Lips receding to the crease of stilled waters, underneath the bosom of the moon. The tide is forever in quivering forms. Yet there is beauty in the way the figures sit, a calm in the exciting exercise for life’s sake. Time is forever in turning sails and moments constructed for the weathering of space and travel when harsh Squall perceived the deluged. Where are these inexhaustible Dispositions, these sounds to first utter the song of life. I want to hear this Song of Songs and Ballet to the grace of Ouayet caressing hymns. Listen as it wanders into the ears of man and whispers a prayer of Tolerance for the Middangeard yet harshly speak to the soul. Don’t lie in your speech and yet don’t comfort the weak. Be as you are and your voice shall sing in the tune of navigation until the sun reaches the moon. Siyabonga for how I see you full and Siyabonga for how you return from distant stars and a form I can love to learn. I hear the Song of Songs and now I collapse to the weight of its existence, this is the allure of your frequency and the power of your youthful butterfly. May the sail cast shadow of your safe returning to the Enterprise of a slight smile.
Rashan, your letter is a beautiful expression of longing and admiration. The imagery and metaphors used create a sense of deep emotions. It is evident that you have put a lot of thought and passion into your words. Well done!
Thank you I appreciate it I try so hard sometimes to come up with the right words for how I feel and they come up sometimes in this metaphysical passion I can’t explain lol.
It’s supreme to see, the difference between guided meditations between poets. The way one’s words can give spirit the will to steer a movement. And the lost of the spoken word to preform in-front of gods when its lost in moments. This pine box that kept lock the pillars of actions, and thoughts which keep me in motion. It’s these times when a call from god can give you the Courage to defeat the cowardice of self service to societies involvements. But it came from an unsealed person, who wasn’t washed by the addictions of personal cues to batter the isolated person. A personified hue-man who gave me the impression to be a super soldier. So buried alive was the feeling that my words wasn’t enough to spread a revolution.
In the ever-changing dance of life, I find myself surrounded by reasons to be grateful. Each day, I am presented with a vibrant tapestry of experiences that remind me to appreciate the little things.
College is like an exhilarating adventure, where knowledge thrives and dreams are nurtured. It’s a place where friendships bloom like stars, illuminating the nights with laughter and love. These cherished moments with friends bring me endless joy.
My family is my sanctuary, providing unwavering support and serving as the glue that holds everything together. And then there’s my boyfriend, a guiding light through life’s waves. His warmth and love create an anchor where my heart finds solace.
Life throws hurdles our way, testing our strength and resilience. But it’s within these challenges that we truly discover our inner power. Embracing these hurdles becomes a testament to our resilience and marks the beginning of new journeys.
I am grateful for the gentle kiss of each sunrise, for a love that grows deeper with every passing day, for those moments of pure bliss. In this symphony called life, gratitude soars like the notes played on a beautiful melody. I hold onto all that I cherish, now and for all time.
Rebecca! This is so beautiful. College is such an amazing time of your life. I am so glad you are enjoying and soaking up every minute of it. And I always notice in your pieces your love for the people around you. You are so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support. There is nothing better in life. Thank you for sharing and thank you for…read more
In the moment I share the stage with you, a man amongst the ruins of personality and beauty. Your words inspire me, the qualities of a man that I climb the ladders of ancestry and slowly achieve this image you see. A brave man who stepped into his skin, exhibiting scars of times when processing your riddles of masculinity was a mystery. A formidable opponent where it would take decades of pruning for me to finally grow a sturdy garden of belief. And yet you carried me a seed to term and watered me with wisdom and love In the soils where nothing returns. I’m grateful for you graduating in your class of life my gratitude shakes the core of my soul. You leave me in physical shock and ache for your eyes closed to the stars of cancer as they pinch the life away from you into the emotional sea’s of heaven.
Shine bright star of stars, and shine bright your dreams into mines. So elder star in the sky reuniting the DNA inside. Collect the God in you and rain down the ideal of your life.
