Purple SKY
This thing called life
It’s your chapter
No matter if this is your CHAPTER 1
Or your CHAPTER 21
Life isn’t just short
It’s precious
Don’t be alarmed when it’s only YOU
Even if your sky is Purple
And not so much of the color baby blue
Don’t forget the one up above chose YOU
Don’t give up
Do it afraid
Because GOD knows the true YOU
You see
Life doesn’t accommodate our trials
Nor does it wait until things are just so perfect
The moment when we hold on to something so tight
We slowly start to feel that fright
The fright of letting go
And the fright of the what IFS (of course)
THIS THING CALLED LIFE
We continue to ask ourselves
Can I do this ?
Is it me you chose for this assignment GOD?
This thing called life hits a little different
But, It’s ok to be different
It’s ok if your sky is purple
It’s ok if you have to rehearse before it’s time for your actual rehearsal
It’s ok to be in the PRESENCE of your own moment
Even when others are so far gone in their future
Don’t worry
You will get there
You will get to the finish line
Now to be honest
Maybe not as fast as Track star Ms.Richardson
But soon
Dare to be different
Even if your sky is purple
Who cares if you’re a little different
This thing called life

-Rayven Washington

In isolation’s deep and shadowed fold,
Where silence reigned and stories went untold,
A broken spirit found its healing grace,
In faith’s soft whisper, in the sacred space.

The world was still, the pandemic’s grasp so tight,
Yet in the stillness shone a guiding light.
Through walls of worry, faith began to blaze,
And from the ashes rose a hopeful gaze.

Caring hands with love’s unyielding strength,
Brought solace in the darkened length.
An elder’s plight, a storm’s fierce roar,
Tests of faith that opened new doors.

A mother’s pain, a locked-down world,
Where hope and hardship seamlessly swirled.
In those quiet, strained, and fragile days,
A divine vision lit my weary ways.

From every tear and every trial faced,
An inspiration gently graced.
A vision of care, a balm so pure,
To soothe the skin, to heal and to endure.

Through Urban Meditation’s open door,
On 5th Ave in Naples, my hopes would soar.
Or online, where dreams and faith align,
Essential Art Skin Care finds its shine.

Crafted with a spirit strong and true,
Each product born from trials and through.
A testament to faith’s enduring might,
That turned dark days into hopeful light.

In faith, I found my strength renewed,
In every challenge, purpose accrued.
Resilience built on trust divine,
Guided my hands, and made them shine.

So now these products tell a tale,
Of faith that prevails when all seems frail.
A journey of the soul, of skin and heart,
Where divine strength and hope impart.

For in adversity’s harsh and testing storm,
A life of faith and care takes form.
And through each struggle, doubt, and tear,
Faith’s ultimate power draws ever near

Dear Unsealers,

A few words about the beauty of goals.

Pinnacle?

Bright lights shine
Impossible
Eyes open wide
Remarkable
The moment, it rings
Forevermore
Here you stand
Commendable

You worked so hard
Your dreams, they grew
You cried so much
You thought you knew
The struggle, is real
Here we go
There you rise
Unstoppable

Success, it beats
Like a drum
The scared young girl
That was
Stands here now
A Queen
I’ve reached my goal
This diploma means

Joy consumes
Me to my core
A great delight
Worth waiting for
The surprise one finds
In reaching goals
Is the gift that
There is still much more

Dessmer A. Mims

“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.”
-David McCullough Jr.

Dear Sophie,

Remember when you sat on the stairs of the two-story farmhouse, head in your hands, overwhelmed with the self-imposed task of saving the world?

Guess what?

We are now 24 and the world is far from being saved. But let me tell you a story about how you got everything you thought you wanted only to find out it wasn’t what you wanted at all.

At the ripe age of 12, you decide you want to be a war correspondent journalist. You identified the gaps in the mainstream media storytelling and your compassion drove you to want to be a voice for the voiceless.

