Coloring when you’re younger is letting each shade have it’s alone time
They say elders deserve it
But I never had the opportunity to see your hair age to grey
You were a silver fox
Illusive with your presence, no matter how much of a present it would be for me
Doesn’t anyone care about how I feel
I didn’t ask to be here, yet I am, and everything is falling apart… And I have to pick up the pieces and make something beautiful
Whoever said horror was beautiful never had a cut deeper than the surface
I can’t escape this horror story, and adults keep preaching about the honor they don’t even hold on to
Your moral compass clearly was never fixed so stop trying to fix me
I’ll do it myself just like everything else
I don’t care if I take the long way
What’s a little more pain with this depression
This is what I imagined your thoughts said after you heard me communicate: mom and dad are getting a divorce
I’m sorry to have multiplied the trend of men walking out of your life
Son, I’m sorry and I hope you don’t keep your hands around the neck of a grudge
My son I love you, I’m sorry your picture of love now has a crack in it,
My everything, if you hate me and ignore everything else, please remember this: respect is earned not given
So, learn to give it even when it’s not deserved
Because pain can learn to heal when patience reflects
Respect can’t be bought so don’t spend your money on brands expecting it to elevate your title
Your name holds a weight more valuable than gold, not even the world can hold
You, let nothing hold you back
Dad will always have your back
Respect those that hurt you, more than the love they didn’t give
When you treat respect like the kindness everyone should receive you won’t have to ask for it
Then you can paint your own future
Coloring when you’re older is letting the paint sit at the grown folks table and mix conversation
p.s. no matter what our colors will always match…
Have you ever read the same book but a different story, there’s a saying for that phenomenon
I just finished my Saturday morning coffee and chocolate chip muffin complimented by my current read
It’s that time of the year again Deja Vu
So, I pull out my pen and begin to write about how to become a better version of you
I didn’t fully comprehend what I thought knew
This year I’m going to do something new
Looking in the mirror but only seeing half of me
I lost myself living as person three, instead of the main character
It’s time to take back all of my identity
Completing every goal this year but first let’s focus on the top three
Number 1. I’ll start by losing weight
Burning the off calories procrastination added
It’s easier to run to your goals when you sculpt the weight around your waist
The time is now, why wait
You don’t want to be late to your dreams
So, go ahead and book that first trip you’ve been planning for the last 2 years
Number 2. I want to travel more
Travel to the past so I can better see my future
A frequent flyer because I was too focused on yesterday
Now these miles are just lessons learned
A frequent flyer because growth is my meditation
If you ever want to get somewhere fast it’s better to slow down
Speeding will only get you a $300 ticket you don’t have the money for
Number 3. I want to be better financially
Health is wealth or so they say and last year I was broke
Broken heart, shattered mind, but you can still see yourself in a cracked mirror if you choose to
Today I choose you, reciting my daily affirmations
Self-care is one of the best ways to say I love you
Learn to say I do to the future you
Investing in yourself pays more than your 9-5
You will be tired
But that just makes it easier to sleep with your day dreams
Ignore the world the same way they hit snooze
Wake up early, aim high, then reach higher
My goals are only one page turn away
So, stop judging my cover before you read my book
If you simply read the preface, you might begin to understand the trails I’ve faced
This book is about the evolution of me
You don’t have to read it, but you will respect my art the same way I cover myself with peace
p.s. these are my goals for leaving 2023…
“If you ever want to get somewhere fast it’s better to slow down”
This is so true. I also loved this line:
“Self-care is one of the best ways to say I love you”
This whole poem is really powerful and sounds like it’s written by a man ready to take control of his peace and find his happiness. I am excited to see what the year brings for you. T…read more
My heart is broke I’m begining to sulk
My tears are for fears that you might not be back do you have to go away for this long? I don’t think Im strong for lack of a better word, maybe I’m being absurd
First time I saw you I knew you were the one.
Starring in to each others eyes our lips touched and that was it, I was hit with cupid’s arrow.
Now years later a lie was created
doubted thoughts loom and you assume.
My heart drops what did I do I never knew you felt like this I must’ve missed.
