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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months ago

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Dear Unsealers:

    It’s the 14th of February.

    A Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate the day!

    This is my message for this year. A time where love, kindness and compassion are needed more than ever before. Don’t give into the cynicism and darkness.

    I hope that you feel love and loved today, no matter where in the world you are.

    This is my message of love:

    On the 14th day of February
    We celebrate the spirit of love

    For friends, family, and loved ones
    For anyone that you hold, near and dear to your heart

    The feeling of love and kindness is needed
    Now, more than ever before

    It is easy to feel cynical amid all the advertising.
    Candy hearts and greeting cards are everywhere.

    Cupid’s arrow shot across the bow
    To everyone in this world

    May love spread to all corners
    On this day and every single day of the year

    From me to you, with all the love I can give
    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald, I agree that love, kindness, and compassion are needed today more than ever before! You never know what someone else is experiencing, especially with so much of our contact being digital. If you give someone a smile and an encouraging word, it can truly make a difference in their day. We should all make an effort to spread love wherever we…read more

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  • Liz shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months ago

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    Sticky dreams

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  • Titus Armon shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months ago

    Tomorrow

    I wish I had vision so I could watch you
    I wish I had candy so I could give to you
    I wish I had hands so I could touch yours
    I wish I had a voice so I could inspire you
    I wish I had courage so I could court you
    I wish I had the time so I could tell you
    I wish I had a store so I could sell to you
    I wish I had a pet so you could too
    I wish I had a bruise so I could show you
    I wish I had water so I could offer you
    I wish I had directions so I could guide you
    I wish I had style so I could compliment you
    I wish I had grace so I could remind you
    I wish I had a poem so I could share with you
    If not today then maybe tomorrow
    I can’t promise today
    But I promise I’ll think of this tomorrow

    Titus Armon

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    • Titus, I love the repetition in this poem. It really drives home the fact that if you could, you would. I think it’s beautiful that you wish you had all the things you listed just so that you could make another person happy. That kind of selflessness shows true devotion and love. Thank you for sharing your work!

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  • Anita Williams shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Unspoken Love

    Love arrives without a sound,
    like the wind that wraps around—
    not something chased, nor something planned,
    but fate that holds us, hand in hand.

    It doesn’t knock, it doesn’t wait,
    it finds you when your soul’s awake.
    When wounds are raw, yet hearts still yearn,
    love appears so we can learn.

    I dreamed of you before I knew,
    a shadow soft, a faded view.
    Your presence lingered in my mind,
    a love I’d seek, yet could not find.

    I see things others do not see,
    a love that’s rooted, wild, and free.
    Maybe we were both unsure,
    but distance made us need you more.

    The years apart weren’t lost in vain,
    they taught us how to love through pain.
    And now we stand where fate aligns,
    your heart beats strong—forever mine.

    Anita A Williams

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    • Anita, this poem paints a beautiful picture of the kind of love that is meant to last. Even though they spent time apart, it just made the love stronger. My favorite lines are “It doesn’t knock, it doesn’t wait, it finds you when your soul’s awake.” When love wants to find us, nothing we do can hold it back. Thank you for sharing!

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  • Cortney Valle shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

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    Sewing the seed

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  • Benjamin Fuller shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Shabbat Lamb

    I am the Shabbat lamb that was stuck in a pit
    Who watched as many shepherds passed by as I cried out for help
    But no one cared as they carried on their way
    For I was but a hindrance unto them and their pleasure
    For I was a spotted lamb,
    I was nobody’s treasure
    As I stared at the sky, I couldn’t help but to think that this was the end
    Starving for life, as I withered to dust
    Seeing the day turn to dusk
    And dusk into night
    Until the darkness blinded my sight
    I had given up hope, and accepted my death
    But just when all seemed to be lost
    There came One, who’s face shone like that of the sun
    He reached down and pulled me up from the pit
    And threw me over His shoulder as He said, “come with me little lamb”
    In awe, I asked Him his name and all He said was “I AM”
    He took me away to a place so near, yet so far
    And began to mend every wound, every scar
    He fed me until I was healthy and fat
    And turned me loose, to roam through His pasture
    And whenever I start to wander astray
    He comes running to lead the way back home
    Who am I to deserve so lovely a shepherd?
    Who am I that He would smile upon me with such pleasure?
    A spotted lamb, but yet I am His treasure

    Benjamin M. Fuller

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  • Mairi Vannella shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Apocalypse by Gaslight

    Terror and rage fueled panic
    Possesses all unfortunate enough
    To be afflicted by a sudden loss.
    With nothing to lose,
    They take to the streets,
    Demanding the scales of justice
    Be tipped in their favor.