Over the years adults told you no. This is a dangerous dream and you are too pretty and dainty to go to waste in a war zone. Why would you want to endanger your life?

You ignored them.

Your dream drove you through the grueling years of high school. Like a horse drawing a carriage, you put on your blinders and kept your ears forward, focused on your long-term goal.

Flash forward to your senior year of high school. You get accepted to a myriad of journalism schools and decide on Seattle.

You walk into your first college journalism class and the professor deadpans; “So we are all here for passion and not a paycheck, right?” You smile and laugh with the rest of the class.

You learn about media systems around the world. You learn your chosen profession has a body count. Your questions are a corrupt world’s worst nightmare. You bring light to the darkness.

Arming yourself with questions, you find yourself published by 20, pulled into the harrowing world of investigative journalism.

Safe from behind your laptop, you interview and research and listen intently to your mentor as he tells you of Russian Oligarchs and Israeli Spies, lawsuits, and retaliation. You adopt a mindset that you are a justice warrior, too young to understand the consequences of leading with an ego.

You begin to understand the role of the journalist. Your job is to uncover bad news and move on to the next bad thing. You chase the darkness of the world and to your naive surprise, the world is a dark, dark place.

You cry.

You switch to cyber security and learn from professionals in the field.

You talk to them about your dreams and they remind you that at the end of the day, how are you preparing for retirement? They explain changing priorities to provide for their families.

You realize lawyers have the power to investigate and have more agency for advocacy. You tour law schools and pick up books for the LSAT.

One lawyer says; “I wish people would tell me they are in for money and not justice because justice doesn’t exist.”

You ponder if this is true. What are the risks of adopting this mindset? Is this the reality of the world?

You cry.

All this to say, Sophie, while your career will continue to change, your dream remains the same — to be a voice for the voiceless.

Hold onto the dream, but don’t be disillusioned; you are learning the resiliency it takes to be a truth seeker. The harsh reality is that if this is your calling you better toughen up.

Listen only to those who are living the life you want. Block out the rest. The world is bad but it is also good. There is nothing in absolutes. If there is injustice, there must be justice. Refuse the crab bucket mentality. Remain flexible and open. Remain an individual. Do not give up hope.

Remember; you don’t have to go global to make a difference. It starts small.
In the wise words of Gandhi — be the change you wish to see in this world.

With love,

I remember thinking that I’d get sucked into the drain along with the water after a bath. I know now that it was because I could not see what was on the other side. Just a baby in the universe, so it made sense you know? My Ama would laugh & tell me not to be afraid…I believed her but I still didn’t know what was on the other side.
I remember looking at these little pieces of me- afraid of going down the drain after a bath. But I knew what was on the other side, so I’d laugh & explain how it wasn’t physically possible to go down the drain. But they were babies… so none of it made sense.
I remember opening my eyes to see God before me, laughing- with the same adoration in her eyes that I had when my babies clung to me. She was confident that there was nothing to be afraid of & amused by my fear of the unknown.
I realized a few things then, but mainly that I was just a baby in the universe. Afraid of silly things that I don’t know yet & things that I can’t see. I can bet that if I just have faith to keep going wherever life leads me, I will find myself on the other side of what was once unknown…& I will probably laugh. So I want to encourage the readers to let go of fear & go forward in peace. You don’t need to know what is on the other side, you don’t need to play it safe or set limitations. I promise you will get to where you need to be if you just persist. It would be a much more pleasant experience if you do so in peace. So have faith in yourself & in your ability to achieve your desires. You are here for a reason and it’s your job to make it there.

If you find yourself getting frustrated because you haven’t gotten there yet, channel that energy & label it instead as motivation to keep going. Your soul is telling you that you’re so close. If you find yourself in a stagnant place, take that time to recharge. There is so much beauty in the now and you only get one chance to be present in the now. Just be, before the moment is gone. That faith will remain in the back of your head- what’s for you will always be for you. Expect it just like you know to expect the reflection in the mirror looking back at you.
We do not have to fear the unknown, we’ll know it one day.

