In life, we say I love you,
Many won’t mean what they say.
In poetry, we say I love and then we take you somewhere further than outer space.
I say I love you to many in many different ways,
Love is too complicated then dares to never make sense.
There are so many ways to love someone only real love could understand the rest.
I love her as my Nurturer,
An artist who molded the most beautiful clay,
The momma bear whose cubs never starved a day.
I love him as my Foundation,
The cement of my soul when the tides of life wash the rest of me away,
The tesla of my heart he made me the light on your darkest days.
I love him as my own heart,
The fragile passion none could ever corrupt or dethrone,
The hero to my sidekick for as long as he lives I’ll never let him truly be alone,
He looks out for me, I’m his almost clone.
I love her as the earth loves the sky,
Sometimes she is my shade,
Sometimes she brings the rain,
Sometimes she may be the storm,
The mother of the artist,
She is the vision that the masterpiece was made for.
I love him as my mentor,
The flame of my candle when lost in the dark,
The script to the play when I never had a chance to practice my part,
The man behind the blueprint to a better-built heart.
I love them as my brothers,
A bond close to kin,
Should they never question my loyalty,
We save each other from our sins.
I love them as my sisters,
A love to fill a void of the things never had,
A love to protect and be vulnerable when things are good or bad.
I love them as family,
The kindest faces the ones we have yet to meet,
The only love that times has yet to defeat.
An impossible connection that defies the very ground beneath your feet.
I love her as the moon
Her love is my sun
No earth in sight,
A connection stronger than the deadliest spider web none has ever spun.
I love her as her escape
No interest in whether she deserves peace,
I’ll be her chance to just run away,
If she goes too far or finds herself lost,
I’ll love her as her return
For things that need her most could never recover from such loss.
I love them as their comfort,
I place they can be safe,
I’ll be their pillar until they need a pillow,
I’ll be both for them on my best days,
I’ll also be their discomfort because growth won’t happen any other way.
As for myself, my love is a Thorny mirror
For the things that I feel are a reflection of what I serve.
A taste-blind chef with intentions of shaking the world.
I love myself in a place of solitude as the one who hates to love alone.
I’ve been so far from where I was I forgot that I’ve passed where I wanted to go.
That’s what happens when aren’t looking ahead.
Now I just want to be bonded with the dream I’ve always had love for a gamble on a shooting star.
Memories of the longest chapter I’ve ever written so far.
Love for the one who always gets a page no matter what chapter I’m on.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life,
Therefore, every next one I’m in-is a new chapter.
Every morning, I wake up, God’s mercies to me are new-
So, with on my heart, His daily touch- I am able to prove…
That I love Him, that I am thankful-that He is the only One able
To mold and strengthen my life, because it’s so easily breakable.
Just one more day to prove-how much for others I will lose.
And know that my tears for others are real,
Because always for the next person, I’m to lift up-
I’ll lose if they can gain, the Master of the universe to me explains…
That He was there always, and is there forever-
He has placed His Word inside of me. as the greatest Treasure!
A time to be married to my beautiful wife,
A time to live with my kids,
Time and again to prove my life is (for others) to give!
A time to know, a time of notion
A time to grow in the fact connection,
That helping others build, is in-tact protection.
A chapter to heal with the faithful “Unsealed”
Understanding (unworthily) I have been blessed for real!
whether I look back, or pierce through ahead
Life is still permanently on track, my life is hid-my life is dead!
But that’s a good thing…Because it’s the old life that’s dead!
It makes me smile as I cry…
Knowing all the while-my soul will never die!
Rather in eternity-with Christ is life forever,
And best of all, while down here on this earth…
Is to show my schizophrenia has no worth-
Over the grace of God-that I cling to endeavor!
As chance and chapter to prove purity-is more dominant than deceit
With the bowels of the new heart and spirit-God has freely given me!!!
When you feel caught in a vacuum
Because people didn’t see the value,
You brought to the kitchen table,
Won’t change the fact that,
You are more than capable.
Your worth is immeasurable.
You are very valuable.
In a world that may seem unstable,
Don’t let doubt make you retract,
You have the power to impact.
You are stronger than you think,
And you are more than enough.
You are loved even on the days you feel worse.
Keep running.
Always believe in yourself, don’t hesitate,
You have the potential to create.
I know you can do it!
See, you’re already doing it!
Give yourself grace
To run your own race.
If you keep the faith alive,
I know you will survive.
-From Reflections of a Hopeful Romantic by Stephanie Anyaoha
Lauren,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I really appreciate your support!
I wrote that piece when I was at a very low point in my life and wanted to give up.
I hope it will inspire others to keep running their race.
All the best!
