This was a really vulnerable post and I applaud you for having the courage to post it. I am glad you are healing and that your words are here for those who are struggling to read for themselves. Stay on the path and keep on keepin’ on.

I don’t often find them out in the wild and it is always nice to see someone else who has benefited from that organization. I know it definitely helped when I was applying to transfer to a 4 year college. I wish more people like you existed and had this mindset. I am glad to read your post and know that you do exist and you are one of many making the world a better place.

The system sucks and can consume you even when you try so hard to escape. This is the mindset we all need to adopt. We need to do and fight more to make the world a better place. It is hard to believe that we will progress when it feels like we keep moving backwards but we will move forward. We will succeed.

I just reread this and I firmly believe many people would benefit from this poem or, at least, parts of this poem. The world is chaotic and confusing and can sometimes destroy your hope. Positive works like this help people push through and remind us that there is beauty and love out there waiting for us.

It can be really hard to believe that there is a reason behind the calamity that is the universe. To watch the news and look at the world around and lose your hope seems inevitable. I love the idea that there is a reason behind everything and that there is a grand design that we cannot comprehend. It makes the world feel a bit safer and calmer.

Sisyphus is a common motif used in literature and poetry to signify the monotonous nature of living, especially living without joy. I think this twist on a classic image is brilliant and a really positive message to send to younger generations. We can find joy in the climb and, if we can’t, we can find joy in the result and the success of climbing the mountain. Even if we have to do it over again.

I love that you play with dates and time. One of my favorite stylistic choices in literature is when authors play with temporality and make you reconsider how interconnected human history is. She was gone long before your time but she directly inspired you to walk down this path towards the stars. We are all more connected than we think.

As someone who is terrified of walking alone at night (and in general) this is such a powerful letter. The world is terrifying and can really make you feel like you have no strength but posts like these give me hope. Getting catcalled and leered at by older men is terrifying as a young woman but your poem reminded me I am stronger than I think and I have the capacity to be even stronger than that. Thank you.

I just reread your poem and I realized it reminded me of romantic era literature which focuses on the natural world and descriptions of natural beauty. The rose can be such a powerful metaphor and has been, in literature, for centuries. This poem reminded me of my favorite romantic poets so thank you for your contribution to the literary canon.

This perspective has genuinely helped me work through little activities that cause me anxiety. I hate grocery shopping; the sensory overload, the noises, and the options all overwhelm me. When I had to go shopping again this week I took a second and told myself this anxiety is just excitement for all of the great meals you will make (I loved to cook). It helped calm me down a bit and I think if I keep reiterating this idea I can shop with less anxiety.

There is such a power in finding joy in the simplest parts of life. To many people see community service as a burden or unmanageable and I wish they could find the joy in it that you do. Fulfilling yourself by helping your community is a super power and if more people were like you the world would be a better place.

My first conference was relatively successful but I remember shaking walking into the room and my hands started to clam up. I was surrounded by people older than me and more experienced than me and their eyes felt like daggers. I did it and it seemed to be a success but if I could go back and read something like this to myself it would have really helped.

Oscar Wilde was an odd, fascinating figure as he used his art to fulfill his restless soul. Art can be a beautiful way to find yourself and express the inexpressible. I hope you continue writing and expressing yourself because the fulfillment I get from writing is the best feeling ever.

Pain is often what fuels creativity in the best artists which is why that life is a double edged sword. You seem to be using your art to heal which makes me very happy. Expression and creativity can unlock a side of yourself that you forgot existed. Every time I write I feel uplifted and whole and I hope you feel the same way.

Complaining is easy but actually working towards a solution is hard and sometimes impossible. Kudos to the people who never complain and always work to better their lives.

I have a great relationship with my parents because they worked to better themselves as parents and people. Your kids will feel the same about you.

Addendum: Working on yourself is really hard and you need to give yourself the grace to make mistakes. I often get mad at myself for over apologizing which is ironic because I am willing to forgive and give grace to others but not myself. The work is hard but it is worth it.

I love when poems play with an audiences expectation for form and style. For some reason short poems have always been the most poignant for me so i really appreciate your style. Clean and crisp but cutting nonetheless. I really want to read more by you.

I sometimes fear I will lose my voice; I am young and I know people often lose their voice as life moves on and overwhelms them. It is always inspiring to read about people finding themselves again. I admire my peers that came back to school after many years so this poem really hits me right in the feels. Thank you for using your voice.

I tattooed “This too shall pass” on my left arm because it was something my parents used to tell me in the midst of my darkest days. Just like “keep on keeping on” it reminds me to push forward, because there will be an end to this pain. Thank you for your beautiful letter.