Activity
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Heather shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 2 weeks, 2 days agoMen's Mental Health
HeatherYou, my sir.
Yes, you.
There’s going to be hard days.
Even easy days.
You, the person reading this,
Has the opportunity to make
The day a great one.You, my sir.
Yes, you.
Of course it’s going
To be full of ups & downs.
That’s the beauty of life.It’s your duty as a human
To break the negative branches
And build such glory
From the leftover twigs.You, my sir.
Yes, you.
I believe in you.
I see you.
I love you.-
Aww this is so loving and nurturing and empowering. I love how you see the power each of us have over our own peace and our own lives. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
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Thank you for such feedback. Men’s mental health IS health. We as a society need to recognize such.
This community has been such inspiration. Such motivation. & such clarity for my internal human who loved writing in high school. She’s FINALLY feeling like she’s been accepted. Been heard. Been worth someone’s time.
This community is my virtual…read more
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Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 2 weeks, 4 days agoOnly One Chair At This Table
HeatherSitting here at this table
With thoughts running wild
Thoughts of how
I’ve made it this far
From where I’ve come
Thoughts of wanting
To quit this journey
For I’m the only one on itSitting here at this table
With such appreciation
For what I’ve created
Appreciation that some days
Feel as if I may relapse
For how great I’ve been
Appreciation for what
Was given to me
In the mix of
The black shades of lifeSitting here at this table
Grieving the me
That was abducted
From the black shades
Grieving the me
Who is no longer
Available for reach
Grieving the one
That is today
For tomorrow is newHere I sit at this table
With such praise in my heart
Praise in my step
Knowing it’s okay to relapse.
Praise in my soul
Knowing each version of me
Will end in an abductionThis table is my healing space
And it’s not for everyone-
Wow! Your ability to be so present and self-aware is so inspiring. I love this line: “Knowing each version of me
Will end in an abduction”it’s so true for all of us. Each version of us is taken from us and evolves into something different. And often without are permission. To have a table, a chair, a place just to be able to process that and…read more
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Thank you for such words. Means a lot! 🖤
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michae1 shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 weeks, 6 days agoMiraculous
Michael L George jrVibrant with excitement,
Smiles that brighten
The evening, like the sun.
Once it creeps into the horizon.
Having an amazing night
& waking up to a beautiful morning.
Sky gazing, watching the
Clouds forming and dissipating.
I’m looking at A masterpiece,
from God’s Creations,
like it was the stroke
From the wrist. I’m feeling
Blessed to witness this image.
My eyes Constructing art,
With images from the
The mind. Working with imagination,
Creating & Living through these illusions.
Miraculously mirrored images from within. -
charmainecasimir submitted a contest entry to
Write A Letter To A Place That Changed You 4 weeks, 1 days agoOh BARRINGER!
Charmaine CasimirDear Barringer,
You gave me so much. Barringer, you gave me love. Barringer, you gave me peace! I know God was there and you would care for me. Barringer, you showed me how to be a woman. Barringer; I learned to survive. Barringer, you showed me one of the most important things. Oh Barringer, you took me in, you kept me warm. Barringer, you showed me so many things and how I needed to perform. You gave me so many tasks. I wasn’t sure what I was able to do. Barringer, you showed me a life and then where I could come home to. I’m here and you told me all the mistakes I made as a mother, as a wife. Even when I struggled, you showed me a place where I knew I belonged. Through the right or the wrong, you were there. I put up a fight and I knew it was worth to fight for. You help me through. I’m so glad I got to be here. I’m so glad I got to love you so, no matter what I am going through and no matter what I see I’m glad you were there. Through parenting, through wifing and through journeys of love. Knowing that joy. I love that I experienced peace. I find it because that’s what God allows me to have. In a place where I find so much. I AM thankful because it is a place where I learned, and found finally that I love me!!!
