Activity
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Chasing Your Dreams group 2 months, 4 weeks agoout of the echoing cave
Jim Kelloggout of the echoing cave
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
2-2025the shards of glass
from the broken mirror
pierce the heavy and dark clouds
causing a turbulent storm
overwhelming and
tossing me around without direction
the invisible wounds have festered for years
leaking like droplets from a frozen river on a sunny day
i feel like i am trapped in an echoing cavethen…
i see her
my brave and cherished mother
a woman who shed her own tears
sometimes silent
sometimes wailing
she harkens me to the edge of the echoing cave
there…
she shows me an open window
an unexpected means of letting go
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Jim, this is such a beautiful poem. I love how in your first stanza you describe the turmoil you felt and how it seemed to trap you inside. When you shift to seeing your mother and finding strength in her strength, it seems like the pain you felt melts away. Thank you for sharing your work!
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Poetry group 5 months, 1 weeks agoand it came to pass
James Kelloggand it came to pass
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
12-9-24hailed as god among us
shaking to the carol
of the drum
the refugee king
uprooted
homeless
crossing a frontier
having regal status
having little status
ordinary
simple
no pomp or circumstance
who is to honor him
this poor boy
celestially chosen
an easy smile
a baby – not yet to be known
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James (Jim) Kellogg responded to a letter in topic Magical Moments 5 months, 1 weeks ago
Thank you for your generous words. Love is a mysterious thing.
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months, 2 weeks agoi have been shaken
James Kelloggi have been shaken
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
12-2-24
i have been shaken
by your trembling breath
slumbering in my arms
the melody it makes
when your heart is at ease
our bodies intertwined
our souls harmoniously dancing
the tune of unadulterated love
once in a lifetime magic
tears flow like nature’s uncontrollable fury
as i read this poem
i have been shaken
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James, thank you for sharing such a magical moment that you have experienced. I love how you stated “unadulterated love” that is the true unconditional love that most of us are seeking! I enjoyed reading this poem about how magical love can be.
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Thank you for your generous words. Love is a mysterious thing.
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James (Jim) Kellogg responded to a letter in topic Write a poem a letter about quote or motto that inspires you 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you for your kind words.
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James (Jim) Kellogg responded to a letter in topic Magical Moments 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you so very much.
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 5 months, 3 weeks agoi see the manger
James Kelloggi see the manger
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
11-15-24
(a great day — seeing the manger for the “first” time)i see the manger
through the eyes of…
the broken
shards of glass
stuck in their eyes
blood-red tears streaming down
their facesi see the manger
through the eyes of…
the refugees
no place to call home
just like the holy family
far beyond
a strange new worldi see the manger
through the eyes of…
the queer
rainbow blood
flowing through their veins
are they a part
of the covenanti see the manager
through the eyes of…
the abused
battered bodies
battered souls
battered spiritsi see the manger
through the eyes of…
the poor
the ones without
i was naked
i was hungry
i was sickI see the manger
through the eyes of…
the illiterate
those who cannot
for whatever reason
closed minds
vulnerable mindsi see the manger
through the eyes of…
the “unclean”
deemed so
by the plaster prophets
and the pew warmers
hypocritesi see the manager
through the eyes of…
the children
laughter
tears
wonder
paini see the manager
through the eyes of…
the words
spoken
sang
signed
left unsaidi see the manger
through the eyes of…
the shade of gray
the in between
fresh perspectives
blended thoughts
the impolitically correcti see the manger
through the eyes of…
the marginalized
those on the edge
no way in
no way out
trappedi see the manager
through the eyes of…
revelation
shaking with
sadness
joy
hopei see the manger
though the eyes of…
the mighty counselor
the son of god
the everlasting father
the prince of peace
god with usVoting is closed
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James, this is a powerful and moving poem! I am glad that you have created a strong relationship with God that can help see you through life’s challenges and successes. By doing everything with faith and certainty that He is our Savior, we can find true peace. Thank you for sharing this poem!
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Poetry group 7 months agoi am released from the shark tank
James KelloggHard and painful work have brought me to this point in time — of my journey. Thank you to those who have loved me into being.
i am released from the shark tank
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-21-24last night
i put down
the stuff –
the weight on my shoulders –
following a short respite
i will try my best
to leave it there
it…
a story of many twisted chapters
a warning to the masses
a memorial to a highjacked past
i am walking again
the uncertain path
the mysterious path
the exquisite path
one step in front of the other
i am certain to
once again
stumble
fall
rest
regenerate
but for now
i am reclaiming
my emancipation
from the imaginary chains
of your twisted and demented desires
i have removed my portrait
from the landscapes
of our shared story
i will tuck it away
to keep it safe
to keep it free
the past was stolen by you
the future is mine
the remanence
of your insane acts
for now
will no longer live in my head
i have survived
i have told the story
i have been believed
the raindrops of my soul
water the flowers of a fresh spring
a growing season
an awakening
a thrust forward
i am released from the shark cage
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 7 months agoGET OUT OF MY HEAD!
