Activity
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db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self sharing what you love most about him/her 11 months, 2 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 11 months, 2 weeks agoWelcome, July!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the 4th of July!
A Happy Independence Day to those who are celebrating today. I hope that all of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.This poem is three days late, my welcome to July.
I don’t know why I forgot to post this on Monday. But Lauren’s reminder of the latest writing contest ending reminded me to post the poem.I just wanted to let you know that without further adieu…
Welcome, July!
Six months have gone by, six new months are hereAmid summer’s low and slow grind
The days are ripe for possibilityA month of celebration
From the Great White North, sea to shining sea and Allons enfant de la Patrie
Champions crowned in Berlin, Miami, London and Nice
Before the athletes of the world take center stage in ParisWho knows where this month will go
Not even I know how the days will flowI’m sure of one thing, though…
As sure as the summer’s changeable skies
And the flowers blooming all aroundThe next thirty-one days will fly by
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 12 months agoOn The First Day Of Summer
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
Today is the first day of summer, the longest day of the year.
Though the summer solstice won’t be official until 4:50 PM this afternoon, the season has already made it’s presence felt in the midst of a heatwave.
Though, there’s plenty more to the season than the heat and humidity. This is a time of year to soak up everything that the late sunsets have to offer.
As is my wont to do, I wrote a welcome to the new season coming up.
When the summer solstice dawns
The seasons change againWith it, the longest day of the year
As the sun sets past 8pmHazy days, sultry nights
A time of year where time slows downFrom mid June to mid September
The world’s come to life
From the streets, sands and seasSoaking up the warm rays of light
As one does
When earth is closest to the sunWelcome summer and your mercurial ways
For a stay over the next ninety four days -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years agoHappy Father's Day!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the third Sunday in June. The month’s going by fast, isn’t it?
With today being Father’s Day, I wrote a poem to mark the occasion. And provided a family portrait from my sister’s college graduation to go with it. I hope everyone’s having a wonderful Sunday.
Without further ado…
On the third Sunday of June
A celebration of fathers
Fathers, fathers to be, grandfathers, uncles and all fatherly figuresWith all the love to those that find this difficult to celebrate
For the father figures no longer with usHere’s to the strength and wisdom
Brought in every conversation and actionTo the love and joy in each moment
May they be honored and cherishedTo my dad and all the dad’s everywhere
I wish all of you…A Happy Father’s Day!
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years agoWelcome, The Month of June!
OswaldPerezDear Unsealers,
It’s June 1st. It seems crazy to think that six months of 2024 have gone by. Though the summer doesn’t officially begin until later this month, the season feels like it’s in the air today.
As is the case with every month of the year so far, I wrote a welcome note for June.
Welcome to June!
30 new days are here
Closing out the first half of this yearThe month is a bridge between seasons
Starting in spring, and ending in summer
Filled with celebrations of pride and fatherly figuresDays are getting longer, then they start to get shorter
The pace of life begins to slow down
As warmth moves in, we’re all hanging outdoorsWhen you wonder aloud….
How did we get here?! It was winter five minutes ago
And spring moved by in the blink of the eyeThe calendar is blank once again
Ready and waiting for new memories to be made
Sitting and watching the waves roll on by -
roses submitted a contest entry to
Write A Poem About Where And When You Feel Most At Peace 1 years agoMy Wrist Watch Hands Point to Peace
RosesI invented a new season for life because I got tired of the winter spring summer fall pattern
My paisley doesn’t like to conform to the depression of polka dots only on the pocket square and not the entire outfit
Where’s the art in the plain white t?