Forever Grateful,
MEVoting starts July 26, 2025 12:00am
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cardman123 submitted a contest entry to
Write A Letter To A Place That Changed You 1 months agoDear Teal Lake
James FlaniganDear Teal Lake,
I couldn’t tell just how much you had changed. All I have are some brief memories of standing in your waters and boating with my father over your glassy surface during annual vacations from sixty years ago. That was before anyone knew just how sick he was. Lung cancer claimed my dad shortly after I turned eight-years-old. I had no clue what the ramifications of losing my father would be. Looking back, I see them all too clearly now.
He would have been the magnetic north I needed for my life’s compass to work properly. Without my father, I was all over the map. No guidance. Questionable choices. Poor decisions. General unhappiness. Culminating in hitting rock bottom. With the support of friends, I started over. My wife took a chance on me as a reclamation project. I’ve done my best to validate her decision.
My mother never took me back for a Teal Lake vacation. She was even more lost than I was without my father. My mom was either unwilling to make the six-hour drive back to you or afraid of the memories awaiting her. Perhaps both.
But I never forgot about you and longed to return to your shores, maybe to glimpse ghosts from my past. Over the decades apart, your popularity waxed and then waned. Today, your resort business is just a shell of what it once was. They filled in the pool with dirt rather than water. Nature has reclaimed the golf course. The barn with the mounted skull of the 24-inch Northern Pike that I caught as a boy collapsed long ago. But you were still there, awaiting my return. My wife and youngest child indulged my flight of fancy and agreed to a vacation in one of the few rental cabins left on Teal Lake.
No ghosts and few memories greeted me as we explored the property along your shore. The best option seemed to be to make some fresh memories, and so we did. The property exuded tranquility. Sunsets were glorious. Your water inviting to slide into or glide across by boat.
There was one special moment after an hour swim out to Raspberry and Bird Islands and back that I’ll never forget. Exhaustion and exhilaration consumed me as I laid back in your waters and floated. I stared at the clouds overhead as they seemed to come closer. Were they were coming down to envelop me, or was I was rising toward them? I sensed definite movement, and a rendezvous with the clouds seemed very real and imminent.
It’s funny how your senses can deceive you. I decided against being swallowed by the clouds and perhaps being magically transported to a parallel universe, an alternate timeline, heaven, or a rural pig farm — my idea of hell. After I blinked and looked away, I found myself still on my back in your water with those mischievous clouds far up in the sky. I felt content to be right where I was with chapters, or at least pages, still to write in my book of life. With new memories of Teal Lake to complement the old, faded ones.
Fondly,
Voting starts July 26, 2025 12:00am
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Heather shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 months agoWraith
HeatherStay with me today
As I silently celebrate you
Linger like a wraith
Clinging to the
Last piece of cakeStay with me today
As I silently celebrate you
Linger like a wraith
Holding me tight[Today, May 18th.
I celebrate you; my beautiful cousin.
Happy Heavenly Birthday!
Forever 32.] -
hmr1985az submitted a contest entry to
Write A Letter To A Place That Changed You 1 months agoThe Bench That Saved Me
HeatherSnow on the ground
Chill breeze in the air
Footprints in the mud
Birds flying gracefully in the sky
I sit on the bench overlooking the lake
The bench that sits alone
Surrounded by metal barriers
Near the clear waters
Looking into the distance
I calmly relax the body
The body that
Walked around the lake
The body that
Cautiously walked on icy paths
The body that
Inhaled the fresh crisp air
The body that
Needed the rest
Rest from feeling
Rest from carrying the weight
Of the world
Rest from thinking
I sit on the bench that
Wrapped its arms
Around my body
The bench that
Accepted every part of me
Every part of my story
Every part of my healing
The bench that
Let me know
I was safe
Safe from the world
Safe from the hurt
Safe from all
That was holding me down
Snow on the ground
Chill breeze in the air
Footprints in the mud
Birds flying gracefully in the sky
I sit on the bench
And cry
Cry for the little girl
Who needed love
Who needed assurance
Who needed guidance
Cry for the woman who
Is finally free
Free from the pain
Free from the enemy
I get up from the bench
And walk away lighter
Than when I sat
I walk away
With my head held higher
I walk away
With love
With dignity
With respect
With purpose
The bench that sits alone
Will forever feel like home.