Rashan, Rashan, Rashan, whew, this is good and so powerful. You are amazing. There are so many reasons for you to be grateful for the man you are, the man you will be, and the man you have always been. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. You are amazing. <3 Lauren
In the center of a classroom, where quietness emerges,
Upon a platform of education, a narrative is being shared.
A quiver in my voice, a tremor in my spirit,
A journey away from familiarity, towards a distant objective.
A cloud of nervousness, a cloak of unease,
A stumble in my speech, oh, so evident.
A sentence felt like a demise, words difficult to guide,
Reflecting upon myself through their eyes.
Shadows of judgment, perhaps real, perhaps not,
An inner turmoil, a daunting idea.
My words, they stumble, they hesitate, they fought,
Yet in this struggle, a noble lesson is learned.
Each syllable a challenge, each pause a difficult situation,
In the depths of uncertainty, I search for guidance.
A multitude of faces, a dizzying height,
Nevertheless, I stand firm, prepared to confront.
The sound of laughter, the whisper of sighs,
An unspoken poem of quiet despair.
Yet amidst the chaos, a mythical bird resides,
From the remains of fear, bravery will arise.
I stumble, I stutter, yet I proceed,
In the face of adversity, a victory indeed.
For it’s not in perfection that heroes are bred,
But in the tireless spirit that refuses to concede.
The words may not flow, as smooth as the breeze,
But every stutter is a step, every pause is a tease.
In the heart of the struggle, I find my ease,
For in the echo of my voice, I’m learning to seize.
So here I am, beneath the scrutinizing sun,
My journey of self-discovery has just begun.
A stuttering start, a war not yet won,
Yet, in every spoken word, I find myself spun.
A daunting task, a fearsome trial,
Yet every struggle is worthwhile.
For in the silence of my speech, there lies a smile,
A testament of courage, crossing the mile.
So though my voice may waver, and words may fray,
I rise from my ashes, in the light of day.
For it’s not the eloquence, but what I say,
That truly matters at the end of the day.
Rashan, This is absolutely beautiful and filled with so much wisdom. I love this line…”I stumble, I stutter, yet I proceed,
In the face of adversity, a victory indeed.”
It is such a wonderful metaphor for all of life. Keep pushing forward. Keep pushing those boundaries and crossing those milestones. Your heart is both strong and beautiful. So…read more
Thank you 🙏🏿 for reading and sharing your thoughts it’s really amazing since I been here and just not being afraid to share my experiences and feelings is really refreshing. I hope that you keep positive thoughts and energy about your work as long as you love it that’s all that matters.
Lost in a whimsical realm of ethereal shadows,
I find myself captivated, unable to escape this mesmerizing pandemonium.
Ensnared within a labyrinth of disheartenment and forsakenness,
The echoes of desolation reverberate through the very air I breathe.
From within me, arises an ardent yearning,
A desperate longing for a guiding star to emancipate me from endless darkness.
Through convoluted corridors of entitlement’s snare,
Truth and virtue hang scarce, like precious gems just out of reach.
I meander aimlessly, a wayward soul deprived of purpose,
Amidst the chaos and muddle that envelops me in its suffocating embrace.
My weary thoughts veiled in a shroud of ambiguity,
As I diligently scour for solace, yet it eludes my grasp like a fleeting whisper.
Yet, deep within my core, a stubborn flicker persists,
A flame of hope that refuses to flicker out, consistently nourishing my spirit.
Within this despair-ridden maze of adversity,
I shall persevere, relentlessly seeking my very own radiant beacon of light.
