You’d watched her do it for years with envy. Turned on the switch that illuminated a dozen eggs scattered about a styrofoam oven. Instead of two neat rows of 70 calories, these misshapen, feather laden, orphans lay dormant in my mother’s 1st grade classroom until they pecked their way through birth only to be “set free” and dead before their 6 year old foster parents started the next school year.
So when I, crossing the farm across the street, stumbled upon a nest without a mother, took it upon my 12 year old self to clutch the only child from its cold next and cradle it within my hoody as I entered my first month of motherhood. I found the incubator, covered in the amniotic fluid of this past year’s open-house-show-stopper, and quietly brought it upstairs to my closet. I plugged it in and placed my single egg within its synthetic worming haunches. A few weeks later, my pubescent closet was filled not only with American Eagle sale items but the warmth of newly hatched killdeer. It was an endangered species. I fed it worms and it died. I felt proud. But now, filled with regret.
Aww, Stella. I am so happy that you experienced this. Even though the loss must have been hard on you, this only made you a stronger person. Way to go for persevering through the loss and becoming a better version of yourself because of it. You should still be proud of yourself! This was a lot to take on for a kid and you did it the best that you…read more
Finnegan, this is beautiful! You are so creative in your writing and I really think that you could go far with this. Your ideas are so unique and inspiring and I hope you know that. The challenges that you have been forced to face head-on have only made you stronger. You are such a wonderful person and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for…read more
The only thing that Lauryn Grace couldn’t make was her bed. She’d rather slay the fearsome dragon snarling underneath instead. Too many rocks that need a-chucking. Too many comics to be read. Too many rings that need collecting, gotta help her hedgehog friend. Then there’s the concert coming up, she’s got a wicked tune to shred. Yeah, the guitar’s a broom. So what? Brushes aren’t just made for heads. Singing straight into the bristles, loose hairs standing up on end. Who’s got the time for tucking sheets when there’s a party to attend? The finest mud pies in the city. With pinecone tea, a lovely blend. Then there’s of course the playdough spaghetti, which we highly recommend. Then after every stuffy’s stuffed, and after every friend’s been fed, a-tinkering we’ll go and build a fort in Grandpa’s shed! Not a single wall left empty, doodles decorate the stead. Christmas lights and LEDs a plenty, disco ball dangling by a thread. But chillaxing to the max can get old fast, and oh, the dread! To the water tanks it is, over desert sands we’ll tread. In a-billion degree weather, hot enough to bake some bread. Where the cactuses are jumpy, and the wildfires spread. Home of scorpions and snakes, and UV rays that make you red. The perfect place for children. Dunes were made for kids to sled! But when nighttime rolls around, and the stars are overhead, time to head on home; there’s a sleepover case that must be pled! Scary stories about monsters, Grandma’s teeth, and the undead fill the room with screams and giggles, followed by a, “GO TO BED!”. Well, the night’s not getting younger, and you heard what Sargent said. Time to head on down to Dreamland, far too weird to comprehend. And that’s exactly how she likes it. Every moment, time well spent. Among the viking werewolf pirates, where her soul’s truly content. In the morning, they must bid farewell their sensei president. Kung Fu politics will have to wait, she awakes a master chef! Bacon pancakes flipped with precision. Three gold stars, and each are Michelin. When the feeding frenzy’s finished, not a single crumb is left. With the dawning of a brand new day, she starts upon her quest. There’s a big world to explore, who knows what to expect? But whatever comes her way today, she’s ready for the test. She finds the magic inside everything, and leaves out all the rest. Now a decade and a half’s gone by, and my, the time flys fast! That’s over five thousand four hundred sunsets, and over 15 birthdays passed! Much had changed, yet much has stayed the same. Some things good, and some things bad. But despite the growing pains, she made her way and here she stands. Head still high up in the clouds, with countless dreams so big and grand. So much older now. Back then it would be hard to understand just how special, bright, and loved you were, the world inside your hands. I’m so very proud of us, there’s nothing we cannot withstand. Despite the odds stacked high against us, we braved the storms and we found land. And it’s all because you stayed with me, through fire and dark of night. You were the still, small voice inside that’s whispered, “it’s gonna be alright.”. You who view the world excitedly, through graceful, loving eyes. You who beacon me to silence when I need a place to hide. And you meet me in the middle, you remind me of the light; ever present, ever growing, radiating from inside. I see you there in every belly laugh, in each expression shaped in art. I feel you spark a child-like wonder when a song touches my heart. I sense you guiding me to truly be myself, and love each part. Thank you little me, we’ve truly been amazeballs from the start. ❤️
Lauryn! This piece is so creative. I love this line so much, ” She finds the magic inside everything, and leaves out all the rest.” I hope you still embody that sentiment! I think I am going to live by it as well. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. P.S. I hate to make my bed too! <3 Lauren
I’m really glad you enjoyed it, and found something that really resonates with you! I do still to this day live by that sentiment, yes. This poem has actually opened up quite the opportunity for me, I may be publishing it along side some illustrations! It all happened so fast, in perfect uncanny timing, so hopefully all goes well! Thank you for…read more
To the girl I once knew well whose laughter rang like a soft bell, whose eyes held dreams unbounded and free, there’s so much that I love in me.
