Echoes of a Fractured Dream

In a land once bound by dreams so grand, 

Where freedom's promise took its stand, 

Echoes of the past now softly weep, 

As shadows in the present creep. 

The founders' words, a guiding light, 

“All men are equal,” clear and bright, 

Yet now those truths seem far away, 

In a world where values sway. 

Years of struggle, voices raised, 

For civil rights, for justice praised, 

Now dismissed with a casual sneer, 

Branded “woke” with insincere jeer. 

The flag that waved with pride and grace, 

Now feels a weight, a solemn trace, 

Of leaders driven by their greed, 

Ambition's hunger, ego's seed. 

In hearts of many, doubt takes hold, 

As stories of our past are told, 

With faith in country worn and thin, 

And trust a fragile, wavering thing. 

Embarrassment, a heavy cloak, 

For ideals that once brightly spoke, 

Now tangled in a web of lies, 

Beneath a sky of muted cries. 

Yet in this darkness, sparks remain, 

Of those who strive through doubt and pain, 

For in the heart of this great land, 

Lies strength to rise, to take a stand. 

Though clouds of despair may linger near, 

The spirit of the people will persevere, 

For in the soul of every fight, 

Lies the promise of a brighter light.

EUPHORIA

In the garden of life, where wild winds wail, 

The path can be thorny, the journey a gale. 

With shadows that linger and fears that confide, 

Life's trials and struggles we cannot abide. 

Yet in the tempest, a whisper is heard, 

A song of resilience, a soft-spoken word. 

For beauty and terror, they dance hand in hand, 

In the chaos of life, we learn to withstand.

The curveballs come flying, with no warning sign, 

They test our resolve, our spirits entwine. 

But courage is found in the heart's quiet beat, 

In the moments we rise, refusing defeat.

For every dark night, a dawn waits to break, 

In the depths of despair, new strength we awake. 

It's how we respond, how we choose to engage, 

That writes our own story on life's endless page. 

So when fear takes hold and the road seems unclear, 

Remember the light that will always be near. 

In the dance of existence, both beauty and pain, 

We find our true selves, like flowers in rain. 

With each step we take, with each breath we embrace, 

We navigate life, finding our place. 

For in hardship and struggle, we learn to be free, 

Crafting a life of both terror and beauty.

What they never say

No one warns you of the weight—

How love sits heavy on your chest,

How sometimes you'll lie awake

Wondering if you've failed the test.

They don't mention in romance books

How terrifying trust can be,

How vulnerability looks

When stripped of all its poetry.

No one speaks of mundane pain:

The toothpaste caps, the coffee rings,

The way small habits drive you insane,

The doubt that everyday life brings.

They skip the chapter on the work,

The constant choice to stay and fight,

The conversations that you shirk,

The compromise that feels not quite right.

No one tells you of the fear

That comes with loving someone so—

How much it costs to keep them near,

How fast your walls will have to go.

They paint it golden, paint it sweet,

But love's a battlefield inside,

Where victory and failure meet,

Where joy and terror coincide.

Yet somehow in this messy space,

Between the truth and what they tell,

We find a raw and precious grace

That makes the hardship serve us well.

Ode to Olive

In the soft glow of the evening light, 

You curl beside me, a comforting sight, 

With a gentle purr, you chase away fears, 

In your warm presence, I find peace from tears. 

Your emerald gaze, so wise and bright, 

Holds the secrets of day and the calm of night, 

With every nudge and every soft paw, 

You wrap me in love, a bond without flaw. 

When the world feels heavy, and shadows creep near, 

You’re my little warrior, my heart’s quiet cheer, 

In your playful antics, I find pure delight, 

A beacon of joy, my heart takes flight. 

With every whisker, every gentle nudge, 

You teach me patience, you teach me love, 

A silent promise, a vow so deep, 

In your soft presence, my heart you keep. 

So here’s to you, my feline friend, 

A love that blossoms, that will never end, 

In every moment, together we roam, 

With you, dear Olive, I am always home.

When safety is a privilege?

