POEMS
It's a Party Out There [319 words]
This poem is my roadmap for navigating overstimulating occasions while overtired. I know how to use the psychological techniques mentioned, but I'm not usually as self-aware as the narrator. I'm learning. For this piece, I opted for a much looser melody than most of my other poetry.
Do you mind if I go out with me tonight?
To play the games, taste the treats, and see the sights?
It takes all my focus just to sense,
and you deserve me fully present.
So go on; enjoy the fun and fellowship.
Though I want to be at your side forever,
I know to smile and wave from the corner,
watching from another dimension,
trying to choose the best course of action.
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Goodbye to the World [392 words]
So many companies are trying to claim a piece of your headspace. I’m not giving mine away anymore, not to them. The only things I let into my headspace are my God, loved ones, projects, and plans. That leaves me space to appreciate the world around me, to daydream and reflect, to feel deeply, and to discover new skills and ideas.
More about the poem here >>
You have nothing to offer me.
You want to trade me acceptance
for my uniqueness—No! The keeper of my soul
accepted me and freed me from your mangled mold.
You want to sell me status, World?
You called my master mad and crucified him.
I want no status except to be like him.
You’re ever promoting pleasure,
but neither joy nor peace depend on dopamine.
They’re not purchased; they’re not provided by a screen.
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Mental Remodel [208 words]
This poem is a blueprint for my mental health goals. It's about dealing with neuroticism, masking, self-doubt, and sleep deprivation.
More about the poem here >>
I have to lose this muddled mind,
my soul buried below old me’s
mad cravings to control all things.
I couldn’t leave the pride behind,
believing it maturity,
until tasting the peace truth brings.
Shut up, neurosis, time to die.
No more rehearsing what to say.
Don’t fix problems which don’t exist.
Science and Scripture I’ll apply.
Second-guessing will no more weigh
on me like suffocating mist.
I can’t let nighttime steal my light.
I can’t let sleep deprivation
welcome apathy, smother joy,
or fan anger for futile fights.
It separates will from action—
another piece I must destroy.
Awareness, reach for what is sweet
and true throughout this troubled world.
You step away but don’t shut down
when things get loud or students cheat.
When worthless thoughts begin to whirl,
embrace the beauty all around.
Heart, oh heart, you’re in no danger.
There’s no need to mask your feelings.
Let down the walls and look within.
Your hand is holding the dagger.
Release the glum and golden streams.
Restraining your design is sin.
I call the demolition crew.
Clear out the doubt and confusion;
I’m remodeling my headspace.
A writer’s desk with forest view;
a chapel for faithful vision.
Let plots and prayers fill the place.
Dreaming of a Daydream [148 words]
The pantoum poetic form is unique and specific. Each line repeats exactly twice, which means it has to make sense in two different contexts. If you haven't read a pantoum before, read the post about them linked below so that you know what to look out for.
Learn about the pantoum form here >>
I thought I would never see it again:
three legs, one arm, and five eyes, black inkwells
pouring into my own. It appears when
stress, fatigue, and worry make me unwell.
Three legs, one arm, and five eyes, black inkwells:
with a scarlet smile, it hears my plight.
Stress, fatigue, and worry make me unwell,
yet I’m not alone in mental fights.
With a scarlet smile, it hears my plight.
Born for trouble, it’ll answer the call.
I am not alone in mental fights,
it the squire and I the knight; we won’t fall.
Born for trouble, it’ll answer the call.
Nightmarish friend with heart overflowing,
it the squire and I the knight; we won’t fall.
I’m imagining and, one time, dreaming.
Nightmarish friend with heart overflowing,
pouring into my own. It appears when
I’m imagining and, one time, dreaming.
I thought I would never see it again.
Choose to Dance [82 words]
Sweat splashes on the stage
like tears of joy when trite fears fade away.
Tap, tap—We capture the bop.
Squeak, squeak—We sneak in a slide,
moving our feet like the floor’s on fire,
drawing closer to burn with desire.
Music becomes motion
by a little focus and a lot of intention.
The more energy we give,
the more presence we gain,
Heart pumping emotions through the veins.
Movements from the brain; legs move just the same.
Nothing chosen is mundane.
When Outcasts Meet [204 words]
The line between poetry and song is like caution tape in a hurricane—a blur. “When Outcasts Meet” is meant to be read fast, almost like rap. Its complicated structure also blurs the line between free verse and structured poetry.
Read the story behind the poem here >>
Listen to the poem read by the author below.
I see you standing in my corner I don’t even know your name. We stand by like we’re waiting in line, I can’t help hoping and believing I don’t even know your name.
with your hair out of order
and your feet turned in as though there’s a border
between you and everyone around.
That’s why you don’t make a sound.
With no thoughts in common, you’d only confound.
But I can hear the thoughts you’re thinking;
I can feel your heart beating,
wishing there were someone who understood you.
I know you’re afraid to take a chance;
I knew you at first glance.
You and I are cut from cloth the same,
but I don’t even know your name.
plan and plan, biding our time,
take a stab at the truth then turn on a dime.
Though we want to make a difference,
we are kept at a distance.
We don’t know how to beat social resistance.
that we’re meant to be meeting
‘cause there’s nothing here worth a feeling but you.
I’m in love with you in every way.
That’s what I have got to say.
To hear that, I think, is why you came,
but I don’t even know your name.
The Vigilante's Voicemail [289 words]
This is a modern take on the poetic monologue. A vigilante leaves a message for an old friend, begging for help in desperate circumstances.
Listen to the poem read by the author below.
Hey, Jim, it’s Becky again. Will you please pick up?
This is still your number—I confirmed with Jacob—
so I’m leaving a message to tell you what’s up.
I’m not hunting them anymore. Do you still think I’m in the right, I would like to think that I made the world safer, You always said I was crazy. For collateral damage, I will make amends. Why won’t you pick up the damn phone! Jacob patches me up quietly when I’m shot go too well for you, so that’s fair. but I’m not as pretty as she remembers me. You can’t turn your back on me now.
I know I’ve promised that before
but had to face another four.
This time it’s done. The traffickers are mostly gone.
Before my injury, I killed every last one
who had kidnapped a child, may have taken my son.
though you never could stand the sight
of the poisoned bodies from the fight?
but humans were never meant to fight each other.
I have gotten used to feeling like a monster.
I’m agreeing with you lately;
I’m afraid to live normally.
I need your help to start. Don’t let this be the end
of our relationship. You are my only friend.
Please don’t leave me maimed and alone.
Help me bury a few last bones.
but won’t be seen with me just in case I get caught.
Did you block me, Jim? Last time you helped me did not
I recall hearing your wife swear
that we were having an affair,
I paid two limbs for the heads of my enemies
and have been living off of their guns and money.
You remember our first-grade vow
to always help each other out.