    As the iron fist descends
    Upon the masses,
    A domineering voice proclaims
    This to be a
    Mere tantrum.
    We’re directed back to our
    Footballs and fictions.

    Places once frequented
    Without thought of danger or restriction
    Suddenly have five or six things (more)
    You need done beforehand
    If need exists to utilize them.
    Among patrons’ silent terror is read the memo,
    “This is temporary. We’ll help you soon!”

    You wake up from sleep
    And go into autopilot,
    Checking your phone for
    Any notifications you missed
    While you were sleeping.
    Next to texts from mom and the alarm,
    News outlets report suspension of law.

    Nothing is the same anymore.
    No longer is the everyday routine
    You’ve taken comfort in promised.
    You know you must be more vigilant,
    But you put your phone down all the same.
    “I’ll worry about it later”, you tell yourself
    As you slumber five more minutes.

    Mairi Vannella

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    • Mairi, this is a beautifully written poem about what it might feel like if the world enters an apocalyptic state. I love where you wrote, “Next to texts from mom and the alarm, News outlets report suspension of law.” The juxtaposition of normalcy and chaos leaves me thinking about how, even when the world is ending, we will still think about the…read more

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  • Stephanie Thomas shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Pink Love

    Pink Love
    Pink is the color of Roses & the color of my babies Noses

    Pink Posies bloom in Spring & my Lover gave me his Diamond Ring

    Pink is Cotton Candy
    Sticky on my Fingers
    The Sun Set is Pink & My Gaze Lingers
    Just us two here, a couple of Dreamers!

    As the Children run Swiftly away in the Sand
    A Pink Pooka Shell spins Softly in the palm of your Hand

    All things Pink I surely do Love
    The cheeks on my Sweetheart Oh Lovey Dove!

    The Lips of my Love so soft and so Pink
    My Lover teases Me with a Nod and a Wink

    Pink is Pastel
    Pink comes with Spring
    Pink is a Mood
    Hey Ho!
    Bling Bling!

    Stephanie Thomas

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    • Stephanie, pink is such a sweet and happy color. I love how you list pink items that are meaningful to you. Like you, I associate pink with springtime and it is most definitely a mood. Thank you for sharing this bouncy and fun poem! It leaves me looking forward to blooms and sunshine.

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  • marcusrwarner submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your fear (Sponsored by ProWritingAid)Write a letter to your fear (Sponsored by ProWritingAid) 4 months, 1 weeks ago

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    My love letter to adversity

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  • Blue Sky shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Fireworks

    Many a first kiss
    I have had during dating
    None compare to one

    Kissing my ex-wife
    For the date that will go down
    In my history

    We were looking at
    Two water turtles sunning
    On the rocks of the

    Confluence of two
    Rivers – the Sacramento
    And American

    I imagined those
    Two turtles were her and me
    On that summer day

    Getting romantic
    Watching boats on the river
    Seeing the drawbridge

    Take their stature in
    Yachts too tall to clear the bridge
    Now they safely pass

    My ex-wife and I
    Sat on a wooden bench on
    The wooden boardwalk

    Old Sacramento
    For both tourists and locals
    And those on a date

    Those such as ourselves
    We felt comfortable in
    Each other’s presence

    Our arms got closer
    Shyly meeting to see if
    There’s a connection

    Our hands met and touched
    Interlaced fingers, pure joy
    Nothing else like it

    I want this moment
    To last for my entire
    Lifetime with her hand

    Oh, it gets better
    Our waiting lips meet for our
    Satiating kiss

    It was more than that
    I felt ecstatic and high
    There were fireworks

    Behind my blue eyes
    Really blue, not just my name
    So many colors

    Those pyrotechnics
    In my imagination
    So very vibrant

    Filled with so much joy
    Is this the best moment of
    My entire life?