Like Angelou's pressed palm against glass,

I watch their freedom as I pass —

Through corridors of white-washed power,

Where fear marks every passing hour.

The moon knows my secrets deep,

In streets where respect lies asleep.

Hope — has feathers — but mine are clipped —

By systems — built on — privilege slipped —

Into every — institution's door —

While I — stand watching — from the floor —

What happens to a dream denied?

Does it sink like stones in troubled seas?

Or does it burn beneath our pride,

Like truth beneath their pleasantries?

Fragment of woman, piece of whole,

Like Sappho's verses, torn and sold.

In marble halls where power dwells,

My story breaks like ancient shells.

Like love that cannot stay silent,

My pain searches where to scream.

My silence will not protect me here,

As Lorde taught through her fierce grace.

Each breath becomes a revolution,

In this white-male dominated space.

Wild and precious is this life,

Even through the darkest strife.

Oliver's geese still point the way

To survival, day by day.

Rich taught me to dive deep down,

Into wreckage of what should be.

Finding strength in broken places,

Where their eyes refuse to see.

Millay's flame burns in my chest,

As I navigate their world possessed

By rules that bend for some, not all,

While justice watches from her fall.

Voices Unheard

In the shadows of fluorescent light, 

Where dreams once danced, now take flight, 

A job that promised growth and grace, 

Turns into a suffocating space. 

With whispers of favoritism in the air, 

White males ascend, while others despair, 

No resources to lift us, just high demands, 

In a world where only one type stands. 

Expectations tower, like walls made of stone, 

No room for mistakes, you’re left all alone, 

Suggestions dismissed, like whispers in the wind, 

In this toxic realm, where hope grows thin. 

Gaslighting echoes in each hollow hall, 

“Your worth is measured, you’re not that tall,” 

DEI’s just a buzzword, a mask they wear, 

While kindness is seen as a flaw laid bare. 

Micromanaged dreams, like birds in a cage, 

Each step scrutinized, a scripted stage, 

The clock ticks slow, yet the pressure mounts, 

In this toxic dance, no one recounts. 

Yet deep within, a spark still glows, 

A whisper of change, a seed that grows, 

For those who stand strong, who dare to believe, 

Can break these chains, and learn to achieve. 

So here’s to the fighters, the voices unheard, 

In a world that’s unjust, let’s rise like a bird, 

With courage and strength, we’ll rewrite the tale, 

And forge a new path, where all can prevail.

Beyond their Shadows: A resilient flame

In a world where shadows loom, 

I walk through halls that feel like tombs, 

With every glance, a silent shout, 

They see my skin, my gender, doubt. 

They’ve cast their judgments, sharp and swift, 

In their eyes, I’m just a rift, 

A label pinned, a story told, 

Yet fail to see the heart of gold. 

I’ve toiled through nights, my spirit strong, 

With dreams that echo, a fervent song, 

But in their gaze, I’m just a name, 

A fleeting face in a cruel game. 

My work, my drive, a fire inside, 

Yet they perceive me as a tide, 

A wave of difference, not a spark, 

In their indifference, I feel the dark. 

Each effort met with silent scorn, 

A battle fought, yet feeling worn, 

They miss the strength that fuels my fight, 

The brilliance hidden from their sight. 

But in this struggle, I find my voice, 

A quiet power, a steadfast choice, 

For though they judge what they can’t see, 

I’ll rise above, I’ll set me free. 

With every step, I’ll carve my path, 

Defy the odds, embrace the wrath, 

For in my heart, a fire burns bright, 

A testament to my endless fight. 

So let them whisper, let them cast, 

Their fleeting shadows, they won’t last, 

For I am more than what they see, 

A force of nature, wild and free.

To my Dearest Penguin

In a world so vast, where dreams can feel small, 

You emerged like a star, answering my call. 

My charming penguin, with a heart full of grace, 

You challenge me gently, in every embrace. 

Through the currents of life, you empower my quest, 

With your curiosity, you bring out my best. 

You love me for me, and my loved ones, too, 

In the warmth of your laughter, my worries undo. 