James Kelloggget out of my head
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-19-24tears…
raindrops of my soul
offer silent words
words of…
pain
misery
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!thoughts…
turning gears
of you
a weight on my shoulders
of me
trapped in the shark cage
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!why can’t i be alone in my thoughts
why do you always have to invade them
i’ve peeled back the layers
the stench of you
left behind
makes me shed tears
an endless springi no longer wish
to be a kettle boiling over
i wish
for comfort and peace
to allow little boy blue
to rest
at ease with his… my… thoughtsin your countless acts of rape
you tried to take away my identity
you created an imbalance of power
you bound up my dreams
you held a gun to my head
who would have believed me
who will believe methey said they were sorry
sorry for what happened
they don’t need to be sorry
you need to wipe-away
the cloudy skies
bring my darkness
into the lightbut…
you don’t have the guts
you don’t have the capacity
you wallow in your own confusion
…your own sense of misguided despair
be a man (whatever that means)
stand-up for what you have doneGET OUT OF MY HEAD!
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem of gratitude to yourself 7 months agodearest me
James Kelloggdearest me
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-17-24dearest me
thank you for…
showing me compassion and clarity
the gifts of understanding and patience
aiding me to uncover
the dirty little secrets
assisting me to repair the anguish
(defying language and raising philosophical questions)
showing kindly regard to my little boy blue –
my damaged and bewildered little soul –
helping me to move on byyour generosity of unconditional love –
a bottomless well –
has moved me to hug
the willow branches of sorrow
has empowered me to express
pride in holding my head up high
has given me bravery to stand-up
to be heard
to be counted
to be understoodbecause of you and
your captivating power
i have pulled the sharp and jagged knife
from my hemorrhaging heart
i have extinguished the blazing fire
ending the seemingly terminal pain of…
humiliating shame and
prosecuted guilt
i have reclaimed my glorious worth
gracefully facing the storms of lifewith love,
meVoting is closed
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James! This is absolutely amazing! What a beautifully written piece, so vividly describing how you have strongly and bravely faced life’s adversities. It is personal but also relatable. I truly love it. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 7 months agocrossroads
James Kelloggcrossroads
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-15-24love is just one loop
in the emotional
and mental tapestry
that makes up
a romantic connection –
intimacy
passion
commitment –let us not forget eros
love and desire
the opposite of cupid
arousal
getting turned on
an overpowering craving
safety
and vulnerabilitysex is…
hunger
energy
excitement
openness
transparency
a way of giving love
pleasure trumping performancegrowing apart
responsibilities
and commitments
yanking in opposite directions
drifting
juggling
obligations
timein conflict
turmoil
unrelenting
a few minutes
not enough
stuck with the unresolved
unfinished business
seeking permission to grievesaying goodbye
looking for courage
to end it
to savor it — what was
looking forward
phases
changes
a rich and varied crossroads
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James (Jim) Kellogg responded to a letter in topic Write a letter or poem to your younger self sharing what you love most about him/her 7 months ago
Laura, thank you for your kind and generous words.
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months, 3 weeks agorunning in slow motion
James Kelloggrunning in slow motion
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
9-30-24running in slow motion
at an exceptionally reduced pace
toward
away from
not content in the middle
looking back
with mixed emotions
hostility
satisfaction
looking forward
with mystery
a riddle
a question mark
creating a kaleidoscope
black and white
dazzling hues
unsteady
stable
mirrors and shards of broken glass
reflecting
challenging
creating madness
birthing sagenessrunning in slow motion
at an exceptionally reduced pace
closed doors
barriers and secrets
open doors
exploration and opportunities
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James, uncertainty is a big part of life! That is the beauty of it! Nobody knows exactly what they’re doing, or has everything figured out. Life moves on and we just have to keep moving on with it. Everything will fall into place, don’t stress. We are here with you ♥
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Thank you so very much.
