vermontpoetess's Letters
It’s in here somewhere, shaking, out of sight—
this gratitude I keep alive for me
that’s terrified by recognition’s light.
See!
It cowers, there. Don’t get too close; it bites,
a mangy mix of actuality
surviving off mere scraps of sacrifice,
resilience, sense, and stale tenacity.
My family gets first dibs on hearty foods.
I feed their inner p…read more
It’s not your fault, in anger, that she screamed
whenever boredom tempted, “screw the rules”
but break the cycle— count to ten and breathe.
Her parenting just followed grandma’s lead,
a single mom with seven in her brood.
It’s not your fault, in anger, that they screamed.
For years, repressed emotions build up steam
and beg release with adole…read more
Cold, antiseptic air crushes down upon my chest
as barely padded steel pushes back from the other side,
effectively pinning my teenage body to a table
in a darkened room I don’t want to be in.
A heartbeat pounds in my ears— too fast
to be mine, yet instantly mine.
I watch the screen flutter with blurred vision,
regret for what I was there to d…read more
“What is better than wisdom? Woman. And what is better than a good woman? Nothing.”
~ Geoffrey Chaucer
When teenage angst and mental boredom read
his poetry in high school British Lit,
my brain went on a bender, seeking highs
that only Tales of Canterbury matched
and line by line, my feminism fanned,
I felt those words expand and…read more
This life’s a high-thrill roller coaster ride
with climbs and drops, with loops and turns— you blink
and future’s past— it’s transience defined.
Cry.
Or don’t. It matters not, for wheels still clink.
Along the track of destiny we fly,
entrusting cars attached by tungsten links
to comfort whether plunging from the sky
or taking corners, scr…read more
I’ve had my share of dreams and goals
throughout this skyward climb—
have hustled, slaved, and sold my soul
at least five thousand times—
all rocket fuel injection founts,
plans realized or not;
ascension parted clouds of doubt
for me, the astronaut.
I soared past childhood fantasy,
explored familial moons,
then looped a distant star or thr…read more
Resiliency is rarely said
to be an envied trait;
they’ll cite your wit or charm instead,
both given greater weight.
But, grit survives through each abuse–
finds quiet ways to thrive–
and never lets the trauma noose
bedim your stubborn eyes.
This understated innate feist
will be your truest friend
so hold her close throughout our lif…read more
I think about you now and then,
a smile on my face
and hope you’re running free, my friend,
with classic Richie grace
or dancing on a fresh-cut lawn
to upbeat oldie tunes,
not caring if the world looks on–
to judgment, you’re immune.
I’m sure your whoops of simple joy
are heaven’s favorite tolls–
endearing is the singsong voice
that echoes in…read more
TW!
This is a poem I wrote about forgiveness, grace, and strength after I was confronted as an adult with my childhood abuser.
Please do not share it because I have it submitted to a few places. Thanks!
The pungent froth of evening tide
caressed my weary toes
as golden sands of Surya’s Pride
chafed restlessly below.
Soft…read more