I see the aesthetic, but I want the screaming art to argue with my calm voice
It’s the beauty in the pain that you can’t see until the scars have enough time to grow wings
I used to feel most at peace listening to music on my bed as a haunting sleep would close my eyes
I used to feel most at peace under the dim lights of cinema pumping hope into my veins where I had blood run free
I used to feel most at peace on the solidarity of solo ventures between the court and I
It would hum deathly echoes like lullaby’s to my heart
This trinity became my medical addiction as pride got in the way of God
Then over the years my coffee finally became cold, and I missed the warmth of summer
I could smell my own toxicity deeply rooted and swallowing my faith
So, I questioned myself through the tears, I marked the points of pain with my pen, and dug up the weeds I planted and reaped
This time I will sow truth within the uncomfortable moments
Because in this season until forever I’m most at peace on the grounds of the earthquake
Knowing that I can’t move forward unless I shake things up
Staying in a comfortable pattern only leads to a broken record repeating the line you hate to hear
You are meant to break records
p.s. peace is born in the growth of pain…Voting is closed
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You are absolutely right! We look for peace in the calm parts of life, but really peace is everywhere, especially in growth. I love the creativity in your words for example when you said, “I invented a new season for life” or “I could smell my own toxicity deeply rooted.” Your mind is clearly incredibly creative and I am so glad I had the honor of…read more
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Thank you for your kind words, I’m so thankful you enjoyed this piece. I hope you find yourself being more uncomfortable like the poem in order to grow!
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“Staying in a comfortable pattern only leads to a broken record repeating the line you hate to hear“ can we share this to the world! The stagnant waters where people’s remains remain.
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Yes, totally more self-reflection and challenging ourselves in order to see a better world from the better version of us, is where it starts. Thank you for sharing your time with this piece
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roses submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years agoYour Age Shouldn't Worry
RosesI’m currently 13 and the only thing that makes sense is sadness
So, to cope I like to hear melodies caress my ears because I’m too damaged to hug myself
Then I’ll let my pen tell stories of love and horror for the simple fact that I’m afraid to love myself away from depression
I get the impression that an early death is the only way to escape to peace
But I’m afraid so for the time being I’ll clean my room since I can’t find the energy to organize my life
I just found an extra cassette tape in my music collection next to the pile of CD’s and Records
Complementing the art hanging on the wall adjacent to my mood
I think to myself: curiosity let’s have a conversation where you tell me all the secrets Victoria victories made me hate
The tape starts with no words
The opening scene let’s nature sing before the score interrupts
Then some old guy starts speaking about life like he knows me, I’m in no mood for a lecture but I have time today
After all I was just thinking about ending it all, how could this hurt more
He says: There’s a wealth beyond financial peace within the things we blink past every 24 hours
Try not to take for granted the natural order of life around you
I know the stress will have you crying rivers on the inside that you never let water your cheeks
But you need to face your fears, or the dam will explode
You need to Yoga flex your way through the challenges less flexibility become a weakness
Not your strength; muscles are for show, but the morality of your core can lift you past anything if you water your flowers of dread
“Be like water my friend,” and if I’m being bru-tal-ly honest you lie to yourself too much
Fright has kept you in third place longer than you should have been
Unable to reach the heights you are meant for
Remember the natural order of things, but know a long list keeps your further from progress than small steps of truth
You’re 34 now and just entering your prime
The next decade will be the soundtrack to the whole of your life
The season from the age of 13-32 was just a small slice
My teenage brain begins to become bored and 34 is forever away
And right before I was about to stop the tape he said something that made me think, maybe he knows a little something:
“You are the most coveted rose”… you see I love the floral print of life
And this statement was the first time outside of my parents that I felt worthy
He then went on to say
You’re beautiful in full bloom but still walk like a sunflower with its head down
It’s ok to be a lazy daisy sometimes but remember the sun never stops smiling and the moon never stops dreaming
So, neither should you
Your tulip words are meant to be heard by the world
And one day they will, as sure as a daffodil
Will blow it’s horn of victory past everything that has held you back
Just keep fighting and I promise you will win
p.s. don’t be afraid to cry…Voting is closed
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The way you write from the perspectives of then and now shows how far you have come and how much you have grown. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for sharing this space of growth with me!
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Yea and another thing, I like how you talk about your strength and flexibility, because those are two of the cornerstones of wellness! So many layers!
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Very much so, and I had to learn to accept my brokenness to become well again…such is the journey of mental health, THANK YOU AGAIN!