With wit that could dazzle, and humor so bright, 

You fill every moment with pure delight. 

Kindest of souls, you waddle right near, 

In the dance of our lives, you quell every fear. 

My lover, my friend, through thick and thin, 

Together we conquer, together we win. 

In your flippered embrace, I've found my true home, 

In this crazy life journey, with you I will roam. 

So here’s to the future, with wonders in store, 

With you by my side, I could not ask for more. 

Let’s dive into adventure, let our spirits take flight, 

For my beloved penguin, you are my heart’s light.

Blindsided by the medical system

At 18, a diagnosis cast in stone,

Echoes of certainty, in each tone,

Endocrinologists, voices so clear,

Black or white, no room for fear.

Told you were this or that, no shades of gray,

A label too narrow, a price to pay,

In the search for classification, you found,

A truth unfound, a lost profound.

Doubt crept in, trust began to fray,

In the medical system, led astray,

Wavering faith in the words they spoke,

The truth obscured in a cloud of smoke.

Eyes strained in the quest for clarity,

A journey marred by disparity,

Misdiagnosed, the shadows loomed,

A battle fought, a path cocooned.

But in the darkness, a light did gleam,

A voice within, a silent stream,

Trust not in labels, in boxes confined,

Your truth transcends, a rare find.

A lesson learned in the depths of doubt,

The system flawed, but you hold the clout,

To navigate the journey ahead,

With resilience, with courage led.

Embrace the uncertainty, the unknown,

A spirit resilient, uniquely grown,

For in the gray areas, the blurred lines,

Your truth shines bright, steadfastly shines.

No Soul wears the same skin

In a world that spins on threads of time, 

Each heart beats unique, each voice a rhyme. 

From mountains high to valleys deep, 

We weave our tales, some laugh, some weep. 

Your journey's path, a winding road, 

With heavy burdens, lightened load. 

In storms of doubt or skies so clear, 

Every step taken, a story here. 

A dance of shadows, a burst of light, 

In every sorrow, in every fight. 

No two souls wear the same skin, 

In the depths of loss, or the joy within. 

Some find solace in the quiet night, 

Others in laughter, or the morning light. 

We paint our canvases, rich and bold, 

With colors of love, both timid and gold. 

The tales of struggle, the whispers of grace, 

In every heartbeat, in every face. 

Together we stand, yet apart we roam, 

In the symphony of life, we create our home. 

So let us cherish our differences wide, 

In the fabric of humanity, side by side. 

For what makes us human, in truth so profound, 

Is the beauty of stories, in every sound.

Belonging

In a world where whispers echo loud, 

tread on paths beneath a shroud, 

Where thoughts like flowers, vibrant and bold, 

Are stifled, labeled, and left untold. 

Each word I speak, a careful dance, 

Afraid to share, to take a chance, 

For in the shadows, judgment waits, 

To twist my voice, to seal my fates. 

When passion rises, a flame inside, 

It’s met with silence, a raging tide, 

For raising a voice is seen as rude, 

A clash of colors, a bitter feud. 

Yet deep within, a longing grows, 

To share my heart, to let it flow, 

To stand in truth, to be sincere, 

But fear of scorn keeps me unclear. 

Oh, to be me, unmasked and free, 

To share my thoughts, to simply be, 

In a space where differences bloom, 

And understanding chases away the gloom. 

So here I stand, with dreams in hand, 

Hoping one day, we’ll understand, 

That every voice, a note in song, 

Together, we can all belong.

Less Than

In shadows cast by careless hands, 

I wander through forgotten lands, 

Brushed off like leaves on a winter's ground, 

In a world of silence, no solace found. 

Unseen, my cries hidden in air, 

Underneath the weight of their indifferent glare, 

Tormentors dance on the edges of light, 

While I stumble through dreams that haunt my night. 

With every laugh that sliced like glass, 

Each glance that turned me into past, 

I gathered wounds that festered and grew, 

A garden of pain, where hope barely sprouted through. 

Anger ignites in a heart withdrawn, 

A wildfire blazing before the dawn. 