Rashan, Your words paint a vivid picture of the struggles you face in this whimsical realm of shadows. The yearning for guidance and the search for truth and virtue are tangible. Despite the chaos and mysteriousness, your resilient spirit shines through. Keep holding onto that flicker of hope and persevere in your journey towards finding your own…read more
My presence Is a Present
I’d say kiss my ass
But 9/10 times you probably already did
Or at least fantasized about it
Don’t take my love for weakness
Or my heart for granted
because when I hit you
with the access denied
You gone panic
I’m a prize
But I’m not a trophy
I’m a treasure
But I’m not just for your pleasure
You can’t pick me up
and put me down
When you don’t want me
I promise you
I won’t sit around and collect dust
Waiting and debating
Should I stay or should I go
Because the difference
between me and a trophy
Is that I won’t be around
when the dust settles
Because I don’t settle
I’ve wasted too much
Of my time
Trying to be patient
But you can lead a horse
To water
But that doesn’t mean it’s gone drink it
Like what makes you think
You can play with me
I’m more than what you see
dope vibes
And energy
So don’t you dare
Come to me
Past your prime
I’m not sorry to say You’re out of time
You should have been
On your knees
Worshipping me
I’m a Queen
Better yet a Goddess
I surpass the constraints
of the program
I know
who I am
and who I be
So nothing you do
Can phase me
You can’t even
Amaze me
I’m priceless
So my presence
Is a blessing
And you’re ungrateful
I don’t have to be with you
To know you ain’t faithful
I can tell by your distasteful
Inconsistent lukewarm ways
My presence is valuable
And you missed out
Someone pour out
Libation for them
Feel sorry for them
Because I don’t
Dust settles
But I won’t
I will always be worthy
Of love
I don’t need them
To justify it
They knew it too
That’s why they sometimes
Treat me the way they do
I’m the most
Precious thing
You could have ever
Held in your hand
A heart of gold
Love as endless as grains of sand
A pure soul
A smile that’s a work of art
A body only the creator could design
And if you don’t think I’m worthy
That’s perfectly fine
Thank you I appreciate you for providing a platform where I can be vulnerable and be my most authentic self. I’m finally being heard and I’m overjoyed that I get to be apart of this community.
Thank you so much Alisha I’m glad I moved you. And hey I’m going to request you to be a pen pal I love your energy! You just made me smile so hard I love your one word description. I felt magical writing this piece
Why am I worthy of the utmost respect?
This can only be answered with a short summary that is very emotional.
I was an unwanted, and unexpected baby, born to a young mother that didn’t really want to be a mother. I’m told that my mother left me in wet diapers, that burned my sensitive baby skin with urine. I’m told that she left me crying and did not meet my emotional needs. This was proven to be the case.
I was bounced around and handed over to anyone that would take care of me and to many that didn’t.
Due to this, I was unable to form bonds, or form healthy connections to others because I didn’t feel safe. That’s the easy and less painful way to put it into words. I never believed that I had a purpose. Until my grandparents decided that enough was enough. I’m told that my grandfather saw something special in me, and that he believed that I could break the family cycle if he were to take custody of me. That my friends was the beginning of the rest of my young life. It wasn’t easy growing up in a very broken environment. I have been in therapy since I was 4. Unfortunately, I had to do some of it with a very detached mother. At that point, one starts to realize that they have to protect themselves. That they have to be strong. Also, that they are worthy of love. It’s not easy at all, in fact, it’s one of the loneliest battles to fight. My best friends became my stuffed animals in my bedroom and each day I would line them up in my room and ask them how we could solve the problems of the day. A bad visit with my mother? Check! I was a bad girl today. Check. I didn’t know which end was up many days because my decisions were made for me in court by a judge. I had to have the visits that would lead me deeper into the spiral of self confusion and insecurities.
I spent most of my young life trying to gain the approval of my mother. Instead, I became her biggest disappointment which she would almost always let me know. Michelle, why can’t you be more like your sister. You’re such a wimp. Such a cry baby, overly sensitive etc. Her words burned into my heart and I couldn’t quite figure out how I was so different from others. Generational Trauma is real. Also known as generational curses. Breaking that cycle is very hard. I fought for years. I fawned, and I tried to be the image of what my mother wanted me to be. I am now 45 years old, and both my grandfather, and my mother have passed away. I lost my mother in 2019 and we were estranged at the time of her passing. When all of the painful memories start to rest their ugly heads it is my Grandma who encourages me now. She supports me and when I cry to her, I tell her I feel as if I am just floating here on earth, it is her words that keep me going. I no longer float along this life because I know that I was born to fly. We all deserve respect. We are all worthy of love. We are all beautiful hearts and our purpose is to try uplift the broken. To love the unloved. To encourage the hopeless and to help others accept who they are with no judgement.