    My present, past, and
    The rest of my existence?
    I can’t know for sure

    Eighteen years later
    It still came close to the best
    But graduating

    Summa cum laude
    Was probably the moment
    Of my best triumph

    But damn, that kiss came
    Pretty darn close to the best
    Snippet of my life

    Five years ago, we
    Separated, then divorced
    But our first kiss is

    Indelibly etched
    Seared into the recesses
    Of my existence

    Will any first kiss
    Ever be better than the
    One I had with her?

    I have had many
    In the past five years
    None of them come close

    To the pure joy shared
    Between my ex-wife and me
    She has since moved on

    And now I sit here
    Crafting this haiku series
    Wondering if it

    Will soon be my turn
    To have a comparable
    Kiss with someone else

    Create something built
    To last more than thirteen years
    Give me joy again

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  • Kara Kukovich shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 weeks ago

    Finding Joy

    Fleeting, but oh so fine
    Is that illusive spirit joy.
    Like finding gold in a mine
    When expecting only alloy.
    Difficult to cultivate.
    Impossible to fabricate.
    Though to many it’s innate,
    It’s a puzzle trying to locate.

    I’ve seen it in a child’s eye
    While discovering new life –
    A beetle, bear, or dragonfly,
    The wonder is so rife.
    I found it in a hummingbird,
    When I was virtuous and young.
    We spoke not a single word,
    But to our souls we sung.

    It grabs me by the heart
    When music takes the reigns.
    Of this world I am a part
    As I dance in rhythmic refrains.
    Classical, rock, or blues –
    They all push me past the pain.
    Each note that’s spun subdues
    The ruckus in my brain.

    Sometimes it slips inside me,
    With that funny feeling – love,
    Consuming me with giddy glee
    Like the laughing stars above.
    It warms me to my core
    To hold my beloved close and tight.
    Always hungry, wanting more
    Before the moment’s taken flight.

    But if you want to find it,
    Don’t strain or look too hard.
    Regardless of your charm or wit,
    You may have to drop your guard,
    For joy is free to those who open
    Their head and heart and soul.
    Then you must throw a little hope in
    To capture it in whole.

    Kara Kukovich

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    • Kara, this poem captures the beauty of finding joy in whatever feeds your soul. I love how you describe joy as “fleeting, but oh so fine.” Though it is difficult to keep joy once we find it, it truly makes our lives worth living! As humans, we should always be tuned in to what brings us joy and try to cultivate it in our lives daily. Thank you for…read more

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      • Thank you Emmy! This was an interesting thought experiment for me because usually I write about my depression or difficult emotions.

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  • Dear Fear

    Dear Fear,
    I hope you know this whole thing is sincere.
    For the most part, I’m glad that you’re here.
    Even through the times when you’ve lit up my senses and sent this overactive imagination into a manic hyper-drive trying to analyze every worst-case scenario reading in between their unseen lines. Even when you’ve caused some opportunities that were offered to you and me to slip through these fingertips because my grip was too preoccupied. Even when you’ve supplied my mind with a damaging panic that I couldn’t quite define or properly manage. Despite the times where I tried to forget everything and run, there were also times where I tried to face everything and rise. So I’m grateful that I’ve been able to find some creative angels amidst the mist of what I’ve missed with you within and right by my side.
    You’ve led me to places that I would have never found if you weren’t around me. Granted, there are some situations where you came in while I was drowning in my emoceans that I wish I could replace. Yet, even then, you led me to some deeply challenging depths entangled in roots of the truth that we are all blessed. You’ve helped me preserve through the tears that tore apart my mind and chest, where there were tears which scared me from taking another step. You’ve broken the seal of how it feels to really feel real while facing situations that made it seem like life was coming to an end. You’ve done your best to protect me from regrets, mistakes, and early deaths.
    So thank you, fear.
    For being here.