People all around have lost their sight
In return has made this world loose its light
Hate and darkness are spread
while people try to hide it all with meds
Instead of opening their eyes they become more blind
which makes the light harder to find
People are becoming more like animals losing sight of humanity
Which is destroying the future you see
We all secretly want the same thing
to truly be loved & not shown pain
We forget to be the person we needed when we were younger
especially when that darkness hit with that Hungers
People can always be the change in this world & save humanity
Even if it just starts with you and little Ol me
Someone must finally open their eyes
To see past all the masks, disguises, & lies
Just as easy as hate can spread
Love & Kindness could be instead
One match can bring light to the dark
The dark cannot overpower the spark
Unless you give that power away
Nobody can make or break your day
Working together for the greater good
Has been somehow misunderstood
It is time we all open our hearts & quit being sheep
Show love instead & let the evil sow what it reap
The maze of life, we wander, we strive,
Through twists and turns, where paths collide,
Each step a dance of pain and joy,
As we chase dreams that hope employ.
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
We journey on, beneath the sky,
With hearts that ache and souls that yearn,
For the lessons learned at every turn.
In the darkest of times,
We stumble, we fall,
Sometimes we even lose our sight,
But from the shadows, once more we emerge,
With newfound strength,
After every storm, comes a surge.
For in the depths of despair we find, The resilience of humankind.
We rise from ashes, refusing to fold,
A testament to faith and resilience—cheers to the courageous and bold
For growth is not a straight-lined path,
It’s up and downs, twists, and turns
But we find our way, becoming free at last
So let us cherish the journey we choose,
For they remind us who we are and what happens if you refuse to lose,
A testament to our strength and grace
Yes, we rise and fall, yet rise again and again…
Knowing that trouble won’t last always and if you don’t give up, you will win.
So ride life’s wave, in God’s embrace.
Trust your path—you’ve got what it takes.
Greetings, your poem beautifully captures the ups and downs of life’s journey, offering encouragement and hope to readers. Your use of vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow convey themes of perseverance and resilience, bravo! Overall, it’s an inspiring ode to the human spirit.
The stars, my brothers & sisters,
How much I miss all thee
To see you, shiny, bright optimists –
Such a deep positivity to guide.
So many of you all, those stars –
The houses, cities, industries, beings
Dull you now, and so, so few
of you shine as bright, barely gleaning.
Now, not as many of you
Illuminate and shining to inspire
Amongst the rest of mankind.
I miss seeing you as I did back there . . .
I lay there in the vast school valley
No major lights, here third world style.
Cast myself away from the US, I fled,
practically now an exile.
I came to understand more of the world
Wanting to see if I can do any good.
Lying, wishing to be in the space purl,
There in the dark of the African continent.
I smile with peace and such ease
While looking up at those grand stars,
Milky Way, galaxies, while a scant breeze
waves across my skirt and the tall grass.
My Earthly Family, those stars
mine, yours, our representative.
This view, this experience,
I rushed over, not so tentative/
To learn so much, but the stars
Illuminated the sky and world
So much brightness and loveliness,
and so much did unfurl.
I’ll never feel like this again.
Those days over in Tanzania
will forever last in memory
That life, those stars, now as unglistened
In this sky so uncomplimentary
Sharing now that life is short.
I’ll enjoy it as best as I did under
The Tanzania stars and sky.
Greetings, your description of yearning for the beauty of the stars amidst the routine of life is quite striking. It contrasts the grandeur of the universe with the limitations of human existence, leaving a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature. Splendidly written.
Following down a path
that was out of the ordinary.
Discovering herself threw all the wrath
Bouncing around such as a fairy.
The harmfulness inside
can consume her on the daily
She is no longer trying to hide
Realizing she probably was never gaily.
The spark of who she is becoming
Is bright within
Hearing the constant humming
Without all of the sin.
This girl is giving it her all
never worried on if she will fall.
Greetings, your celebration of resilience and authenticity is wonderfully written. It encourages perseverance and self-acceptance, highlighting the strength of embracing one’s true identity. I hope this becomes a reality and a source of encouragement for everyone in their self-discovery journey.
Looking into the mirror
I see the smile from her.
The find feels clearer
I finally found where you were.
Noticing the smile
That follows around.
Anyone could spot it from a mile
Finding what startled her from the ground.
Did I mention the bliss
From you walking through that door.
It’s safe you will not be a dismiss
We are ready to explore.
The possibilities that are within
Not that I no wear you thin.
The spirit takes my soul back
to a day that was not long ago.
Sitting on a rack
as if there’s something that needed a show.
Remembering key phrases
that I would say.
The body raises
to realize it was my favorite day.
Twos flooded the room
as I would turn to you.