A Dream of Magic
By Emily Thornton

As the youngest
I was given chances to test
Different sports, jobs, hobbies
My parents didn’t jest

Reading was my bread
And imagination, my peanut butter.
One thing brought it to life
The world of magic.

I am not talking little childish tokens
But large elaborate illusions.
The first rule of learning magic
Never tell how the trick was done.

My mother gave me the chance
To perform tricks at her office.
By chance a news anchor
Had come to cover the event.

A burst of courage,
A twist of fate
She invited me to perform
On the morning news!

I was elated, a youth
Such as myself
I had to create
A whole routine.

Perhaps fate decided
The best date
Fell on the morning
Of All Hallows Eve.

The crack of dawn
Where light only makes a hint
Packed up my tricks, In my too big coat
I was off to the stage.

I remember the stage
So small, but gargantuan on tv.
I shared space with the Chef
Who taught how to make tacos.

Then it was my turn,
Miked up and read to go
The camera turned on me
Colors and streamers abound.

What a fun day was had,
The anchors made me laugh
Kids at school saw me
While eating their breakfast.

Honestly, these tricks and magic
Helped keep me grounded
When my world tended to collapse
With reality and hardship.

Today when I show my sons
That magic is real
And enhance my magical life
Into a side business of tarot.
I think back on that day
And twist of fate
That made my life truly magical,
A dream made real.

Dear Unsealed,
WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE
DARE TO DREAM
Since I am almost seventy-five
I will tell you a story of my life behind my eyes.
I was one to read music magazines,
All the boy bands and whims
Of rock and roll
Blues and soul
At the incredibly youthful age of ten.
Yes, I did begin to dream to win.
I worked hard.
Played hard.
I studied hard.
It was the seventies,
Then the eighties,
Then the nineties,
I worked at the LA Times in the eighties.
End of the eighties
I was working as a makeup artist.
And let us wind down there.
You might not have time to spare,
As I have thousands of stories to tell
As deep as a wishing well.
The nineties were good,
As I was forty going on twenty-five
As it seemed to a few bees in a hive.
My first dream job was The LA Times,
But I met a man and forgot to be sublime.
My second job per say
Happened in freelance journalism and film
With my new guy
And no rhyme at that time
I worked with The American Indian Movement in the nineties.
I met john Trudell,
And that went well.
We were there to interview
For a documentary film
The Palomino Club of North Hollywood
So, I have stood
In so many good places and even on a whim.
I met Sonny Bono, the Mayor of Palm Springs at a POW WOW
So how
Did I do that you say?
That is for another day.
I joined up with Women in Film
On a whim.
The nineties came along
To sing another song
I met another guy,
A music writer by trade.
My new guy took me to a special party
In Burbank,
To a Christmas party
Really swank.
I dressed up in fancy high heel boots
To walk by my guy in his suit
My dress was a tight mini skirt and top,
And all were cream of crop.
We drove there to the valet,
Then I walked into the door with my guy
Waving at friends in high places
We were sitting at our reserved table
To wine and dine at the insatiable
CMA
Country Music Association Christmas Party
Music, dancing, food, and ‘party hardy’.
I could go on to tell you more,
But I will say later my friend
Before you get bored.
MUSIC TURNS MY WORLD!
This is a tiny burst
Of my adventures of blurs
And good times
Of rhyme
Or reason
For the season!
Love is real
It’s a deal
Of the good, the bad, the ugly
Of time spans of decades
Of love, heartache, laughter, blues
Facades
Of time
To smile at my life
The strife
At almost 75
I have written a song
From my back pages of strife of life.
My song, “I Woke up Alone”
The song
Was published on Apple
A full song on Spotify
Of life, love from above
To be a woman at 75
Alive
Still rocking & rolling
To the beat.
The publication of my song
Was to say the least
My newest job of sweet sighs
Of “I did it.”