I love the way I Dare to dream and chase the world with a hopeful gleam, an open heart so pure, and a spirit so bright I filled my darkest days with light.
My kindness is like a gentle breeze. I could calm the wild and restless seas. I give my heart without a pause. I love deeply, even knowing loss. 
I dance in the summer rain and find joy within the pain. The courage I have when storms roar shows strength; I cannot help but adore.
My young curiosity and wonder I now explore; my heart I always feared to ponder, each question in my mind explores. I love the way my soul sores.
At times, I stumble, yet I stand tall, willing to give it my all. As I face each twist and turn with every step, I see I learn.
For every smile, every tear, for every joy and every fear, all the dreams that I hold tight, I love me in the morning light.
So here’s to you, my younger self, a treasure worth more than all the wealth. For all you are and all you’ll be, there’s so much that I love in me. 
Wow! Stacie! This is so good. This line is great, “I love the way I Dare to dream and chase the world with a hopeful gleam, an open heart so pure, and a spirit so bright I filled my darkest days with light.”
Such a strong sentiment. I love how easily this piece flows and how you ended it. It’s really great. Thank you for sharing and for being…read more
Oh my gosh thank you so much for the compliment I appreciate it so much! I pour my heart on paper all the time this is the first time it’s been acknowledged. Thank you thank you.
Your innocence shines through the cracks of my skin,
Like rays of sunshine beaming through to remind me that you’re still here.
You sit in corners with your piano,
Your imagination dancing.
I hear your silence singing to me,
See your eyes filled with hope.
I couldn’t heal until I looked within and saw you sitting alone.
You never asked for love,
And you seldom cried.
I carry you with me as I go.
You’re a reminder of the light I still hold inside.
So young yet so old,
You are more powerful than you know.
From time to time,
Tears trickle down my cheeks.
We’d been left alone before,
And I was wondering if it was me.
But my sweet girl,
I didn’t get to hear my tears hit the floor.
I took my eyes off of you for a second and found you holding me.
Your love is potent.
You are wise beyond your years.
I carry your light with me.
I will always take care of you and wipe your tears.
My sweet girl, the world is something you may never understand,
But I’ll be here for with you.
I’ll never let go of your hand.
When your light beams through,
I’ll know that it’s you.
Awww Naiya, this is incredibly beautiful and so so so so sweet. I am sorry for any hurt you endured during your childhood, but you sound like you were magical child who grew to be an adult with a soft and sweet heart. This part literally made me saw “Awww” outloud:
My sweet girl, the world is something you may never understand,
But I’ll be h…read more
It’s sometimes hard to say “I love you,”
But know, I always do.
You shine bright in a world full of darkness,
with strength and resilience when most would give up.
You possess beauty inside and out—enjoy it, because it does fade 😉
But know that no matter how hard you try to be perfect, you already are.
Made in God’s image,
a princess immaculate in design.
Wise beyond your years,
funny even when you don’t mean to be,
and smarter than you will ever know.
You have a heart of gold—something to be proud of and cherish.
Through pain, you push through and triumph, which is tough at such a young age.
You may not have had the childhood fun some kids had, but you do have love.
You are a leader,
A champion,
A survivor.
You make the world a better place, and your smile lights up every room.
Remember, you are loved deeply and valued beyond measure.
Keep shining bright, for you are destined for greatness.
So So So beautiful. I love how soft and gentle you are with your younger self and I love how you can see all her greatness while subtly shedding light on the way your younger self viewed herself. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed.
To the little girl smiling,
I admire the beauty that you see in everything.
To the little girl smiling,
I admire the good you try so hard to find in everyone.
To the little girl grinning from ear to ear,
I can’t help but be envious of the TRUE carefree life that you live.