Watching our love start to bloom
then it was my cue.
Waking to the realization
there’s no need for any hesitation.
Greetings, your style is captivating, blending vivid imagery with nostalgia. It draws me into memories through concise phrases and rhythmic flow, evoking a sense of longing and reflection. Beautifully written.
Why can’t we all get along
We act like this or that person don’t belong
Making others feel out of place
Never seeing the hurt behind the smile on their face
Why do we spread more hate then love
Thinking there are others we’re above
We forget we all are human with our own flaws
Wasting more energy spreading hate like it’s in our laws
We just need to love and care for one another
Treat all like they are your sister or brother.
See that’s the key to world peace
Only if hatred would seem to forever cease.
Please know that I am here,
Right by your side,
Even though you don’t see me near,
I promise I’m not that far behind.
Your love follows me everywhere,
As it will for years,
Were the perfect pair,
The couple everyone fears.
Some wish they were us,
But they don’t know what we’ve been through,
Even though they think they do when they discuss,
If they only had a clue.
That does not matter my love,
As you were the one who came and saved me from above.
“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being”- Jackie Robinson. So, you want to be a human or citizen don’t let the hurt they have caused define your worth, rise above. I will not let their words push me down before I am taking advantage of my love. Don’t let them make you unhappy and give away your affection. Life lessons taught me, seek respect not perfection. You think this is the world and you are just a product of their environment, and you cannot make it. It will be inevitable that God just allows you to enjoy the moment. Stop being always available to people who are just there for you when it’s convenient for them. et me be clear, my love is unconditional but your presence in my life is not. The moment you prove that the value of me does not measure up to yourself worth, I’ll have no problem unconditionally loving the memory of you and moving on. If they walk away, let them go. If they don’t value you
enough to work through the hard times, they don’t deserve all the good times. And you gotta read between the lines I’m searching for a way to heal all the last rhymes.
“You don’t ‘make’ someone stop treating you badly. You walk out of their lives and stay out of their lives, and viola…the bad treatment stops. “I can’t control your behavior, nor do I want that burden… but I will not apologize for to be disrespected or to be mistreated I have standards, step
up or step out.” -Steve Maraboli.
A person doesn’t have to only drain you with arguments and fights. they can drain you with lack of communication, lack of trust, lack of respect, lack of empathy, lack of apologizing, lack of acknowledgement and lack of fulfilling your love language know the truth. And I’m caught in a circle of footprints and misfits. By your mistakes no matter how hard you try to fix. Rise up from the hurt, find strength to eclipse. Don’t let the conflict break you that’s a common enemy. Make sure you respect your partner more than you love them, because you can cause a lot of damage to them while still loving them: When you respect them, you’ll think about them before you make any move, and you’ll think about the impact it will have on them. That’s why you have to make a choice don’t let their toxicity condemn. You’re afraid to make amends. What’s the point of being friends? When all you do is pretend. But be certain to make your mind up and get up and bite your tongue. If you want to give up, I don’t want to say goodbye. And you have something your mind tells you otherwise why. If you don’t make the same mistakes you did, that you feel you are lying when you don’t have the time to be lucky. Whenever you’re in doubt and make up just believe that things will work out.
It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through and how much you’ve been doused.
I’ll break free from the hurt and find bliss.
Only the broken can be fixed.
It’s never too late to realize there’s more to life than this.
There’s a whole world out there to explore, don’t miss. You are just stranded and stopped and blinked. I know it’s hard to believe but, follow your own instinct.
I’ll make my own path and never be extinct.
Take a chance and let your true colors link.
You’re a diamond in disguise, show your inner aspect.
Just like a poetic gift we will make it. When you look in the mirror, everything will be cleansed.
In this life, strive for love and respect and have no regrets.
Greetings, I love the honesty and empowerment urging us to value ourselves and pursue healthier relationships. The mix of quotes and original thoughts adds depth and inspires hope.
Growing up I never got the talk about the birds and the bees
Are those the people that find happiness sexually?