I want to give you a kiss and be in bliss again with you, this what I really want to do
I miss you
Danielle I can feel the raw emotions in your letter, and I’m here to offer support and understanding during this difficult time. Heartbreak is never easy, and it’s natural to feel a sense of sadness and longing when someone you love is away for an extended period. Sending you strength and support during this challenging time.
This is but a thought the truth of what our nation is coming to
Fiddle De De fiddle de dumb biden’s got his thumb up his bum, he gave Ukraine another lump sum.
Migrants galore, Chicago ignore. They say the American dream is a lore. It rocks me to my bitter core.
The opponent stays quiet, so there won’t be a riot.
My words are honest, but I can’t promise they won’t cause strife. Think of your life.
I’m not political, I’m not semitic
but I said it…
Eat the rich, but not the poor
too many citizens lying on the floor
My lord…
They say COVID is coming back and it’s going to attack. Relax it’s just tact
The election is coming The press is running and they are cunning.
My thoughts are clear a mere sense of clarity
A rarity indeed I’m not trying to mislead It’s just a seed.
This is a very clever piece and really captures the rollercoaster ride that the media and politics put us all on — especially these last few years. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
The best day is a slow day at work. The best day is the day that the sun is shining, but it’s not too hot outside. The best day is the first day the temperature drops in September. The best day is the day I can give my baby a kiss. The best day is the day I belly laugh with my best friends until my cheeks hurt. The best day is the day I give my mom a hug. The best day is the day I am loving and kind on purpose. The best day is the day without anxiety; the day I can breathe through it. The best day is the day I start a new book. The best day is the day I finish my new favorite book. The best day is the day I start knitting, and every day I get to since. The best day is the day I get to go on adventures with the people I love. The best day is going to the Atlanta Zoo with my oldest sister and our partners. The best day is that same day, at the zoo, when a lion made eye contact with me (I swear it’s true!). The best day is in Boston, watching the second oldest sister graduate from Harvard. The best day is reconnecting with extended family for the first time in a decade in Boston. The best day is the day I went to the Hozier concert, and I was physically connected to the music and the message more than ever before and everyone in the audience was crying and it was beautiful. The best day is the day I realized my chronic illness is teaching me how to stop and rest. The best day is the day my cat decides he wants to snuggle in my lap before bed. The best day is therapy day! The best day is the day I realized I am healing; my hard work is paying off. The best day is the day I let myself cry in front of someone else. The best day is the day I realize I’m as smart as I think I am and, yes, I can prove it to you. The best day is the day I decide to be brave. The best day is the day I do the brave thing.
Maggie! This is wonderful. I love the zoo too 🙂 And congrats to your sister graduating from Harvard. This piece is a true reminder of the fact that there are so many wonderful moments and days in life. Thank you for sharing. And by the way, you are definitely brilliant and brave! <3 Lauren
Hello in there, is your head working yet? Here just take another pill.
For breakfast every morning I have a colorful array of meds.
Just so I can fit in, I hate it I really do. don’t worry here’s another pill to cheer you up, one to keep u from your nightmarish dreams. One to stay awake, one for pain, another to be in a. Good mood, one to make you stay in a good mood. but it might take a few meds to find the right one
My mind feels perfectly fine.
Another appointment? Let’s change it up. A few MG’s up a few down.
Are you ready for another round
Ya, I’m down.
I hear a sound. Let’s wing it this timeIt’ll be fine, You’ll feel so much better. You might even get a little thinner.
Who knows, the sky’s the limit! That’s the ticket, keep on taking them they’ll keep on making em.
Addicting those that are weak, and seem to only seek The ones they can critique….
Danielle this is really powerful. I know other people who have gotten in the cycle of taking pills for mental health, and feel as though they are being put on a rollercoaster similar to the way you describe the experience.