    Style score of sixty four 😊

    Afton

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    • Afton, I love this line, “there were also times where I tried to face everything and rise.” Never forget the moments you fought for yourself and persevered. You are so strong and this piece is a testament to that. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • Fear of Failure

    FEAR

    Fear, what does it mean: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat?

    “He is prey to irrational fears”

    There are many types of fears, however they are three types I would like to refer to:

    The Three Types of Fear are as follows

    Rational Fear: Rational fears occur where there is a real, imminent threat…

    Primal Fear: Primal fear is defined as an innate fear that is programmed into our brains. …

    Irrational Fear: Irrational fears are the ones that don’t make logical sense and can vary greatly from person to person.

    Ok

    They say you should not fear no man or woman/ everything and fear God, so I leave with this:

    Do we respect God or have a fear of him? It is both. I respect, love and fear him all at he same time. Respect for who he is, creating of everything including me, love him because of the sacrifice he made for me, and fear his judgment if I do things that are wrong. 

    As a Strong independent woman, what do I fear?

    Failure 

    Now, I have to tell you what is failure: 

    noun

    lack of success.

    “An economic policy that is doomed to failure”

    Similar:

    lack of success

    nonsuccess

    non-fulfillment

    defeat

    frustration

    collapse

    foundering

    misfiring

    coming to nothing

    falling through

    fizzling out

    fiasco

    debacle

    catastrophe

    disaster

    blunder

    damp squirt

    flop

    botch

    hash

    foul-up

    screwup

    washout

    letdown

    dead loss

    dead duck

    lead balloon

    lemon

    fail

    cock-up

    pig’s ear

    snafu

    clinker

    View 2 vulgar slang words

    Opposite:

    success, the omission of expected or required action.

    “Their failure to comply with the basic rules”

    their failure to comply with the basic rules”

    Similar:

    negligence

    remissness

    nonobservance

    nonperformance

    dereliction

    omission

    neglect

    oversight

    I said all things to you, because I was neglected as child and always wanted give a performance. Scared to let anyone down to be washout, letdown and all words highlighted. I want to perfect and successful; however, no one is perfect expect for Jesus. Successful comes in so many aspects in career and life. The true meaning of success is: True success means staying true to a deeper sense of purpose, despite deviating from a superficial social norm. It means finding joy in suffering. It means having the courage to peruse one’s own journey when confronted by the fear of uncertainty. I have found some joy in my suffering and I will confront the fear of uncertainty. I have a deeper sense of purpose and I am out of the norm. 

    I want to share 13 steps to be successful in life: 

    Find a passion. To be successful, it is important to define what you want in life. …

    Show commitment. …

    Learn from the journey. …

    Have fun along the way. …

    Think positively. …

    Be honest with yourself. …

    Take away distractions. …

    Depend on yourself.

    &

    What words can replace “successful”?

    Synonym Drs

    triumphant.

    effective.

    efficacious.

    accomplished.

    achieved.

    complete.

    fruitful.

    perfect.

    Drake & Trey Songz’s song about success said all what is to be successful. They want the money, cars and the hoes. I want that too, lol. 

    In conclusion, I guess that is why I always wanted not to fail, not saying I did not, because I did have some hiccups. I made some mistakes. Did I let stop me? NO! I will never ever quit. I learned from my mistakes. I brush myself and learned from my lessons. When I fall, I get right back up and try again. Power of the tongue and law of attractions. Say something and will come true. So, I will not be a failure and I will l be a success. Fear is another emotion and do not let it overpower you. It is okay to be fearful or be afraid, however do not it is let consume you. 

    Nicole Angel Nieves

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    • Aww Nicole, I am sorry you were neglected as a child, but you sound like an incredibly strong and wonderful women, who won’t let anything or anyone stop you from living your best life. I really appreciated your definition of success. I love this line, “True success means staying true to a deeper sense of purpose, despite deviating from a…read more

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  • To Fear

    To Fear,

    Hey, how are you? I can’t stop thinking about you. Reminiscing on the first time we met, or at least the first time I remember meeting.