For every slight, every cruel remark, 

They lit the match that left its mark. 

PTSD, my shadow and chain, 

A heavy cloak woven from grief and pain. 

Left to sift through the debris of me, 

Picking pieces I never thought would be free. 

Undervalued, anchored by doubt, 

Whispers of “less than” echo about. 

Yet amid the rubble, a flicker remains, 

A will to rise from these countless strains. 

I gather my strength from every ache, 

With each fractured moment, a chance to remake. 

Transcending the anger that held me so tight, 

I take back my power, reclaiming my light. 

Though they cast me aside, I'll no longer break, 

From the ashes of trauma, a new life I'll make. 

No more a victim, but a warrior bold, 

In the tapestry woven, my story is told.

Muse

In colors vivid, a canvas bright, 

Frida's spirit dances, a fierce light. 

With strokes of sorrow, joy entwined, 

Her pain, a mirror, our hearts aligned. 

A heart adorned with thorns, yet bold, 

Through brokenness, a story unfolds. 

Each brush a whisper, each hue a sigh, 

In every line, the strength to defy. 

Resilience blooms in the garden of grief, 

Her wounds unmasked, a source of relief. 

From the ashes of struggle, beauty takes flight, 

In the depth of her darkness, she sparks our own light. 

Oh, how we resonate with her flame, 

In the mirror of pain, we find our name. 

Her laughter, a song, in the depths of despair, 

Reminds us that love is forever laid bare. 

With every creation, we stitch our own seams, 

Finding solace in art, in unraveling dreams. 

For in Frida’s journey, we gather our might, 

To dance with our shadows, to reach for the light. 

So here’s to the spirit that leads us to live, 

In the tapestry woven with all that we give. 

Through struggles, we flourish, like blossoms in rain, 

Inspired by Frida, we rise from our pain.

Rogers

In the depths of despair, anxiety's cruel hold,

A journey of shadows, a story untold.

Scared and anxious, seeking a way out,

Feeling lost in the darkness, consumed by doubt.

A sad reflection of the person I once knew,

Life's colors faded, joy out of view.

Swallowed up by the vastness of strife,

Questioning the purpose of this ongoing life.

Seeking help was a battle, a test of my might,

Fearing judgment, fearing the light.

A belief that something was fundamentally wrong,

A struggle within, a soulful song.

The journey unfolded, not a quick fix in sight,

But skills were gained, shining a light.

Learning of triggers, understanding my core,

Becoming aware of what I held in store.

Determined now, to face what may come,

The road ahead, no longer fearsome.

Challenges met with a spirit so true,

Complaints voiced, yet the work I pursue.

So here I stand, resilient and strong,

Battling anxieties, righting the wrong.

A journey ongoing, a path to unfold,

With bravery as my guide, a story yet untold.

Lessons

In the tapestry of life, we intertwine,

Strangers crossing paths, for a fleeting time.

Some come to teach what lies within,

Unveiling truths, beneath the skin.

Each encounter a lesson, profound and clear,

Moments shared, so sincere.

A dance of souls, a delicate rhyme,

Exchanging gifts, for just a short time.

We learn from them, they learn from us,

In this transient journey, we trust.

For in the briefest meeting of eyes,

Lies wisdom that forever flies.

So cherish those who come and go,

Their purpose known, their seeds they sow.

For in the briefest touch, we find,

A universe of connections, intertwined.

In the silent night

In the quiet of night, she silently weeps, 

heart tangled in secrets she's forced to keep. 

His words like whispers, his actions unclear, 

Leaving her longing, drowning in fear. 

Expectations of forever, of vows untold, 

But in his eyes, a hesitation behold. 

She feels like a shadow in his perfect design, 

Her flaws exposed, her worth in decline.

Past trauma and mistakes, a heavy chain, 

In his heart, echoes of lingering pain. 

Unable to trust, unable to believe, 

Their love held back, struggling to breathe.

She longs to break free from the bonds of despair, 

To find solace in a love that's fair. 

But he lingers on, refusing to release, 

Leaving her heartache never to cease. 