You know your mind and body best. And you know what’s best for you. I am cheering your happiness on from afar. <3Lauren
Wow this is so powerful I’ve been raised in mental hospitals and medication has been shoved down my throat my whole life and I have always described the process of being properly medicated as this and you perfectly put the reality of it in the best words well done
You’re Confident
You’re Beautiful
You’re Loving
You’re Kind
This beautiful heart that has developed
To care about individuals as much as you do
The confidence you truly found in you
I’m proud and love the woman I’ve become
It took me a long time to get here
You’re a queen
You’re a goddess
You are it
No one can take this away from you
You made it Vision
You love you
You don’t doubt yourself anymore
You believe in you
I love who you have grown into
A true Vision of Love
If i say what is on my mind
Will i be heard
Will it show on my face before my mouth says anything
If i express it
Should i
Will i regret it if i come out with it
The flashbacks are coming out
I can’t hide it anymore
It will release me
Get the burden off my shoulders
I see it still hurts me to think about
A moment where i truly felt weak and helpless
No means no right
Why did he do that
I trusted him
He was supposed to be my best friend
Stop please i said
I don’t want to do this i said
My words meant nothing
I tried to fight him
I wasn’t strong enough
He’s hurting me
As i am crying saying please stop stop
No
No
When he finished i was bleeding
He took it from me without my consent
I balled up in a ball told him to get out
Fucking Leave
The audacity to ask me if i am okay
No i am not okay
You Took advantage of me
You took something i can’t get back
I’ve never been the one to cry for help
I held it in
My emotions
My feelings
Everything
Feeling of embarrassment
How could i let it happen
I had no control
I need to scream it out
I have to Let it not anger me anymore
I have to tell my mom
So i can feel free &
Live in peace
Will it hurt as much
As it does now
Am i overreacting
Am i being dramatic
Or am i just expressing how i feel inside
Should i be penalized for feeling this way
Vision, Your pain and emotions are valid. It’s important to express how you feel and seek support from those who care about you. Don’t doubt yourself or feel guilty for sharing your truth. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported. Take the necessary steps to heal and find peace. You are not alone in this journey.
I’m grateful for blue skies, warm sunshine, and a breeze that kisses the nose.
I’m grateful for green grasses and rushing creeks and bare feet.
I’m grateful for friends and lovers that grab you by the hand and dance with you.
I’m grateful for their consistent reminders, “You’re safe here. I love you.”
I’m grateful for the forehead kisses my love gives me,
And that he bends down to let me kiss his forehead right back.
I’m grateful for the safety of my home, and I’m grateful for a newcomer’s compliments,
“It looks like a gallery in here!” Thank you, the art is my favorite, too.
I’m grateful, especially, for the rabbit posed in play, a floppy handstand,
That’s been in our home longer than my memories. It’s one of my first ones.
I’m grateful for the way the sun shines into my mother’s bedroom just before sunset in spring.
It bathes the house in gold and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
I’m grateful for the drums that echo in my chest at the concert in Alpharetta,
And the music that reverberates in my bones. I’m grateful to have a body that feels the music.
It’s exhilarating and soothing, an ecstasy I don’t need to swallow.
I’m grateful for cats with soft fur and who love love love ear scratches.
I’m grateful to my body and my brain for giving me the gift of sensation.
Even when it’s too much, or not enough, I’m grateful to be present to feel.
Aww this is beautiful. It sounds like you have a very kind and affectionate partner. You are so very lucky for that. You really have a wonderful ability to recognize and appreciate what really matters in life. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
I was in awe of the whimsies and romance.
I yearned for my art to comfort and soothe;
For my art to hold the listener’s hearthurt the way my hearthurt was held,
For my art to share imagery with songs of love,
To create beauty in death as he created it.
I wanted to be Hozier, but I have to be Poe, first.
I have to walk through my Inferno to reach such actualization.
My shadow still screams. Still cries.
Pieces of my younger self scattered in nine circles.
I have to talk to her and make peace with her.
I have to parent her.
I have to hold her.
I have to become one with her once more.
I will blood, guts, and gore my way through,
Just as the horrors led my way in.
The girl that wants to scream will scream and
Embrace the gross and the weird and the upset.
I will not become my own betrayer, no. So,
I am no longer my own betrayer, mine own Nth circle.
Treachery at mine own hands, no more.
Maggie, This is really powerful. I love this part: I have to talk to her and make peace with her.
I have to parent her.
I have to hold her.
I have to become one with her once more.
Keep fighting for yourself and your happiness. Also, this piece was selected to be included in our newsletter today! Keep on the lookout for it! <3 Lauren
Surviving addiction it’s an affliction calling out for an intervention
Spend my time wondering why it took a hold of me. Eyes are wide Breath is high
Time is a wasting well I’m chasing my dragon
Tag you’re it! It’s my turn already?