    Man, has it been that long? I was seven years old the first time you entered my thoughts. Your small voice whispering in my ear- “this isn’t forever, you will die”..

    “Mommy!!” I screamed. Mom came running to my bedside, “ what is it, what is it??!”

    “ I am going to die!” I cried, remember?

    Mom calmly replied “ Yes one day we all will die”. Even though mom sat by my side, one hand on my heart, one hand on my forehead.. talkin to me about the power of the beautiful, white light of protection..

    You fear, you stuck to me. With me. On me. Through all the stages of maturity.. child, adolescent, young womanhood . We’ve been inseparable.

    Like the time you reminded me if I should ever be happy and loved, it wouldn’t last.. I could die. They would die.

    You never left my side, fear. From worrying mom would crash in a drunk driving accident on the way home from the bar, to when dad and mom fought so badly the cops would show up.. you told me they would kill one another, eventually.

    Ohhhh reminds me when Maya was born, my beautiful daughter, making me a mom. I quickly realized I was no good as a mother, thanks to you, fear.

    I just knew that I would fail, is failing, all the time. Especially with you gripping my hands. Nudging me this is too, too good to last, it won’t last. Happiness. Joy. Serenity. Love.

    And suddenly, unexpectedly- I muted our connection. With breath. With movement and postures, mantras and mudras. Gratitude was my morning coffee when the first light made its way inside.

    You see, I started my life with you. For as long ago as I can recall, and through the decades of my life. Now, the vail is removed. I am content. I am comfortable. I aged well. I am loved. I love me, inside and out. Yet, here you come around again…

    I’m older, I’m wiser, how come you don’t care? For old times sake you whisper-“ hey, it’s too late. You’ve waited too long, you’ve wasted too much time fucking up,
    with love,
    with your family
    and children,

    So this I am healed now, happy, love, joy stuff? It isn’t staying. You’re gonna die, or you’ll experience the greatest loss you will ever know”

    that’s what I get for holding your hand, fear. All this time, all these years? You’re still here?

    Maybe you were trying to tell me all along? Teaching me to live as if nothing real lasts? That I will die.. I am going to die.. we will all die, one day. So treat yourself and others you love deeply with the truest affections possible. We never really are promised the time..

    Thank you, dear fear. How could I have not seen? The mastery of letting you go can only come from me..

    Style score was 100.

    Lisa Hassan

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    • Aww Lisa, this is so beautiful. I am sorry for the anxiety and struggles you endured in your childhood, but I am so inspired how you changed your relationship with fear over time. I love this part of your piece, “I muted our connection. With breath. With movement and postures, mantras and mudras. Gratitude was my morning coffee when the first…read more

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  • The Fearful Statistics

    “Fear nothing” people say, but we all quiver. Our hands tremble and nobody sees. We look at our phones, and see inspirational messages every day. The hustle of work, the chase of improvement. Everything’s okay. We know of the wonderful lives that exist. We see them on our screens. Possibilities exist, consistency, consistency, the motivational quotes state. But when we look up from our screens, reality may hit us. When looking down, we can’t look up. And when we look up, there is so much to see, to fill in, the empty canvas, more daunting than the instructions given by someone else, who might want to help, but looking out for their own statistic. The canvases of people’s lives are there, and we find ours hard to paint. People take a look at themselves and try, many succeeding, or so it seems. The numbers on the screen may consume.

    In college, as I sit in a psychology class, statistics are talked about. I’m scared. Fill out Question number 6. On it, there is a statistic that kids in the back of the class are more likely to fail. It is scientifically proven by a case study. I am a straight A student in the back of the class. A student whose family didn’t go to college; drop-outs, divorces, poverty, addictions. A student who has snuck in about 5 minutes late each day with a large coffee in hand. It is only the second week of the term and I feel the weight of the numbers squeezing me. I had considered a leave of absence, and the fact that I am even sitting in the chair is me fighting against the numbers.