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“You’re beautiful in full bloom but still walk like a sunflower with its head down
It’s ok to be a lazy daisy sometimes but remember the sun never stops smiling and the moon never stops dreaming
So, neither should you.” This is a beautiful sentiment. I am so sorry you hurt so much as a child, and I want to give you the biggest hug. You are a ros…read more-
Thank you Lauren, it was all apart of the journey to now…and I’m ready to spread my wings !
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“I know the stress will have you crying rivers on the inside that you never let water your cheeks
But you need to face your fears, or the dam will explode“
Wow!!! Have you written a book? You really should and let me know so I can buy!!! I finish mine 2023 and currently waiting for a miracle with the person I asked to write my foreword 😀-
I just released an eBOOK entitled Random Thoughts (which encompasses all of my favorite topics of poetry I like to address, along with a few that don’t come up as much). If you’re interested, I can send you the link…once again thank you for sharing this moment with myself and poetry!
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Yes, share the link, please! Thank you!
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Claps for the author, get those books out to the world!
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 1 months agoMother's Day
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers:
It’s the second Sunday in May.
I wanted to wish all the mothers in this group and Lauren’s mom too, a Happy Mother’s Day!
I’ve written a poem to mark the occasion:
The second Sunday in May
A day to honor all the motherly figures in our livesMothers, aunts, grandmothers, mothers to be
To cherish them for all they do
To hold their memories in our hearts
More than these words can possibly sayMothers are the backbone of the world
This fact needs to be repeated
Today, tomorrow and every dayWith all the love if this day is too difficult
All the comfort and joy aboundFrom me to you, I wish all of you
A Happy Mother’s Day! -
roses shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 1 months agoWriters Block
RosesThe Tortured Poets Department has a writer’s division that has to approve every poem before it goes out
And my mind is tired of being held hostage
A loose-leaf definition of writer’s block was once defined by the utter of: I don’t feel like writing, this isn’t good enough, my hand only works for the remote today
Then she interrupts my train of thought to ask: why have you never wrote a poem about me
It’s not that I haven’t
There are 100s getting as comfortable as you can be in the waste basket
The last poem I Kobe shot, Melo made, and Curry posed to the trash can started like this:
An eye lash is trying to make your cheek more than just a Sunday service sanctuary
It wants a home
I know you’d like me to remove it
But who am I to destroy a home
I can’t help but think how beautiful you look with that eye lash
As it rests there like a pair of doves flirting on a branch not far away from me
What are you starring at, she exclaims
Oh, nothing I reply, today I’ll let the eye lash remain
On
Your rosy cheeks, kissed by my dead rose petal lips
Reminding you of the time we went camping and you hated that you smelled the outside
You hated that you smelled like outside
And I kept teasing you but hiking, visualizing, and tenting next to nature is maybe the closest thing to
Falling asleep to your beautiful
Falling asleep to your beautiful
Falling asleep to your gorgeous
Ugh, I can never find the right words to describe a tenth of your gorgeous
And it makes me want to drop dead out of frustration
Because the writers need to feel exactly what I do when they read:
Holding her hand is to get a glimpse of forever before I die
Holding her makes my heart resemble the flight of a butterfly
Holding her hand is to hold my battles in the palm of my hand and make them cry
The writers consist of a delicious various assortment of personality; often referred to as me, myself, and I
Every time I get ready to seal this poem to you the writer’s block me from letting you receive it
p.s. I haven’t learned to love myself enough to love you…-
Aww Roses, sending you the biggest hug. There is a lot of softness in this. I hope you learn to love yourself because you have so much love to give. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
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Roses, this is beyond amazing. I’m in love with your poetry. Wow. Whatever you do, don’t stop writing…
Lorinda-
Lorinda, thank you this means so much!!!