I can’t even, I’m not steady
On your mark get set go, GI Joe the more you know.
My name is Danielle and I can’t even tell
I’m ready to give up I’ve had enough.
Danielle, your words resonate with the struggles and pain of addiction. It’s a battle that can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone. Reach out for support and never give up on the hope of recovery. You have the strength to overcome. Keep fighting, Danielle.
Am I really entering the world of addicy oh the audacity
am I really that into it
I am really that into it
You deserved this
You treversed this
Why cant I leave this room
It’s doom and gloom
Im starting to tune this out
Searching, nay saying
I’m just trying to say
When the fuck did I get here
This must be a joke,
and then I awoke
Danielle, addiction can feel like a never-ending nightmare. But remember, you have the strength to wake up from this darkness. Seek help, find support, and take back control of your life. You are not alone in this journey. Keep pushing forward, Danielle.
Woke up in a daze not feeling like I wanted to go to work. I attempted to call out. Talked to my boss it was a definite NO, I need you come in… Uhg so I did. feeling bad about leaving my boss hangin I strolled in to work every thing was fine just as it should be. I set up and took my first client.second, third and so on and so forth, I noticed a boy and his mother walk in and sit down. The mother was called by the stylist the sat up front probably about 11 or 12 I would say… All of the sudden out of the corner of my eye I see him grabbing his throat and trying to cough. Without even a thought or a memory of how I got from.here to there it was like an outer body experience watching from above myself in motion attending and defending this little boys will to live. It was crazy, each thrust I felt his body get tighter it seemed like forever I was giving the heimlich maneuver. I’ll tell ya… it wasn’t “I hope” this thing. Comes out it was “going to” come out…. And it did the boy with a blue hue had a natural color to him again.
thank you to who ever what ever that was that came over me the boy started to cough just as the EMTs arrived I stepped a way. They were all clapping, my boss was crying and shaking as was I. My boss pulled me out back to talk she was like how, why if you took the day off…. I just glad you were here today.
The mother of the boy however was beyond her self gave me a hug asked how could she ever repay me for saving the boy I said to her… Him being
alive and breathing is payment enough.
This is my memorable moment….
Lauren it was unimaginable the timing the fact that my boss wouldn’t let me call out It was truly a unbelievable experience I don’t think of myself as a hero though….I just did what my body led me to do It was surreal there was one other time when there was a boy drowning in Western Mass and I happened to look down and saw him doing the dead…read more
Hi Lauren I had a question for you and wasn’t sure how to message you directly but been thinking about writing a memoir for years now not quite sure how to do it or if I could get sponsored by someone to actually publish it wondering how that works thanks
Hey! We’ve done a few shows on it. Once you write the transcript, you have to format it (you can hire someone on Upwork for whatever price range you want). You also need an isbn which you can buy on https://www.myidentifiers.com/. After that you need a cover. Amazon can create one with AI for free, or you can make one on canva with the dimensions…read more
Chasing, pacing, racing
Only in my dreams
I want so bad to see them come true
But I haven’t come to terms with seeing it thru my desires and wants take second stage
To the battle that is everyday
Someday I hope I can make them happen
Glory day, I hope and pray for my time to come
Though It lasts just a second
And then it ends…
it’s already written
Steady as I go
Inspiration pouring out my soul
Mind and body collide
Heart and soul coincide
Fact and fiction divide
Making you feel alive
Sometimes I get real
I kneel and pray to a god not yet saved
Steal and pay for the next day
You’ll find a way
Just stay, don’t run
It could way a ton
My thoughts exactly
Don’t beg just ask me
I’ll stay till the light burns out
Be quiet and listen to your first decision
Be quiet and run for the day is done
Another quest tomorrow will avenge sorrow
What am I most thankful for
I’m thankful for my children. They’re grown now and they are both healthy, smart and inquisitive. They brighten my day.
I’m thankful I’m alive to witness everything in life My goal is to learn from my mistakes and I’m thankful I have coping skills.
I don’t have much but I’m thankful I have a roof over my head.
I’m thankful I have helped others. I’m thankful I can take constructive criticism and I’m able to endure it.
