teaches writing at Belmont University. Writing is her passion, but her ultimate desire is to help those around her appreciate each moment as it comes and live a life of purpose on purpose no matter what each stage of life brings.







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