It’s okay if no one sees things from your point of view.
Not everyone has the same heart as you.

Why does the world lack so much empathy?
Let’s try to understand each other, agree to disagree.

You can’t make people change, you can only control you.
If they refuse to want better, there’s nothing you can do.

You can’t force people to see you for who you truly are.
Yet, you continue to shine like a twinkling star.

Some people are blessings, while others are lessons.
Good people will always leave a lasting impression.

Sometimes, things are better left unsaid because there’s nothing left to say.
True colors will be revealed when boundaries are at play.

Healing isn’t linear, so extend yourself some grace.
Be gentle with yourself as things slowly, fall into place.

It’s okay to love others, but love yourself more.
Self love can open doors you were blind to before.

When life gets you down, shake it off and step up.
Adversity can be disguised as an overflowing cup.

Never give up on yourself, the best is yet to come.
The worst part is over, you’ve already won.

Mistakes are gonna happen, nobody’s perfect.
Just remember, in the end it’ll all be worth it.

I learned life’s biggest lessons through trial and error.
You can weather any storm, no matter the weather.

Hi Joanne this message is or you
I’m writing this down because some things have come true
I found a love in someone who treats you as a Queen
I also know people who appreciate your dream
Your poetry has touched so many lives, many are out of sight
You are no longer being teased for being too skinny or your height
You bring joy to those around you
No more feeling isolated in a corner, and believe me it’s true
Your words fill lives and so many different pages
It’s touching everyone, in all ages
No more having people steal from you for their own personal gain
You turned into a beautiful woman and have your own personal fame
You’ve overcome so many obstacles, your blessings are pouring in
Not only do you see it in the physical sense but also from within
Your story is not over there is so much more to be said
But I had to write this quickly before I got out of my bed
Your future is very bright so don’t you dare to worry
Take your time growing up there is no need to be in a hurry

This life’s a high-thrill roller coaster ride
with climbs and drops, with loops and turns— you blink
and future’s past— it’s transience defined.

Cry.

Or don’t. It matters not, for wheels still clink.

Along the track of destiny we fly,
entrusting cars attached by tungsten links
to comfort whether plunging from the sky
or taking corners, screeching, on the brink.

There are no brakes, nor gear that’s marked reverse.

Since seatbelts won’t keep everyone from harm,
enjoy the passing scenery of Earth
and all its blurry, ever-changing charm;
remember nothing lasts— not hurt, not mirth—
so, open up your eyes and raise your arms.

Hi sweet heart.
How are you doing?
I see you standing there,
Alone in dark, cold rooms,
Trying to brighten them with laughter and smiles.
All while the weight of raising adults at such a young age crushes you beneath its state.

I wish I could tell you it gets better,

Because we always believed everything would be alright,
As I held my pillow to confort me
crying myself to sleep at night,
But we both know we’re bad at lying,

And that would be an egregious one.

The truth is ….

And I hate to say this…

It’s get worse

And worse, and worse,

And I’m so sorry but
Im here to tell you we can’t control any of it.

So don’t try or else you’ll tear us apart.

It’s simply
a very dark start

To our story,

But if anything I want to prepare you

Give you a look into the future of tommorow.

So Brace yourself.

We lose all of our closest family members
mom as you already know ,
But Too young to yet comprehend.
Watching that coffin close again,
And…Mikey
The pain of a loss you thought you’d never understand
As they buried our brother in ashes
We hold our own hand
Ourselves,
our only friend,
No savior on the other end.

The ones that actually seemed to like us and care,
Are no longer there
So we’re left with the ones that hate us
Yet smile in our faces
A toxic fueled mess of toxity and stress you never wanted to ensue
But nevertheless,
They do.

As they maim, mock, and hurt you .

I’m so sorry for how they blame you
Or For the way you blamed yourself as if you could change fate
Saying if you could just change
Your whole life would rearrange?

