Inspiration
…along rusty red roads
It might snow soon
I am looking forward to jaywalking
If you are blending an avocado, you should smooth it out
You have got to look out the window
Used to have a Walkman
Too many eyeshadows for my hazel eyes
Swirling purple pencil crayons inside mandalas
Feeling mediocre today
Evaluating aspects of my daily life
Wanting to reach certain milestones
Dreaming around midnight about…
By Samantha Merz
Read More…suppose I did have that “once upon a time” moment in my life, but I watched helplessly as I let it slip through my fingers; forever lost to me. I spend my days in darkness, regret, my only companion, slowly losing hope. I am the monster hiding under my bed, slowly snuffing out the last of my dreams. I have but the dimmest spark left in my cold soul, and I wonder, as I sit in silence, will it be…
By Tracey Koehler
Read MoreI once dreamt that God was a jellyfish
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…cross legged at the bottom of the ocean
Drinking tea from an invisible cup
I dream that you were God…
I whisper to a passing Jellyfish
I have never been God before, he responds
What are the rules?
You create them
From where?
Your heart I imagine, I say, sipping my tea
But I don’t have a heart, nor have I a head
Perhaps it’s best, often I find the heart is unreasonable
And the head will follow the heart blindly
Then how are the rules…
By The Ink And Salt Club
Read More…is value in pain
Though most disagree.
Many try to avoid it
Thinking they will be free.
But the pain doesn't disappear
Its only stuffed, drugged, or denied.
And over time the pain will erode us.
Failed attempts to escape give way to its unrelenting tide.
So what should we do with pain,
When it grips us in its claws?
When it crushes and pushes and smothers and gnaws?
In labor, it's a queue to impending birth.
A woman's body is working
To bring a human to earth.
The key in childbirth
Is letting pain have its way.
But even…
By Angela Jones
Read More…they won’t leave me alone,
Voices from long past and still they roam.
They tell me my downfalls, my mistakes, and regrets,
All of this way to much to bear in one’s head.
I open my mouth and let them all out,
A pure primal scream, the echo rings throughout.
I through back my head, feeling empty inside.
I pushed them all out, left no place to hide.
When in the emptiness, a small voice arose.
It was hard to recognize the voice as my own.
As tears streamed down my cheeks, for the very first time.
My mind filled….
By Tracey Koehler
The part of you which feels too much, can be allowed to let go.
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…heaviness inside that you carry has a purpose, find the one's that are worth considering and pour out the rest. Once you know that you do not owe the strength to carry the baggage, stop giving a damn about it.
You are not expected to take it all in. Allow things to matter, the ones that actually matter to…
By Nida Ayman
…wishes blowing through the wind
Each possibility, dancing along the breeze
Chasing chance. so our dreams can begin
Endless wishes blowing through the wind
Dancing on sunshine, our most lively whims
To see it all, by air, land, or seas
Endless wishes blowing through the wind
Each possibility, dancing along the…
By Tracey Koehler
Read MoreTrying to overcome my humility.
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…certain that, before there was a you, there was a me.
I’m more important than the rest, that should be plain to see.
In order in the human pile, I must be on the top,
As others climb their ladders, but still just below me stop.
You know, if it was not for me, the “you” would have no meaning,
So get in line and follow the direction which I’m leaning.
Follow close, don’t fall behind, as we go ‘round the bend
No lifeguard waiting at life’s pool while diving in deep end.
Don’t worry, I’m your leader and I…
By James Geehring
Read MoreA exploration of how ink can be used to tell a story. Tattoos can be other artistic mediums.
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…rhythmic patter
Of blood sailing through the brisk October air
Sinking against the lush wintry grave of pearly white snow
Drip... drip... drip
Another drip of blood caressing my leathery flesh
Leaving a crimson lava flow down shaking limbs
in wake of the hallow incision
A kiss from the needle quivering in my hands
Scratch.... scratch .... scratch
Another letter to capture what my parched tongue could no longer say
Sorrowful melodies deafened by the howling wind
Carrying forgotten messages to the world above.
Scratch.... scratch .... scratch
I draw in a shaky breath
Bracing against the euphoric pain
The needle dipping…
By Emberly Lily Summers
…must take the first step,
dead calm surrounding me.
My heart is beating fast inside,
my terror running free.
To step into the unknown,
with no safety net to catch.
A stagnant life of caution,
or live with some regrets?
The choice lies here before me.
Which path fate chose I met.
One thing is though, quite certain.
We must each decide ourselves,
for your path isn’t for me,
and mine for no one…
By Tracey Koehler