    I am in the middle of a move, the stress almost crushing me, turning me into a number lost in millions. Lost. Oh, moves are one of the most statistically stressful events in a person’s life. I find this out, and feel better, although I have moved lots before, throughout childhood, many homes, never stressed like this. So, I get a coffee from the new shop downstairs, try to find class, almost late, almost thinking of skipping. Another statistic, more absences, higher risk of leaving. And I sit in the back of class, late for attendance. Second class, I am in the back of the class, my mind wandering, missing my name, speaking up about the end, and my teacher says, “oh, I don’t know how I missed that”. I know it’s me who missed that. A head to count when I often don’t know where mine is.

    After the first day of class, I had gone to the new coffee shop again, until dark. Would a statistic do this? On the third day of class, there was no new coffee shop. A car had crashed into it, breaking statistics, an unusual blip. I fear the statistics of everything. I don’t want to be another bad blip, shattering like the windows that left scrapes and bruises. I fear my name will be called and I won’t hear it. I fear the numbers will envelope me. I fear the screens that drown me, even with positivity that I’m afraid won’t be there. I fear, I fear, I fear.

    We all fight to not be a number, a statistic in our family, another head to count. We all want to be seen. I’m scared that we have turned ourselves into numbers. So, every day I try to change the formula. Spread words and my kindness, letting us all know we are not just a statistic, a number on the screen, and we can continue to fight against it. Even while sitting in the back of the class, I will not quiver, but know that there is no fight, just undivided attention to what is in front of us, not below or above, but straight ahead.

    Style Score: 81% (added lines between paragraphs though)

    Anna J. Sinnock

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    • Anna, this is so good and so relatable. I know I too have been afraid of what I might become or what I might not be able to do. And I have also been overwhelmed by the positivity and simplicity of the success and motivators online. For me, when I am exhausted and all feels like its unraveling I just remind to keep showing up – back of the class…read more

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  • bnahlmarkgmail-com submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your fear (Sponsored by ProWritingAid)Write a letter to your fear (Sponsored by ProWritingAid) 4 months, 1 weeks ago

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    Cookie

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  • “Ghostwriter”

    Dear Fear,
    We have been friends for a long time, at least, I thought we were friends. As I
    grew older, with experiences, craving the same ideas I have had since a child, I noticed
    a pattern in your behavior. Whenever I aspire to accomplish anything, that is when you
    show up with a list of filth that could go wrong. I noticed you have never offered anything
    that could go right. Though some of your theories present themselves to be potentially
    correct, there were some outcomes I have enjoyed that proved wrong. At first, you
    blamed my environment and family. Although I agree I grew up in a city with a high
    volume of crime, struggled with my family, and with scarce resources available to my
    neighborhood you bonded to my bones like the frigid cold whenever I had thoughts of
    becoming anything.
    Disguising yourself as a form of protection, I discovered that you never had any
    intentions of me facing anything. Do you remember that field trip in the second grade?
    We went to a professional Theatre in a nearby neighborhood called the Karamu House.
    There, we were in awe of a play we had seen, and that is when I felt that special feeling
    for the very first time. It is not a word, it’s a sentence… You remember that feeling, don’t
    you? The feeling that I can do it, too. You shifted all focus from me, shoving the
    thoughts and ideas of others in my brain. Ignoring my strengths, maximizing my
    weaknesses. I would spend most of my years taking your advice, when you had your
    way, that’s when you left me alone most. You fueled everything negative in my life with
    anxiety. I didn’t think I could pass the eighth grade, but I did. I didn’t think I would
    graduate from the Fire Academy, but I did!