By rearranging yourself.
Being anything, anyone else,
But ourselves.
Because that is deemed the worst hell.

I’m here to tell you you can’t
make them love you or change them
Especially not by changing or blaming ourselves.

And though we argue that we aren’t,

that’s not true.

Because we branded ourselves with their actions,

And can’t see clearly enough to know how to escape from the reactions.

I’m sorry it hurts so much that in the process of changing ourselves we were only crushed, and rushed to grow up,

But I can tell you from the multiple suicide attempts

Death isn’t the answer for us.

But the truth,

Is in case they haven’t told you
I’m so proud of you,

Because despite our pain
The one dream that always comes true,
Is your strong
And we can make it through.
Even if it’s by ourselves
we face the fires
And walk through.
Always the one lesson to stay with you

It had been months . Sometimes preplanned but mostly self invited, her visits were routine. She consistently crept into my head night after night to be my recurring dream.

But who was she?

She was openly Prolife! That’s the way she had always felt…in an apolitical kinda way. Always wearing her heart on her sleeve ,her calm,self assured,mature demeanor was intriguing to some and threatening to many.
Who does’t struggle with that pesky wont go away water weight, right??
So did she. But she owned it.
Her blemishes, her assessts, her faults, her perfections, her idiosyncrasies- they were all her’s. She took pride, protected and flaunted every inch of her being.
What surpassed her outer charm was only her inner beauty.
She was a natural nurturer and a compulsive giver. Her warmth and kindness was magnetic. Everyone wanted to spend time with her, some lusted her and many craved for a piece of her.
But where there is beauty there is also the unsuspecting beast lurking close by.

Her naivety led her to those who knew no better.
Repeatedly tortured, abused,
stripped of dignity, she was abandoned and left to perish.
Her frantic pleas for help fell on tone deaf ears.
She felt violated. Her spirit molested, her body brutalized and her core being shattered.
She had lost the will to exist.
Plunging herself into flames one day, she let the heat engulf her entire being.
Taking with her, her progeny that was impregnated in her belly.
And just like that one night she vanished.
I rubbed my eyes, and came out of my slumber. And it all made sense.
Awakened by a rude reality, finally I could see.
She was mother earth and watching her silently go each night was me , you and everybody.

“Born New”
A poem about the importance of hope

By Ariana Cooper

“A needle my dear…
Why, doesn’t that scare you?’’
I said, “no sir, go right ahead.”

For that painful poking feeling,
that leaves others reeling,

I’ve come to accept and not dread.

The strong scented soap,

Trying to learn to cope,

My life under a microscope,

The coldness of the stethoscope,

Tellings of my horoscope,

Struggling to stay afloat,

MRI lights, like kaleidoscopes,

Feeling i’m at the end of my rope,

Opening mystery envelopes,

Receiving prayers from the pope,

Feeling like I’m in a sinking boat,

Searching for the antidote,

Being treated like a dope,

Bystanders that tease and provoke,

Always being overshadowed,

Clinging tightly onto hope.

My most important lesson learned,
is that hope NEVER stops,

A nagging earworm of a song, a catchy tune, a bop.

Hope is like a tiny voice that you must not ignore,

Through our struggles, through our pain, although our souls feel sore,

They can’t hurt me anymore,

Though I feel rocked to my core.

Now that I am so much wiser,

I’m not a quitter, I’m a riser!

I may still only be a teen, with wisdom beyond my years,

For from a young age, I have learned, we all eventually face our fears.

Fear is a LIAR,

But hope’s like a choir,

That sings and inspires,

Burns strong like a fire,

Makes darkness lighter,

Makes a walker a flier,

‘Cause hope takes you higher.

The problems you have do not define you,

Your courage, your strength, your truth, will shine through,

How do I know? Because I have been blue,

My soul has evolved, a completely new hue,

A rainbow of colors, for I am born new.