Stealth and her sisters have taken residence at the cul-de-sacs of my nerves. They held house warmings, let the hot air humble itself until it sank down upon the guests’ shoulders as a cool, refreshing breeze, served hors d’oeuvres for every thought of their origin. When you look me in my eyes tonight, you’ll find it useful to know my envy for the ones who aren’t afraid to dance at the party, the ones who bulldoze the properties of preconceived panic and stomp the dust into the ground while luscious laughter sings between their lips. I have tried all my life to let myself out of my meaty enclosure, but there’s a reason they call it your rib cage, for how can a heart never, at least once, feel like a prisoner? When I tell you I do not wish to go out tomorrow, know that I am not surrendering my plight, but I am finding a loophole - a place where I can unlace the corset, let myself bulge as I ooze a sugary sap of porcelain melting, of nature in its nonjudgmental air. When I confess my love for you, you might find it monumental, for I have never been this wide open.
Karissa Seibel
I am 17 and from Ohio, USA. For as long as I can remember, I have loved writing. I started out with short stories and began writing poetry a few years ago, but began focusing heavily on it just this year.
As this is my senior year of high school, it is time for me to decide what I wish to pursue for a career. I am still a little indecisive, but one of my top choices is to have a career in editing. I just don’t see myself not being involved in the art of writing!
Some of my other hobbies include makeup and fashion. While I only practice those hobbies for fun, I take my writing seriously. Although I do not have a job in the field, I have an Instagram account: @karissa_thinks_in_ink.
I’m always looking at ways in which I can improve as a poet and I am looking forward to continuing to pursue this craft in my future, whether it’s part of my day job or on the side. I hope you enjoy my work and am ever grateful for the opportunities!
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In another life we walk the streets in daylight side by side holding hands
In another life we celebrate our love every waking moment we can
In another life I am your woman you are my man
In another life
Nikki C Mercer
Nikki C Mercer is a wordsmith residing in Adelaide Australia. She manages a family, a financial career and a passion for creative writing.
Nikki’s pursuits include endurance running, eating way too much sugar and experiencing the depth of life. Nikki is co-author of The Thing Between Us and is published in a number of anthologies worldwide. Connect with Nikki on Instagram by searching for handle: ImagineExploreCreate
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I could not show you What was drawn As it was scribed Along my bones And it was Restrained under Coatings of guilt Hardened by the words You burrowed in my skin So when you asked me To show you my soul I couldn’t show you Because I couldn’t see it either (it used to be yellow, what colour is it now?)
I Will Grow Tomorrow Instead
Poetry by Taylor Lutka
Today I felt like silence Easily broken with your words A shattered mosaic of lethargy Tapered at the seams Of your blade-like edges Today I felt like darkness Draped in bitter frost Veiled behind window panes Sending rain clouds across Droughted landscapes Today I felt like breaking And this dim silent world That littered the portrayal Of the essence of my mind Remained barren Sleeping with the misrepresentation That nothing would grow again
(but I know it is just today)
About the Poet
Taylor Lutka
Taylor Lutka has been writing professionally for just over two years. She provides blog/article writing and editing services, but her true passion is poetry. She especially enjoys running her Instagram account, where she posts new poetry daily. Her writing focuses on everything from mental health issues, having your heartbroken, and what it means to be in love. She will be featured in the upcoming Augies Bookshelf “Instapoets” Anthology being released in January, as well as an anthology to be published by Train River Publishing. She is currently working on writing her debut poetry collection, which is hoped to be released sometime next year. Instagram – @taylorlutkapoetry