– Lynx Lake. Prescott, Arizona.
The bench that changed my life. Put my healing journey in perspective.Style Score 100%
Voting starts July 26, 2025 12:00am
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Noirerequiem shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months agoFor Every Mama
NoireRequiem“For Every Mama”
I ain’t forgot the hands that held me,
Through storm clouds, broke nights, and empty bellies.
To the woman who birthed me, through pain and pride,
You gave me life, even when the world ain’t give you a guide.And to the mamas who stepped in when mine couldn’t stand—
You ain’t share my blood, but you reached out your hand.
You fed me truth, served strength with no disguise,
Taught me how to rise, even when hope dies.To the aunties, godmamas, them sisters who saw me—
Who showed up when the world tried to flaw me.
You ain’t need a title, you just showed love,
Taught me faith, how to fight, how to rise above.Whether you nursed me, raised me, or prayed from afar,
You left fingerprints on the map of who I are.
So this for you—the tired, the tender, the tough—
Who gave when it hurt, who loved me enough.You are the rhythm in the song of my name,
The calm in my chaos, the light in my flame.
I carry your lessons in everything I do—
This ain’t just Mother’s Day, every day’s for you.IMAGE: MY MOM IN THE MIDDLE. MY AUNT ON THE LEFT AND ME ON THE RIGHT
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Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 1 weeks agoWounded
HeatherThis wound that I have within
Is one that only makes sense to me
This wound may or may not be fixed
And if it is
I can’t tell you when
I can tell you
It was given to me
As a kid
I of course did not know of such
So all I did was push it off
Years would go by
Days even slipped by
Until one day
I got hit like a drive by
Hit with words
Hit with reality
Hit with heaviness that ended up
Opening that old unsure wound
The mother wound -
Heather shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 months, 1 weeks agoPurple Days
HeatherIn rememberance of my best friend/cousin, Amber Niccole. It’s her birthday month. This is my way of celebrating. Her favorite color was purple, hence the title.
💜💜💜
I saw you yesterday with that purple car.
I told you to stay behind me for a while.
I saw you last night in my dreams
We were back to being kids again
Sitting on that wooden backyard swing.
I saw you today with that purple flower.
I’m not a flower expert
But it did smell like you.
I asked you to sit with me in the sun
And sway with me
To the beat of the song
you’d keep on repeat for fun.
I see you in every day surroundings
Making it hard for me
To keep my composure
During these outings.
I tell you thank you
For the visit.
For the company.
For our day to be together completely
Will of course take place.
Yet until then,
Let’s just continue sitting
Thru these purple days with grace. -
Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 1 weeks agoSide Effects To Healing
HeatherIts the glow that speaks to me.
There was a time this woman
Did not know what that glow was.
Never spoke of such.
Dark clouds.
Black self esteem.
Sabotaging dreams.
Those consumed her days.
Her soul.
Her heart.
This glow that now radiates
Over her body puts the mind at ease.
The body at rest.
The heart in safe mode.
Glowing heart.
Radiating mind.
Healthy body.
All for the little girl
Who did not know what that glow was. -
The Nameless Verse shared a letter in the
Current Events group 1 months, 1 weeks agoFROM THE OUTSIDE, I SAW
Kristopher HaeberlinI am not Palestinian.
But I watched the sky collapse through a screen—
a child’s name turned into ash
before the world ever learned to pronounce it.I don’t speak for them.
I listen.
To lullabies drowned by sirens,
to the hush after impact,
to a silence that roars louder than any flag.They don’t need my voice.