    Instead of looking at things for what they are, you concentrate on the long
    shadow the task casts. I know the craft took time to learn and studying and repetition
    are utilized to be able to excel at some point, but you didn’t include all that. You
    welcomed more problems. I do not wish to concentrate on those things anymore.
    They’re getting in the way of me being efficient and trustworthy. It was to my surprise to
    learn that the great Halle Berry, Bill Cobbs, and few others began their artistic journey at
    the Karamu House honing their craft to become the amazing artists they are today!
    Then, there came that feeling. It begins in your heart, fills it up with stars burning from
    the inside out sending a sensation that takes you off the ground, and here you come
    with all your gravity. As I grew taller, a bit wider, I noticed that you hadn’t changed, still
    obese with old methods and ways of thinking became too heavy to carry around. You
    showed up in areas in my lower back, poking me in my temple, burdening the back of
    my neck. In some cases, you left me with no choice but to try, I needed to create more
    space to breathe.
    I took a chance and signed up for a few classes during college; there, I scored
    my first play! You were there with me, too. I noticed your hypotheticals changed, but not
    your thinking. Your list did not include what I could or couldn’t do; it involved if I would be
    able to apply the techniques I’ve been taught. That revealed to me you noticed
    something different about me, that I’m further from where we started. I met someone
    new in those times of doubt and worry as I waited for my cues in the wing backstage.
    Someone named Faith cheered everyone on, massaging the areas you made sore,
    preparing me to go out and do the best I could. With faith, I don’t have to think so much
    and with you, I would like to become acquaintances now to limit how much energy you
    drain from me. I feel like you are necessary when I must cross the street or walk at
    night. I have had the pleasure of working and meeting some great people in the
    community, and developed into a fine artist, still learning to become better. I am thankful
    for the opportunities I have been able to explore, one of them being in not one but two
    productions held there, the place where it all began, the Karamu House. It was difficult
    writing this letter, considering how you think, and I believe there are times you want the
    best for me, but you lack being aware of keeping the best from me. You understand all
    of it too well.

    Sorry,

    Kymistry

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    • Oh my, Kymistry, this is a wonderful piece, and I bet you are brilliant on stage. I am so glad you stopped allowed that voice of fear and anxiety get in your way, and you have begun to pursue your dreams. The sky is the limit from here. Keep facing your fears, and have faith that there is so much greatness within you! Thank you for sharing and…read more

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  • Hi, how are you?

    Dear Fear,

    Hello. It is nice that we meet, finally. We can thank me for that. Although we have been neighbors all these years, all I know is that you merely exist. Therefore, I admit, I have avoided the thoughts of what you consist. There was even a conversation had with my imagination. I ordered that there be no paintings of you in my mind. If I was to erase every aspect, then every glimpse would need to be deteriorated, as if history did not bother to include you. However, deep down, I knew the life of you still wandered through me. I also knew eventually we would gaze upon each other similar to a child seeking the stars of the night. Hi Fear, how are you.?

    Amber Jimenez

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    • Amber, it sounds like you know fear is there but you do not allow it to control your life. Knowing it’s there but being able to manage it so it doesn’t interfere with your life is a true gift/talent. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • Away with you, Fear

    Each day I go through the motions
    Fear of abandonment
    Fear of rejection
    Fear of slipping into depression
    Here I am—
    Fearful of anything refraining me from existential satisfaction

    I am but an organism
    A display of God’s creation
    Making choices
    Turning left, turning right
    Made a mistake
    Mmm maybe that’s not quite right
    I fear I’ll never learn the way

    A glimpse of insecurity
    Then doubts creep in
    Losing my mind
    Forsaking my sanity
    Now I’m wrapped waiting until a spider devours me
    Lack of mental discipline has stricken
    A simple insect, a simple human
    I used to feel whole
    Now I fear what started in my mind
    will continue poisoning my soul

    I eat, I eat again
    Body skinny, fat, healthy, weak
    Hhhh I breathe
    I could be lazy and limp
    Or even exercising daily
    But to no avail
    With whichever I choose
    My body is here or moves there
    I fear I have no excuse

    Laughter with a friend meaningless
    Life with or life without sun
    Mom & dad, sister, brother
    Who have I become
    I fear I’ll never figure it out

    A janitor working hard, humbly
    An accountant sitting back idly
    Which career am I supposed to have?
    Money, potential greed
    I fear the green will never be enough to succeed

    Needing the validation
    The ability to express our person
    I do this, I wear that
    Aren’t I such a trendsetter
    Do you see my purse
    Do you like my hat
    I fear we’re all just carbon copies

    I see the sky, it’s blue
    Something bad happens, I feel blue
    The grass feels fresh under my fingers
    So does everybody I come into contact
    But at the same time nothing feels new
    I fear I’ve lost the privilege of my senses

    Yearning to fulfill a life fulfilled
    Enacting as my authentic self
    I fear to live a life mundane
    To be but a body & a given name
    I have reached the boredom
    I’m fearful of living a life so plain
    Take away the fulfillment or lack thereof
    Everything in between is what’s to blame

    Or is it?