That my friends makes me worthy of the utmost respect. The journey that I have fought through the last 45 years.
*Hopefully this writing makes sense and touches souls.
Trauma has taught this woman that she deserves nothing more than 100% respect. We all deserve the utmost respect.
Michelle, of all the pieces you’ve written, this is by far my favorite. You told the story so well, and in a way that is so powerful. I am sorry for that your beginning was so difficult, but you have taken all that negativity and hardship and transformed it into a grown woman who has incredible compassion and love for others. I am praying for your…read more
Thank you so much Lauren. It was a deeply personal piece to write. I am sorry glad that you like it. I’m so grateful to be a member and do feel at home and safe to get these pieces out. 💜 Thank you for your prayers.
As the sun sets and the centerpiece finds its place, we contemplate: where do we, in our differences, stand? Vibrations of our imperfections magnify, birthing expressions of distrust and anger, like flowers flourishing in the harshest conditions.
Yet, firm we stand, forging a bridge of verbal cues, a path where misunderstandings are not barriers, but stepping stones to compassion. In the face of disagreement, I nurture the tender seedling of respect.
We gather, our words painting ideals that soothe the soul’s unrest. Hands reach out, meanings intertwine, and in the midst of it, we welcome a vibrant spirit of life.
We strike the match of observation, and in our symphony, the merging respect hums a keynote. A song carried on the winds by the mature muse of mothers, giving life to images that often stand as concepts. We act in unity, living out the meanings of these actions, even when they diverge from our own.
In time, I earn your trust. The understanding light in the eyes of my peers, peeking into my perspective of wisdom, nourishes the garden of respect, cultivating gratitude on the vibrant leaves of our shared journey.
Does this resonate with the respect I’ve earned? Through engaging dialogues and shared experiences, respect becomes my emblem, not for agreement, but for understanding. This garden, a testament to seeds sowed with patience and empathy, is my deserved sanctuary. Even when our views diverge, respect bridges the gap, a testament to the power of understanding over agreement.
Rashan! This is so true: “Even when our views diverge, respect bridges the gap, a testament to the power of understanding over agreement.” Respect has so much power and can bridge so many gaps. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
You were the lock that kept us together.
A divine grace which sweep the insecure adolescence, and brought many to be loved in essence. Like lessons we to hold to mistakes in time and grew to understand the deception of divide.
Like a mist I was clouded for we were the stepping stones to a peace of Eden. In unity we found solace, a bond unbroken and never to be hidden.
For you were the lock, and we the key, a tapestry of love forever woven.
Aww this is very sweet. It sounds like having a love so strong and beautiful is how you are creating change in the world. That is such a sweet sentiment. <3 Lauren
"Language of Love: Feasting on the Black Beauty of Seasons"
Behold the celestial canvas above, strewn with the starry gems of our dreams, shimmering in the darkness like a black velvet cloak. Such is the beauty that captivates our gaze, and as we reach out to touch it, we are blessed with the manifestation of love.
The touch of language, like a soft caress, weaves a tapestry of words that paints a picture of seasons in black. And in the midst of this monochromatic beauty, we find the essence of true love.
Like a graceful dance, our hearts sway to the rhythm of this elegant language, and we are enraptured by the sublime beauty of it all. And as we feast on the sweet nectar of love, our souls are nourished and our spirits lifted to new heights.
For in this black love of seasons, we find a sanctuary of peace, a haven of hope, and a promise of eternal joy. And so we dance, lost in the beauty of this moment, grateful for the gift of love that has been bestowed upon us.