To the little girl whose cheeks are sore from the smile that never leaves,
Don’t be afraid of your kind soul-
for you’ll learn to love it.
To the little girl smiling despite her scrapes and bruises,
and is unsure of what she has to offer the world-
I’m proud of you for keeping on.
To the little girl whose smile never left
I love that you make sure the smiles stay on the faces of whom you love.
To the little girl smiling,
you have taught me more than I could ever express.
To the little girl smiling,
you have taught me… how to love
you
me
and every version of us
that comes to be.
Awww Ashlyn! How wonderful it is that you loved to smile and that you still love to smile. May the spirit and energy stay with you forever and touch the hearts of many like I am sure it already has. It’s not always easy to smile. I so admire your spirit and energy. Thank you for sharing and for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
I love the contrast from the beginning of your poem to the end of your poem. You’re being authentic with the current you, and the past you, while making a promise to both of them- at the same time- And I think that’s beautiful.
I agree with Ashlyn! I actually wasn’t expecting the contrast, and then I also wasn’t expecting the ending. I am sorry you feel the world tore you down a bit and took away you little girl wonder. That said, I am glad you remember the little girl inside of you and are making a promise to honor her. You so deserve that. Thank you for sharing this…read more
I was visited by love today. She showed up out of the blue, like a familiar face that I never knew. She said, Anna, is that you? I replied, yes, love, it’s me. With the biggest smile on her face, I was held in love’s embrace, like the clouds over the moon. A rush of heat went through my body like a fever coming through. I softly whispered, thank you, love. I’ve missed you too. I went to step away, and there she was again. She said, where are you going? I’m not finished with you yet. I looked at her, surprised, wondering what she meant. She said I’ve been waiting a long time to tell you what your purpose is. She said you have a heart to help those in need, not just physically but spiritually; indeed, you have a calling on your life; your feet are firmly planted on the ground. Your wings have fully grown and have spread out.
You no longer live in fear but trample it at your feet. Your head is held high, and you let love speak. Love pours out in all you do; you are no longer a songbird caged but free to let your voice ring. Love then looked at me and said, you’re so beautiful. You have heart to help people and a voice that rings true. I sat there, overwhelmed by the grace that love has shown. I held her tight, and at that moment, she was gone. I was visited by love today. How I never knew the love I carried, even when I was blue.
Anna, this is absolutely beautiful! You sound like an incredibly powerful and confident woman who has truly found her voice. I love this line, “Your head is held high, and you let love speak.” Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece and giving us a glimpse of your kind yet strong spirit. And thanks for being part of The Unsealed community. <3 Lauren
I am so sorry you cried through the night as a little girl and didn’t always get what you needed, but I am so glad you found your power, and you are using that power to help others! I really think that’s so inspiring and a testament to your perseverance. Thank you for sharing and being part of The Unsealed family. <3 lauren
To the six year old digging for rollie pollies in her neighbor’s backyard,
never lose that hope.
Keep searching for the smaller pictures,
and you won’t find an end to the rope.
Fight the rules if you think they’re cruel,
let yourself cry when things are unfair.
Be prepared for duels,
and feel the wind through your hair.
You may be called weird or crazy,
and some may not be kind to you;
but if you feel alone,
feel the grass between your toes,
and remember there are two.
We feel all things deeply,
it’s a beautiful way to live.
So care for every creature and
always be willing to give.
Dance like no one’s watching,
explore the things you love.
Do not seek approval-
you can find it in the sun.
And please always remember,
you were born a wild one.
Oh my gosh I absolutely love love this piece, especially how you ended it. May you always embody your wild spirit. You have so much wisdom. This part was so creative:
“Dance like no one’s watching,
explore the things you love.
Do not seek approval-
you can find it in the sun.”
Keep living life on your own terms. You are a star. Thank you for s…read more
Let’s have a chat and sit and talk for a while, as I bring forth a profound truth. The awesome part of this chat is that I will detach myself from you, but we will still be one. The blood that runs to your veins is the same as mine one heartbeat. As I look in the eyes of myself, I give notice that the decisions and choices that I chose will have a profound effect on your life for years to come. They will affect my children and my grandchildren. I can’t see it now because I’m young and in my foolishness, I don’t have the concept of time coming to an end , it’s not always about the clock on the wall. It’s when time simply runs out. This life you’re living is filled with destructive behavior. I was given the opportunity to speak to my younger self, and the one word that keeps coming back is stop, but knowing you like the way that I do , you won’t stop you will take it to the limit. One day years from now you will find peace in your solitude. You will have built up a strength and resilience that is unimaginable. What I love about Anita is she is able to adapt to any situation, she is like a chameleon ever changing to suit the environment that her trials find her she has ability to face struggles and trials and never give up, not that Anita has anything to prove, but it is her grit. Her ability to re-create to be put in any situation and survive and flourish, and always trying to become the best version of myself daily .