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Thank you, Lauren, it has been a journey but I am finally in a space where self-love is more common =]
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roses shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 1 months agoThe Last Breath of the Flame
RosesThe clock, the watch, the phone all have eyes that watch from the view of 2 AM untamed
Heart rates jumping like the heat of the flame
Me plus You is a movie, what is the name
Our love doesn’t fit in the frame
So, cameras get jealous of the panorama pane
Real love never goes without pain that can be immense
So, if you’re hurt let patience play offense
Slow dancing with your memories is a nostalgic essence
Sweat dancing with the burning scent
Wick burning with confidence
Mirroring our silhouette, naked thoughts present tense
My hands without your curves, a death sentence
Each kiss turns a page of my sixth sense
I don’t need a third eye to see your imperfect contents
Table this: beauty is born from cracks so use the hurt as accents
She is priceless so keep your two cents
Temptation is off limits but I climbed the fence
The candle falls asleep to our aroma, hence
The flame goes out, conclusion love making after an argument
Sweet dreams enter in the tango of sheets, legs, hearts, rest swiftly to the comfort of her name
My heart is tied to yours, no more games
I’ve played tug of war and came out lame
No more burns unless it’s from the candle tamed
p.s. this is what it feels like when peace kisses love… -
roses shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 1 months agoCherry Blossum Cheeks
RosesHave you ever let your mind sit under a cherry blossom tree
The poetic renewal massages the stress away the same way as the beach waves
Copy and paste, lying next to you is like closing your eyes under the sunset oceanside
A bright blushing sky with kisses of orange, and blue with a honeyed taste that simply grabs you
But nothing is as sweet as your sugar, under the shade of this suite
Fresh chill of a neutral setting is cooked by our body temperature
Peace in the reflection is bringing us closer
When I look back at how we arrived at this destination within the calm ripples I see a truth in the tomb of love at first sight
Our photograph under the light being born from fallen petals is a coveted site
I had to see the treasure I already had instead of searching for gold
That’s when our story began to unfold, I hate folding clothes
I rather unfold and devour deep conversations over shallow beverages
She likes easy ice, but I want more, as deep as the roots of this tree
The ying and yang
Discovering the ocean intricacies when it closes its eyes to dream and wakes up with a kiss complemented by a southern twang
She’s my main thang, calling my land line
Our language reads between the lines
Wrinkled with age or bitten white chocolate sheets
I love seeing your cherry blossom cheeks
p.s. you be the pink and I’ll be the red for Valentine’s… -
db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Write A Poem About Where And When You Feel Most At Peace 1 years, 1 months agoLatte's & Monday's Don't Bring Me Down
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
This is my answer to the question in the challenge…
When and where do I feel most at peace?
As the sun rises over the Canyon of Heroes
It’s the start of the work weekBut before I arrive at the office
There’s something that I need to do
The Monday morning ritualAs I take my seat in the cafe at 4 Liberty Street
I see the heart in my Matcha LatteAt the first sip, the world stands still
Only the daylight can be seenNone of the world’s troubles matter
With each extra sip, I feel warmed blissWhen the bottom of the cup is reached
I can take on the slings and arrows of the dayVoting is closed
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Aw, this is such a cute little poem. I love how you took a seemingly mundane task and filled it with beauty and emotion. I love that you can find peace in something so small 🙂 That takes a special skill that only the most resilient have. Thank you for sharing!
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 1 months agoWelcome, May!
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
It’s the first day of the month of May.
April seemed to go by quickly. As one does when they participated in National Poetry Writing Month.
The calendar resets for the next thirty-one days. Spring is in full bloom.
With the opening day of the month being a Wednesday, I welcome the month by way of haiku, an imperfect one…
As the fifth month begins
Thirty one new days arrive
A welcome, to May! -
opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter to the world about an experience that changed you or your life for the better 1 years, 2 months agoWelcome To Spain! ¡Bienvenido a España!
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
The following poem is a flashback to November 2015…
In the early morning hours
I stepped off the plane in Madrid
After a long, turbulent flight across the AtlanticAs I see the window ahead of me
I’m on the other side, en el Aeropuerto Barajas
With daylight yet to breakIt doesn’t look like I’m in Spain
But indeed I am!All the waiting and anticipation led here
To these eight days, my first trip away from home
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Sevila & Cordoba awaitTo think, this wouldn’t have happened
If I wasn’t told months earlier, “no”.I didn’t know it then….
I would learn to love traveling solo, joining group tripsThis was a celebration of turning thirty!
Voting is closed
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 2 months agoUnder April Skies
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the first day of April. And that’s no fooling.
I know, I can hardly believe it either as it felt like the year was just starting five minutes ago.