I’m thankful to have a sister, that’s about all the family I have.
I’m thankful for my job and the ability to be able to work with injuries and mental illness, I persevere. I have been in situations where I shouldn’t be alive but I’m thankful that I am.
I’m thankful that I can see the leaves on the trees change.
I’m thankful I can breathe, though I don’t have a range
My life has been hard It’s been marred by sadness and violence but I’ve remained silenced.
Danielle, It sounds like despite hardships there is so much good in your life and there are many reasons to be thankful. You are strong and resilient. You should be so proud and thankful for your spirit in addition to everything that you named. Thank you for sharing this piece and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
Even now sometimes i have my moments
Moments where i feel like
I’m gonna fall apart
Can’t let it consume me
Let it go
Breathe just breathe
You’ve come so far
To go back
I know it hurts
You cry when you don’t want to
It’s trying to release
He’s gone
Your dad is gone
In the wind
You severely question
How can he not love you
Not be there for their for you
To still have breath in your lungs
But alas be gone
I never thought you would leave me again father
Why don’t you want me
When i am made up of half of your DNA
I can’t even say i hate you
I Love you Dad
But i have to let you go
You abandoned me
Came back
Left again
Came Back
Left again
Why come if you never intended to stay
Leave
You can’t be the reason
Theirs’s no peace
I will always love you
I have to live
To explore
Without a painful memory of you
Here is our long distance goodbye
Vision, I am so sorry to hear about your relationship with your dad. Please know it is not you. You are so easy to love. The problem is most likely that your father doesn’t love himself. When you don’t love yourself, it makes it harder to face others. Don’t let his shortcomings bring you down. You are light. You are loved. And you have and will…read more
Endless Smiles
Heart unbroken
Life looking up for you
Looking at the girl of your dreams
Doing what you love
Writing more
It’s your passion
Spread your voice
Let them hear you
It’s okay
Don’t be scared anymore
To let it show how talented you are
Express
I’m sure it’ll have them impressed
But again you’re not doing it for them
You write for you
It brings such joy
Puts an instant smile on your face
Lets Embrace
No more hiding in the shadows
This is our year to show who we really are
Not what others want to believe
Protect your peace
Go with the flow
Let it be
We are truly smiling again
“Don’t be scared anymore
To let it show how talented you are
Express
I’m sure it’ll have them impressed”
You have already impressed so many. Keep writing and living for you. And keep smiling. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
The moment i locked my eyes on yours
It felt like magic
An instant connection
All we did was smile at one another
We knew what it was
It was
Love at first sight
For the first time in my life
I felt a feeling i haven’t felt before
It’s not the same old saying
Oh i like her cause she’s different from the rest
No
It’s a feeling where my heart beats a million beats a minute
It’s pounding out my chest to the
Sound of your voice
By the way you look at me
Your intellectual mind
Your touching soul
Your glowing smile
How big you heart is
Mi amor i truly am thankful for you
And all you do
You show me you love me
That you care
You have my heart
I wish to not part
To this special woman i love
I’ve fallen in love
You make my life worth while
You take my away from my reality
Only you are not a dream my love
You are real and true
I get lost in you
I never thought it was gonna be like this
Such a bliss
You amaze me
This is true
Baby soon you’ll know it’s true
How grateful i am for you
I’ll express how i feel
To show you what i feel is real
Vision, this piece feels magical. It is such a beautiful reminder of the magic of love, connection, and destiny. You are so lucky to have experienced such a sweet and magical love. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a big part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
My best self is truly joyful
Not letting the little things bother
Live with ease
Proceed with caution
Not everyone has pure intentions
Stop giving to those whom don’t give back
Don’t Stress on situations you can’t control
Be you
No matter what
Don’t let anyone change the woman you have become
You’ve come such a long way
Through pain in the past
To get you where you are now
You are Poet
You are a Singer
You are a true writer
Here’s to sharing your story with the world
Using your words and melody
Smiling even though you’re hurting
This growth i see
This Vision
Our Journey is here
It’s Ours
Patience is key
Persistence is needed
Be Consistent
You are no longer distant
You are me
We are one
Us as one will become
Everything we dreamed of
In time we will see
What it takes to
Express me