In the depths of her sorrow, she finds a glimmer of light, 

A strength within her, ready to take flight. 

For love should uplift, not shackle or bind, 

May she find peace and healing in her heart and mind.

Restless Mind

In the quiet corners of a restless mind,

Where anxiety and doubt entwined,

A heart beats loud with love and care,

Yet whispers of insecurity linger in the air.

Bringing together dear ones so close,

Should be joyous, like a blooming rose,

But a storm brews within, a battle of will,

Anxious thoughts that won't stay still.

Am I enough? What's wrong with me?

Questions without answers, shadows flee,

Yet the fear holds tight, a heavy chain,

Silencing words, causing inner pain.

In the depths of silence, the heart cries,

Longing to speak, to bridge the skies,

But anxiety's grip is strong and cold,

Leaving a story untold, a treasure untold.

Oh, inner turmoil, a tangled knot,

In the arms of love, a painful spot,

Yet hope remains, a flickering light,

Guiding through the darkest night.

For in the depths of vulnerability and fear,

Strength emerges, crystal clear,

Love will conquer, fears will fade,

In the embrace of love, a heart is made.

A Mountain to Climb

In the darkest of mornings, tangled in sheets,

A battle within where despair competes,

Struggles to rise, the weight hard to bear,

Triggers and trauma, a relentless snare.

The world outside carries a heavy shroud,

Invisible scars that cry out loud,

Helpless and weary, feeling so small,

Numbness takes hold, casting a pall.

Each sunrise a challenge, a mountain to climb,

Lost in the shadows of a troubled mind,

Lost in the echoes of a painful past,

Seeking a flicker of hope that could last.

But deep in the heart, a spark remains,

A tiny light in the midst of the strains,

Though life feels heavy, and moments are tough,

There's courage within, and resilience enough.

So rise from the depths, face the day anew,

Know that you're strong, know that you'll pull through,

The lust for life may flicker and fade,

But hold on tight, don't let it evade.

For in the midst of the darkness and strife,

There's a glimmer of hope, a thread of life,

You're not alone in this endless fight,

Embrace the dawn, embrace the light.

Just a pretty face

In rooms of suits and polished steel,

Where numbers dance, and deals are sealed,

She walks a path both sharp and steep,

Her dreams a burden, dreams to keep.

A whisper soft, yet loud it rings,

"She's just a face," the echo sings,

Her mind, a diamond, sharp and bright,

Yet shadows cast, obscures its light.

She stands among the titans tall,

Their glances quick, she feels so small,

Her ideas clear, with genius hue,

Dismissed as folly, nothing new.

To prove her worth, a daily fight,

Perfection sought, both day and night,

Her striving heart, it bears the strain,

In silence, swallowed, choked with pain.

The smartest one, yet must disguise,

Her wisdom doused, in wary eyes,

For envy lurks in mirrored gaze,

Her glow, diminished, by their haze.

When help is sought, a door is slammed,

“Figure it out,” their cold command,

No resources, no open hand,

Just broken roads of sinking sand.

In corridors where judgments freeze,

She battles on, with silent pleas,

A quest for equal standing ground,

In walls where bias still resounds.

Augustin

In the depths of grief, a heart heavy with woe,

A cousin lost to cancer's cruel blow,

At 24, on the brink of love's bloom,

About to wed, in life's spacious room.

Helplessness lingers, a bitter taste,

Unable to alter the cruel haste,

Regret whispers in the silent night,

Words unspoken, out of sight.

Longing to say "I love you" true,

But time slipped by, the moment flew,

Now, a vow to those still near,

To hold them close, to draw them near.

In the shadow of loss, a bittersweet vow,

To cherish each moment, then and now,

"I love you" spoken, with heartfelt grace,

In every embrace, in every trace.

Your cousin's absence a poignant ache,

But in your love, his spirit wakes,

A legacy of tender affection, strong and clear,

To love deeply, to hold near.

In the echo of grief, a lesson unfolds,

To express love freely, in tales untold,

For in every "I love you" that you share,

Your cousin's memory lingers, bright and rare.