Rashan, I feel like this poem is such a wonderful reflection of your ability to see what really matters and what really makes people and the world beautiful. Thank you for sharing!!! <3 Lauren
This is a beautiful stance on love and happiness. The way you describe love is so detailed and unique. Using the universe as a “canvas” to paint a dazzling picture. Thank you for sharing
Beautifully said. Life has many stages and I can see why many people enter the cocoon phase. I myself have entered this phase many times. Every time you reemerge from this phase you become stronger and more beautiful than before.
I love this … it’s like you are giving yourself a blank slate to emerge into the next phase of your life… a launching pad to experience the greatness you have to offer the world! Love it! <3 Lauren
beautiful, a view from the cocoon, a place we tend to overlook in rush towards wings. Lucky for us, we can return and rebuild them to fly in a new way.
The cocoon stage is a great form of symbolizing the flow of life and the changes we go through. And it’s also a very good form of imagery and in my opinion this counts as a double entendre because the cocoon stage has to do with butterflies and the changes they go through to be the best form of themselves and this can also symbolize the changes we…read more
Rising Above Tragedy: A Letter of Resilience and Solidarity for Ralph Yarl
Dear Ralph,
I am writing to you today with a heart that is heavy with sadness and a mind that is filled with outrage. The news of your shooting has shaken me to my core, and I cannot imagine the pain and trauma that you and your loved ones are going through.
It is as if a storm has descended upon you, a storm that you did not see coming and were powerless to prevent. And yet, in the midst of this storm, you have shown remarkable strength and resilience. You are a beacon of hope in the darkness, a reminder that even in the face of senseless violence, there is still love and compassion in the world.
The path ahead of you may be long and difficult, much like a winding road through a treacherous landscape. But I know that you are strong enough to navigate this road, and that you will emerge from this experience even stronger and more determined to make a positive impact on the world.
It is my hope that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call to all of us, a call to action to stand up against the senseless violence and injustice that plagues our society. Let us work together to build a world where young people like you can walk freely and safely, where the color of your skin or the zip code you live in does not determine your fate.
As you continue on your journey of recovery, know that you are not alone. You have an army of supporters and well-wishers behind you, cheering you on every step of the way. You are a symbol of hope and resilience, a living testament to the power of the human spirit.
I send you my deepest love and support, and I pray that you will find the strength and courage to overcome this storm. May the sun shine brightly on your path, and may you always know that you are loved and valued.
We truly cannot imagine the pain and trauma he and his family has gone through. It really isn’t fair for something so traumatizing to happen to someone his age. Thank you for sharing
Unexpected Wisdom: How a Stranger's Story Changed My Perspective
Dear Stranger,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the positive impact that you have had on my life. Our deep conversation while playing Viking chess was truly enlightening, and the wisdom that you shared with me about life, love, being a man, and the hard work that it takes to receive blessings has stayed with me ever since.
I remember how you spoke about your own struggles with self-doubt, and how you overcame them through hard work and perseverance. Your story about how working out and reading books helped you during your time in jail was truly inspiring. It was clear to me that you value your family and are determined to make things right with them.
I also appreciate the way that you shared your vulnerability with me. It takes a lot of courage to open up and speak honestly about our struggles and doubts. Your willingness to share your story has taught me the importance of being honest with ourselves and others, even when it is difficult.
Your words touched me deeply, and I am grateful for the time that we spent together. You showed me that no matter what challenges we face in life, we can overcome them with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. I still think about our conversation often, and I wanted to express my gratitude for the wisdom that you shared with me about life, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. I also appreciate the way that you listened to me when I shared my story about the death of my child. Your words of comfort and encouragement helped me to see that even in the darkest moments, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow. Your reminder that we all make mistakes, but it’s what we do with those mistakes that makes the difference, gave me hope and strength to keep moving forward.