Anita, you sound incredibly strong and resilient. I love this part: “Anita is she can adapt to any situation; she is like a chameleon ever changing to suit the environment that her trials find her”
It is such a gift to be able to adapt. Your grit is admirable. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being part of The unsealed family. <3 Lauren
You were never Fearless; but you have always been wise
You were never truly Selfish; but you always fought for the prize
Of your music and your soul bursting with feverish success and empathy
Of a single soul finally healing through your melody-
Placed with sheer scrutiny under a cruel microscope
When all you wanted was simply to be
Joy-filled and vibrant; never silent, you were always
Shooting for the moon, never afraid of what you’d miss amongst the stars
Surrounding the ones you love with joy, compassion, warmth and light
Never being a fraction less than the Brightness you are
Through your Loneliness; you’d show others they are never alone
Through your Isolation; you’d give all those you love Safety and Home
Oh Vibrant One, I hope you know
That Vibrant One; someday you’d grow.
Into the safety and compassion you needed
When you were cast out and left to bleed by the ones you had thought were safe and secure
Oh, Vibrant One-
The world deserves you and all your broken pieces
All your messy days and all your impulsive ways
This letter to you by no means a warning
Just a reminder that the sun will still rise in the morning.
So keep going, Vibrant One; but take your time
The brightest stars will always shine.
This is absolutely beautiful. I am sorry you had some tough times as a child, but it sounds like you didn’t let the weight of the world dull your shine and that’s a true testament to how much of a star you truly are. Keep shining your light on the world and keep being the Vibrant One – for it is you who has the power to help someone else find…read more
Hiding, like a dragon in its lair,
When in truth you were just a little girl who wanted someone to care.
shaking, whimpering in a secret corner of my heart
Sick of the shadows
scared of the dark,
…but so tired
Tired of the lying,
of the never-ending heartbreak
And of the people who caused it, and keep trying.
Always hurting that sweet innocent giving,
little girl, You used to be
I understand the feelings
Because you,
Used to be me.
Always just Another unfortunate lesson you were made to learn.
And another heart in the flames
that eternally burn.
You just want to protect yourself
I’m sorry I can’t say it gets much better,
Living under that curtain of thick, brown hair
Avoiding those heavy, thousand-yard glares.
I see you, standing there
Alone, in the cold stormy weather
But Always pulling through
And for that
I’d Personally
like to thank you.
Even as no one saw our own tears glistened,
You were always
Talking and taking the time to listen.
Healing others while your own heart quickened.
So thank you.
for holding out hope even when we were at the end of our long tenuous rope.
you were a patient, kind, and wild child
Moral belief guides your mouth and your feet.
Never talking out of turn
but unafraid to speak.
We fought for the right reasons
For family, for goodness for me.
Something that used to seem so easy
Now far from ease.
You lived life as you pleased and lived life by your own code of morality.
Sometimes it’s hard to actually remember and believe
That you’re me.
Like when we put our dollars in the donation jar for troops,
Because everyone deserves to get to talk to their family. though you’re own rarely talked to you.
those were just the types of things we’d do.
besides we had two dollars and a cookie only cost one.
Money was nothing but an object to us, and the real prize was adventure life, and love.
So to us, it was harmless fun that could help someone.
You hold A fearless trust that the world couldn’t mess up,
And a strong belief that this world was capable of good deeds.
Always Made up of shades
of black and white
wrong and right,
Dark and light
good, or bad
We believed whole-heartedly in humanity
Until they said we were too “different”
“Naive to believe”
And like Icarus clipped our wings
Then when he flew too close to the sun
Left us falling.
Child,
I see you… me
And I’m sorry life wasn’t what you expected it to be,
physically or morally,
But I’m thankful you’re still the hope in me
Sometimes I just ask what that brave kid would think,
As we’re Growing into the person we were always meant to be and need.
I’m proud of you,
sincerely you /me.
P.S., it’s hard but keep going till we get where we need to be.
Megan, This piece is so powerful and so well done. I am sorry you did not get the support and attention you needed and deserved as a child, but I love your fight and your commitment to staying true to your heart. I think your younger self would be really proud of who you still are and how you still fight for her and you. You are a shining star. I…read more