But we’ve arrived at the second quarter of this year. And there’s mostly a blank slate right now. That’s the beauty of each day though, the canvas is there for creation to happen in whatever form we choose.
With that idea in mind, I welcome in the month of April:
Under the April skies
A new month begins30 days, with a blank slate ahead
A breather after New Year’s, Valentine’s and Easter have all goneA month where rain falls
The flowers and leaves will surely grow
Under blissful sunny skiesSo will the creativity
In the midst of NaPoWriMo
The poems will come fast and furiousWith a new quarter of the year on tap
Where will life go from here?Under April skies
I’ll let the days and nights flow
From there, I’ll know where to go-
Oswald Perez, keep embracing the blank slate and let your creativity soar under the April skies. With the rain nurturing growth, immerse yourself in NaPoWriMo and let the poems flow. Trust the journey ahead as you navigate the new quarter of the year and discover where life will take you.
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maggiefaye submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to yourself about what you love about this chapter of your life 1 years, 2 months agoChapter 26 comes to a close
Maggie FayeIt’s March. Spring is starting to peek through the clouds.
I’m trying to move slow. I’m trying to be easy.
I’m working hard just to breathe.
I’m pining for control over my own body,
My autonomy feels out of reach.I am reminded how I felt at sixteen, when I made the choice to starve.
Then I am reminded of the Palestinian children and men and women,
Dark eyes pleading while they wither away,
Bombs reflected back into our view.
I am humbled.I am not the same as I once was.
Gratitude exists, albeit forced at times.
Growth and healing is an active choice.
I let myself transform.Voting is closed
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Aww Maggie, I am sorry to hear that you struggled with eating issues as a teen (I did as well). But it sounds like you are in the midst of healing and feeling healthier and stronger in every sense. I am not sure how old you are, but I got significantly better – dare I say all better in my mid-20s (around 26). A new environment and just writing…read more
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 2 months agoCerebral Palsy Awareness Day
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
The 25th of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. And the month of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the United States.
It hasn’t been easy to say that I have cerebral palsy. As it was so present in the years that I grew up, it almost became the whole story of who I was. But I’ve come around and accepted the fact that CP is a part of my life. Yet, it’s only one part of the larger story that’s still being written to this very day.
I’m more than the challenges present, and the same goes for everyone in the community in their own ways.
I’ve written something in honor of the day:
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
On the 25th of March
An underserved community’s turn in the spotlightI’ve had my fair share of challenges
From my eyes, my speech to my feet
But I’ve risen above all of it
To be me, a writer and travelerCP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being toldOn this day and every day
A reminder to everyone…People with Cerebral Palsy
Live lives of joy and wonder
Unbowed by the impossibleEven if things take more time to do
After all, we bring our full selves to the forefron-
CP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being toldOswald this is a beautiful line and piece. CP does not define your whole identity! There is so much more to you! you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lau…read more
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 3 months agoHappy St. Patrick's Day!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the 17th day of March.
After years of searching for Irish blessings to post on this day, I began to write my own.
With the luck of the Irish, comes this year’s version:
On this, the 17th day of March
A blessing from me to youMay your days be filled with joy
And all the craic spent in good companyFor the peace to ease weary times
As the rainbows fill the skies
Under bright blue, sunny daylightWith sweet songs sung in tune
Carrying this message far and wideIn this moment of Céad Míle Fáilte
From the Emerald Isle with love, sent across the worldHappy St Patrick’s Day!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh! -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 3 months agoInternational Women's Day 2024
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day.
I wanted to show a measure of gratitude to the women in my life, from my mom, sister and all of my female friends and acquaintances. Today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow.
It’s with that idea in mind, that the following poem comes from…
On International Women’s Day
A shout out to all the womenFrom all walks, ages of life
And all corners of the globeShowing backbone that keeps the world together
Through shows of tenacity, strength, kindness and loveI ought to know this for sure
For their courage and ambition
Coming to the forefront time and againI look up to the women in my life
My mother, my sister and oh so many more
As their encouragement makes me who I amWe celebrate them and admire them
Every day of the year, not just today - Load More