Living in a single parent household
I had nothing but love that surrounded me
The joy of spending time with my family
Always brought pure happiness to me
Even though I lacked my father’s presence
I appreciated each and every thing my mom did for me
The variations of what makes me happy
Truly varies from day to day
But most importantly I am happy that God saw fit to wake me up today
The opportunity to make the world a better place
By spreading positivity and living in my purpose
Makes me feel blessed to say the least
Finding love and being loved
Allows me to be prosperous with spreading love daily
I used to say my smile doesn’t often dictate my happiness
These days I add to people’s happiness
By providing great customer service to them adding a smile goes a long way
It makes a huge difference in people’s day
My happiness isn’t always contingent on others
But it sure feels great when I’m happy
And I spread happiness endlessly to those around me
How did I forget to mention that poetry and music also brings me happiness
Being able to write and share my story with people near and far
Is a dream come true
A journey worthy of praise
‘Cause people sometimes tear you down
When they don’t support your vision
Lacking happiness hinders their judgement
Or they don’t understand how to clap
Even if they aren’t the one winning at the moment
Without question music has always been
A vital part of me
Whether it was inspiring me to write poetry
Or my calm when I needed reassurance
It has got me through good days and sad days
Whether it was the melody, beat, lyrics or artist
I always admired how I could relate it to me
Finding happiness in all that I do and the people that surround me
Makes me know that I embody happiness just by being me
So let me ask you:
What does happiness mean to you?
Tracy! I love this piece!. This is the piece you read last week. YOU are pure happiness and you bring light to every single person you meet! Thank you for sharing! I am posting this piece in our newsletter today! Keep a lookout for it. <3 Lauren
Thank you so much Lauren; I truly appreciate you and all that you have done for the poetry community 🫶🏾 Omg I made it in the newsletter thank you thank you 🙏🏾
Greetings, a beautiful celebration of life’s simple joys like sunrise, music, and friendship, inspiring gratitude and positivity. A reminder for us to appreciate the little things and make a positive impact on their world. Bravo!
You never forget how someone treated you when you were weak, vulnerable, and afraid.
You never forget how someone treated you…
You never forget the one time that you wanted to be acknowledged and you weren’t
You never forget when you went the extra mile and they didn’t
You never forget…
You never forget all the times you stressed and struggled a lone—but with God you kept taking steps forward and saw your way through your storm to brighter days.
You never forget the moment that you realized you were loving others more than they loved you.
You never forget the day you realized it was never team us—but you were always about team you.
You never forget…
You never forget…
Some things you just never forget…
I so agree. But then when you meet someone who steps up to the plate, you will always appreciate them because you never forgot what you experienced before. <3 Lauren
Every once in a while your heart is awakened
Someone or something makes it smile
For a moment it feels brave & comes out to play
It abandons all of its armor
Embracing the euphoria of deep meaningful
human connection
Time goes on & it gives with no restriction
Its warm and free
Grateful and happy
Then one day you change
You treat my heart differently
My heart shuts off
It loses its luster and warmth
It fades its red vibrant color into a cold, gloomy, black, and blue ball
It walks and walks until it can find shelter…alone
Away from the pain and sadness
“Im just looking for shelter, relief, and protection” it murmurs to itself as it saunters away from the glowing light/life it once knew
It keeps walking…wandering around for a safe place to go
It finds a cave
A private cave
“No one will look here”
It diverts from its wandering path into the cave
The cave is dark and isolated
But there’s a bolder in front of its entrance that permits light to come in once removed
The heart takes a rest on the cave’s walls
It strikes a match on the wall and holds it
Sobbing uncontrollably
For hours and hours and hours
It does think
It doesn’t speak
It just releases
Everything
The heart blows out the match, falling to its side it falls asleep
At 5am the heart wakes, greets the morning
Sun-rays are peaking past the large bolder blocking the entrance…protecting the heart
The heart embraces the traces of light but refuses to go out and play
Day in and day out
Every night the heart prays for guidance, release, and peace
The heart focuses on self control and not speaking
The heart spends hours dreaming, planning, visualizing and investing in a better future
The heart is in isolation so it begins to heal
Tiny pieces of it…day by day
The heart is focused on protecting itself
Day in and day out the sun shine creeps its way into the cave
Comforting the cold heart with its warmth
Then one day the heart says….
Dr. Cortnie , your heartfelt letter captures the pain of a heart that has been hurt and seeks solace in isolation. It reminds us of the power of human connection and the need for protection. May your heart find healing, guidance, and peace as it embraces self-control and envisions a brighter future.
When the world goes to sleep
And I am left awake
With my lonely thoughts
And subtle, soft heartbreak
I can only breathe
And readjust myself
To the passing of time
A picture on a shelf
Non sum qualis eram
Maybe something more
Who I left behind
Is running out the door
Nothing lasts forever
A former life was I
Not solid on the ground
Nor between the earth and sky
In this newfound skin
Is a person I’m not yet
A new soul has been given
But my blood has not been let
Hope, it takes a hold
Persistence is the key
Of learning my new world
And everything in me
So with these hands I pray
For a new life to begin
There’s nothing I can do
But to love myself within
Kirsten, your heartfelt words reflect the beauty of self-discovery and the resilience of the human spirit. Embrace the journey of embracing your new self and loving yourself from within. May hope and persistence guide you towards a new and fulfilling life.