They need my volume.
So I turned comfort into confrontation,
ink into artillery,
and every poem into a siren that never shuts off.I was mid-bite,
wrapped in safety,
when the news showed fathers holding dust
where their daughters used to sleep.
I choked on privilege.
Felt rage boil beneath my ribs.You ask where I stand?
Not neutral—
because neutrality is just cowardice with a clean face.
I chose the ones who bury their children
and still find a way to pray.
I chose the ones
the world keeps trying to silence.This is not charity.
It’s reckoning.
Because silence is comfort.
And comfort, when others die, is betrayal.So from a distance,
I send fists full of reverence.
Love with its sleeves rolled.
Truth with no filter, no leash, no apology.I won’t be the poet
who rhymed for praise
while Palestine screamed in the background.
I’ll be the one who built a stage from my spine,
so their stories could echo louder than mine ever could.I am not Palestinian.
But I saw.
And now—
the world will too. -
Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 1 weeks agoBreadcrumbs
HeatherShe’s not a duck
Stop feeding her breadcrumbs.
Give her the food she deserves.
Connection. Communication.
Give her the snacks she craves.
Honesty. Respect. Love.
Give her the desserts she fantasizes.
Intimacy. Intelligence. Stability.
She’s a one in a million soul
With so much potential.
So much aspiration.
So much love.
If only you weren’t addicted to carbs! -
michae1 shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 1 weeks agoBeautiful
Michael L George jrDo everything you
Feel like is gonna be,
A good time.
Take a chance, don’t worry
About what’s About
To happen next.
Ride the vibe
Chill through the day
Wild’N at night.
Be~U~Til~Full
Because we’re all
BEAUTIFUL! -
Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 2 weeks agoBackyard Swing
HeatherAs I sit on this backyard swing feeling the satisfying Arizona Spring breeze on my face,
I’m confronted by the little girl who loved swings.
Found joy from the schools swings.
Who found safety from the big brown wooden swing at her grandmother’s.
I’m confronted by the little girl
who wished for clarity
while pumping her little feet as fast as she could.
Who wished for love
while gripping the metal handles tightly.
Leaving her tiny palms as red as a tomato.
Who yearned for acceptance
while matching the speed from the other swings.As I sit on this backyard swing,
I let that little girl know
It’s okay to feel every emotion
While pumping those tiny feet.
While gripping the handlebars so tightly.
While racing for the acceptance from that next swing over.
It’s okay!
I also let her know
she’s okay to let that tight grip go.
I let her know
She doesn’t have to have to pump fast anymore.
I got her.
I let her know
she’s finally accepted by the one person
Who will never let her go.As I sit on this backyard swing,
I’m no longer confronted by the little girl
Yet, confronted with peace.
With understanding.
With love.
I’m confronted with the best version of myself! -
Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 2 weeks agoImpossible Questions
HeatherAs a child, we crave small talk.
Let’s us be heard for a brief moment.
Until we’re quickly silenced by,
“Go find something to do.”As an adult, we crave deep conversations.
Small talk annoys us.
We want to know one another on a deeper level.
Time is a valuable thing.
Small talk takes too much of it.As a child, we ask the most silliest childish questions.
“Why’s the sky blue?”As adults, we ask the impossible questions.
The cut throat get to know you on a deeper more intimate level questions.
“What has been your most humbling experience?”As children, we crave small talk.
Adults, we want the impossible. -
Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 2 weeks agoHer Hero
HeatherThe young lil girl who fought to wear glasses
Yet loved to help put the butter
In the mixing bowl for those chocolate chip cookies, wrote a book.
The young lil girls hero wrote a book.* 3 word prompt: Book. Butter. Glasses. *
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greenlit83 submitted a contest entry to
What would the old version of you say to the new version of you? 1 months, 2 weeks agoSpirit of ‘99
GreenlitSorry this message finds you late, lost in doubts;
Like a lingering letter left at the lake house.