    I won’t fear that every day is the same
    That I’m stuck in the repetitive cycle we call rat race
    I’ll relinquish doubt & follow my passions
    I’ll learn to smile everyday I wake
    That much I can manage
    Learn to be thankful for the connections that come my way
    Cherish my breath
    Say hi to a neighbor
    Thank my God & pray
    Dance like no one is watching
    Dance like everyone is
    Work on myself & that which I cannot face
    I’ll thank the animals that have been slayed
    To provide me a meal so I can live another day

    Away with you fear
    I’m in control
    I will prevail
    For I am standing
    In all my strength & demanding

    Away with you fear
    Suffocating negative thoughts
    It’s time I start being mindful
    A new practice I’m planting

    Style score: 68%

    Jiselle Marquez

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    • Jiselle!!!! This is another AMAZING piece. Reading it felt like I was reading thoughts from my own brain. I feel like it’s someone of a perfectionist’s/ambitious person’s thought process. But I love how you conquer those thoughts: “Away with you fear
      I’m in control
      I will prevail
      For I am standing
      In all my strength & demanding”

      You are so s…read more

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  • God Is Great, Fear is a Liar, Grace Wins

    God is great, fear is a liar, Grace wins.

    At first it won’t make sense.
    I overthink so much until I make myself sick—

    I often think about all the what ifs and all the coulda shoulda beens

    Playing images in my mind that break me down to the core…

    The images that bring out the waterworks & leave your eyes sore.

    The kind that have u grieving over something that may or may not be yours…

    Now you’re left with this weight on your chest & a knot in your throat

    The tears streaming down your face, re-living the pain

    —over — and over
    — and over again…

    I beat myself up not knowing wether I’ve done what’s right or wrong

    Too afraid to repeat past patterns
    Too afraid to throw myself back into the fire
    Too afraid of the damage that can still be done after already going thru so much pain & sorrow.

    I remember what happened the last time.
    & the time before that & I can’t help but think—

    What if it happens again
    —God
    I don’t know if I can handle it.

    They say old keys don’t open new doors .
    They also say leave old shit in the past .

    Each situation is its own.

    What if what failed back then, works for me now?

    People wonder why I’m such an over-thinker
    I hope you can see for yourself-how

    Look at what I just said—
    —Shits always contradicting & confusing

    It’s all a case by case basis
    —and none of us have the recipe for each situation

    All I know to be true — is you God

    But I can’t always see you.
    — and at times I struggle to feel or hear you…

    So I pray & pray.
    Hoping you’ll hear me say.
    I need you.

    I need you now as much as I did back then —

    I need to hear you loud & clear again .

    Like that day in my bedroom.

    You gave me a quick glimpse at my future but it quickly escaped to

    All a sudden I received a message but I don’t know where it came from?

    It said to me…

    Do you really think that laying something down at his feet —

    Reaching out to him daily.

    Choosing not to move-until you receive clarity.

    Trying to let him take the lead…Will somehow cause you to lose something?—

    To lose something thats destined for you ?…

    Absolutely not. On the contrary.

    He will bless you for your obedience.
    For you guarding your heart.

    For you refusing to accept-less than what is right
    — and not giving in to what is not .

    — and I know it will hurt to hear this but if it’s lost— it wasn’t yours to keep to begin with.

    I know it’s hard to be still but don’t stress it.

    Gods got this.
    He knows best not only where u are but where you are going.

    — God is great, fear is a liar, & grace wins.

    One day you will see you are not alone & you have never been…

    BeyondMe

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    • Aww, As a fellow over thinker, remember to always gives yourself grace. You so deserve it. I love this line, “He will bless you for your obedience.
      For you guarding your heart.

      For you refusing to accept-less than what is right
      — and not giving in to what is not .”

      Have faith. Keep your standards high, and trust that life will unfold how it’s s…read more

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