I remember how you found my passion for art, the universe, and the occult sciences of the body interesting. Your encouragement to reach out to others who share these interests and to teach them about the things I love has stayed with me. Your words reminded me of the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with others, and of the joy that comes from connecting with like-minded individuals.
There is a quote you told me that I never forgot do you remember it, it goes a little something like this.
“The greatest gift that we can give ourselves is the gift of self-belief. When we believe in ourselves, anything is possible. We can accomplish our wildest dreams, overcome our biggest fears, and become the person that we were meant to be. So let’s believe in ourselves, no matter what the world may say, and let our inner light shine bright.”
This is something I always keep in with for when I’m down and out or just need a remember of that conversation we had.
Thank you for sharing your story with me, and for being a positive influence in my life. I wish you all the best in your journey, and I hope that you continue to inspire others as you have inspired me.
Rashan, this is absolutely beautiful. I am sorry about the loss of your baby. But this stranger is right. There is growth even in our darkest moments. I think the fact that you took the time to listen and really take the time to absorb what this stranger told you is a testament to both your open mind and your open heart. It sounds like this…read more
I appreciate you welcoming me into the family and enjoying the writing and expression I bring. It’s really great opportunity for me to share and read everyone’s work.
I’m so sorry that you lost your daughter Rashan. I’m sure that must have been very hard for you. Sometimes in life we go through a lot of suffering wondering why things happen. I’m glad you were able to learn from your regrets and build yourself up for the future. We aren’t perfect but we learn from our past.
Thank you for your kind words and understanding. It’s true that we all face challenges and regrets in life, but it’s important to learn from them and grow. Your empathy means a lot to me.
It can be helpful to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Many people have faced similar challenges and have found ways to overcome them. It’s…read more
I know that this letter is a cry for help and a plea for answers. Since seeking help through therapy these are the questions I have for you and hope when this reach you that they can be answered. I just want to know if I’m still here, if I’m still alive, and if I’m still fighting the same battles. I want to know if I’m still trying to find my place in the world, if I’m still trying to make my mark, if I’m still trying to make a difference.
I want to know if I’ve made it, if I’m still here, if I’m still alive. I want to know if I’m still struggling, if I’m still trying, if I’m still learning. I want to know if I’m still searching for my purpose, if I’m still trying to make sense of this world, if I’m still trying to make something of myself.
Most importantly, I want to know if I’m happy. I want to know if I’ve found my peace, if I’ve found my joy, if I’ve found my contentment. I want to know if I’m living life to the fullest, if I’m living life with purpose, if I’m living life with no regrets.
No matter what, I want you to know that I love you. I want you to know that I’m proud of you. I want you to know that I believe in you. I want you to know that I’m here for you. I want you to know that I’m cheering for you.
We may not have the answers now, but I hope that by the time you read this, you have found the answers you have been searching for. I hope that you have found your place in the world, that you have made your mark, that you have made a difference. I hope that you have found your peace, your joy, your contentment. I hope that you are living life to the fullest, with purpose and without regrets.
So you know therapy has been going great, getting to be in touch with my thoughts and how to express them. There are rough days when I feel the disconnect between my emotions in regard to others, but it’s a start. So I hope we worked on it more and discipline ourselves on that aspect of ourselves It’s something much needed to help deliver the self love and growth we always talked about. The search for these questions have somewhat improved since implementing therapy to our lives.
I’m sure that a lot has changed since I wrote this letter. I’m curious to know if you have children now or if you are still a nomad, drifting off into the abyss. I’m also curious to know if the development of your own soul has changed since you looked in the mirror. I’m sure that you have grown and changed in many ways since then.
I’m so excited to hear all about your successes and failures, and to learn more about how you have grown and changed since I wrote this letter.
Rashan, This piece is so powerful. You are clearly doing everything you can to heal and empower yourself and live your best life, not only for yourself but also for others. As for having more answers, I believe we may not always have all the answers we want, but we already have all the answers we need. Keep growing. Keep healing. And never lose…read more