From your former self, the one you put on the shelf,
With faded red capes and some wooden staves;
Comics gathering dust, imaginary bat caves.
You’ve built spaceships and castles in the sky.
Now you’re more concerned with your piece of the pie.
You abandoned those vigilante dreams and energizing themes.
No more crime-fighting schemes. You left that scene.You needn’t necessarily navigate the night,
Neutralizing the nefarious, loving the fight.
Not too many problems are solved with a fist.
When they are men in suits like Wilson Fisk.
But that fire for justice can’t be extinguished,
Even when taking on enemies more distinguished.
Don’t allow life to plunder the remains of your childlike wonder.
Your courage’s intact, don’t go under, run towards the thunder!I’ll be here for you when you get the time…
But I’ve been waiting since ‘99, when I wrote this last line.
(Style score 68%)
Voting starts July 2, 2025 12:00am
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Greenlit, I love the childlike wonder you explore in this piece. Though your comic books may collect dust and your capes may be faded, you are still connected to the child who admired and idolized the heroes depicted within those pages. I hope that you keep that child close. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Thanks Emmy! I think hope lies in keeping some of that wonder alive.
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vizo2123 submitted a contest entry to
What would the old version of you say to the new version of you? 1 months, 2 weeks agoIt Will Get Better For You
Vision WoodallHello Old Self,
You didn’t deserve what happened to you. The pain doesn’t define you. Yes, you are better than how you are being treated. Your emotions are valid. It’s okay to admit our father disrupts our peace. He brings nothing to our life but false hope after 23 years. Tell the woman that brings you peace that you’re falling in with love her. The strength you need is within your soul, heart, and mind. You aren’t worthless. Life gets better for you, even though I know it feels like the world is crashing down. Our new beginning starts with the love within us. We are divine. True love makes us feel like we are not alone. We are light, even through the dark. It’s okay if our light slowly is dim it is not permanent. You’ll finally feel peace once we set our hurt free. You know that great, sunny-day feeling? Where the wind is rustling through the leaves in a tree, or when you see a kid flying his kite as the birds fly above. Everything surrounding you is divinely beautiful. This is what to look forward to. The joy awaits you in the end.
Voting starts July 2, 2025 12:00am
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I really like the part about letting the hurt go, and the on going theme about loving yourself and accepting love. Those are things I struggle with, it’s good to hear that encouragement from someone else learning the same lessons!
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Thank you Chris i appreciate it! You got this Chris!!
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Vision, I like the way you encourage yourself so much in this piece. You are right that you did not deserve whatever happened to you and you are more than the result of it. I hope your life is full of sunny-day feelings. Thank you for sharing your story!
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ambitious-b-marie submitted a contest entry to
What would the old version of you say to the new version of you? 1 months, 2 weeks agoI Would.
NoireRequiemI would give you a hug that feels like forever,
A warmth that says, you’re not alone—never.
I would kiss away bruises, seen and unseen,
With love so soft, it wipes your spirit clean.I would give you courage, bold like a lion’s roar,
And feathers of a phoenix, rising once more.
I would sing you love songs made just for you,
For the part that forgot love could still be true.I would ask you to pause, take a deep breath,
Let the wind kiss your skin and hush your stress.
I’d ask you to keep walking, even through doubt,
Through quicksand moments, when you can’t see a route.I would ask you to honor the story you’ve lived,
Each chapter and scar—each lesson it gives.
I would ask you to forgive the you from before,
To let go of the weight you don’t need anymore.I would ask you—don’t dwell on the pain,
You are not what hurt you, you’ve got so much to gain.ProWriting Style Score: 100
Voting starts July 2, 2025 12:00am
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This is such a beautiful message to send to the “old you” and I’m sure that she would find comfort and hope in it. You are right that people are not what hurts them. As humans, we are so much more than the sum of our struggles. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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