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem a letter about quote or motto that inspires you 9 months agomy soul sings in silence
James Kellogg“You’re the song my soul sings in silence every time the world gets too hard to handle.” Tales of Ipsita
my soul sings in silence
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
7-4-24my soul sings in silence
it may be heard in the hush –
my lullaby –
on the breath of the wind
it intones joy and gratefulness
like a hummingbird in flight
quick, vibrant bursts of happiness
as a tower of bliss
standing lofty and strong
i find happiness in small beginnings
i find gratitude and purpose in minute moments
my soul sings in silenceVoting is closed
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem (or letter) about a turning point in your life 9 months agolike waves
James Kellogglike waves
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
7-30-24like waves
eating away at the shore
acrid and biting remarks
ate away at my soultheir mentions
caused tremendous erosion
of my essence
leaving me little choice but to shy awaywhat was less obvious
to the outsiders
was the intense and malicious crushing
of my poetic queer voice –the part of myself
that distinguishes me from others
sets me apart
makes me unique –how dare they
presumptuous, brazen, and rude
leave me
shocked and full of disdain and angerdespite their attempts
to silence me
i celebrate my voice
limitless and breathtakingVoting is closed
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James, I love that you refuse to let your voice be silenced. No one should be made to feel as if they do not have the right to speak their mind. I am so sorry that you’ve had to deal with rude comments from others, but I hope that you have found a place to let your voice be heard, loud and clear! Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring me today!
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 9 months agowe're not meant to fight this battle alone
James Kelloggwe’re not meant to fight this battle alone
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
8-16-34
for my niece, Malorie, and her legacy, “Malorie’s Place”we’re not meant to fight this battle alone
a tired warrior’s cry
screaming in silence
crashing her soul into the world
battles fought valiantlywe’re not meant to fight this battle alone
scared
confused
wanting just one more hit
wanting just one more highwe’re not meant to fight this battle alone
the world crashing in
like the tide against the shore
eroding the vulnerable sand –
her escape, her sanctuarywe’re not meant to fight this battle alone
she wanted to be saved
by a regiment of purple winged angels
in the end
the battle was fought alone
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to yourself sharing the most important lesson you’ve every learned 10 months agothe masks that we wear
James Kelloggimposter
concealment
limiting
our lives
our potential
fear…
the world will find us out
public faces
private faces
is there anything in between
how do we negotiate
rigid expectations
pressure
roles
identify
release
overcomeVoting is closed
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James, this is a thought-provoking look into the way we try to fit into the mold society creates for us. We wear masks in order to fit that mold, but really it just limits us. Instead of wearing a mask, I hope we all one day choose to wear our own identities proudly. Thank you for sharing!
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about a dream (or goal) that came true 10 months agoMy Pride
James Kelloggmy pride is not mine alone
it belongs to
those who came before
the warriors
the tortured
the murdered
our martyrsit belongs to
those who carry the torch
the advocates
the trench dwellers
the foot soldiers
our peopleit belongs to
those yet to come
the unborn queer souls
the closeted
the baby gays
our silentour pride is born from
battles
shame
guilt
silence
riots
celebrationsstories
coming out
community
relationships
naming
claimingour pride is like
the sky
a blanket of many hues
a place of wonder
a place where dreams stir
like the formidable windmy pride is not mine alone
it spans beyond words
it is much more than symbols
it reaches far beyond parades
it is simply greater than…
it comes from the dancing soul
sacred, authentic, and creativeVoting is closed
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I love the idea of giving credit to all those who came before you! I agree with this attitude; I am the combination of everyone who has come before me 🙂 I love that your pride involves all the love around you and all the love to come. Thank you for sharing!
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self sharing what you love most about him/her 10 months agohello little one: my little boy blue
James Kellogghello little one
my little boy blue
exhausted from trying
trying to fit-in
trying to be boyish
trying to be the peacekeeperhello little one
my little boy blue
exposed to violence
exposed to instability
exposed to abusehello little one
my little boy blue
a survivor of adversity
a bouncer back
a fighterhello little one
my little boy blue
you made
i made it
we made ithello little one
my little boy blue
we found the strength
we found peace
we found the ability to forgivehello little one
my little boy blue
rest
dream
the bogeyman is goneVoting is closed
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James, this is a wonderful poem. You have been through a lot and I am so proud of you for being able to overcome that. You have become such an amazing person with wise and admirable words to share with the world. You are not alone in what you have experienced, I am sure that many other little boys needed to hear this along with you. I am so glad…read more
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Aww, Jim, I am sorry the younger you went through so many difficult moments, and you didn’t get the peace and innocence you deserved. But I am so glad the negativity is now gone. Thank you for sharing and for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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Laura, thank you for your kind and generous words.
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