From a Storm Grew a Rose

Trees and flowers dancing in the wind, leaves blown away

Sun hidden behind clouds and shining within

What a lovely day

Bees buzzing, birds chirping, singing their enchanting song

Listening to the sound of nature, I can do it all day long

 

Rain trickling down the window and thunder filling the air

Behind dark cloud I didn’t know  

The sun still shone back there

As lightening strikes I stand steadfast and start to feel bliss

I remember that after this storm something will grow from this

 

Through each day comes different feelings

They all work together to make

The flowers that grow, the insects below, the fruit that we take

So even though the storm is raging and you just want it to go

The sun nourishes, the storm waters so a seedling to blossom and grow

~Anonymous 

What If in Two Nights and Two Days

If a man were to come up to you, and speak as if a child. Would you let him speak?

Could he you a story worth listening too?

If he told you a story so radical. Would you listen?

Would you even believe the words he speaks?

If a man were to give an item of value to you, but only emotional. Would you take it?

Or better yet, what if he gave you a dream or purpose. Would you follow it?

What if a person gives you love. Would you love them too?

As night and day approach will you be given something you will regret later or regret not doing?

If the one you love was not to love you, but someone else. Would you learn what true love is?

What if in two nights and two days, the way you view your parents were to change forever.

How would you handle it?

What if you knew that you couldn’t date a girl or boy because you’d hurt them, how would you cope?

What if everyday your bones are rattled because of something that happened years ago that you should forget.

How would you deal with being patted on the back by a man which makes you angry and defensive, even when it’s a family member or friend?

If you had to work for the rest of your life until you give in. How long will you last?

The world has many questions to answer we don’t know yet.

These answers to my questions are answers that make us someone else and not one big body.

So, what are you like?

Alejandro Morales

Standing Up

You are just confused they would say

Just give it a couple days.

You don’t have say

You are not gay

 

Why do you get to choose?

It’s not like I’m drinking boozes

You’re leaving with a bruise

Even though you’re against abuse

 

I am gay

What else is there to say?

I’m done keeping it at bay

I’m not trying to betray

 

I’m done standing in the background

I am going to stand my ground

Hopefully you’ll come around

I’m done going around this merry-go-round

Audrey Bublitz

Larger Than Life Resonance

When the path of united souls,

points towards my heart.

A resonance larger than life,

Rings through my darkened way.

 

I don’t watch the unnecessary,

I let myself intertwine with destiny.

My destination remains the same,

as I run through the unbearable night.

 

When the path of united souls,

points towards my heart.

A resonance larger than life,

Rings through my darkened way.

 

Why deny that fate has cursed me,

I remain petrified.

Pursued by the very demons that gave me purpose,

I thought I’d get used to them.

 

There are deceivers and the deceived,

Playing an eternal game of tag.

I run only to avoid being next,

I want to see the end of this fragile trance.

 

The glow I chase too far,

continues into a heavy fog.

If I succeed in losing myself,

the hand I grab will take advantage.

 

I can hope for everything,

because tomorrow is just an illusion.

Harder than yesterday,

I’ll work to strengthen my will.

 

When the path of united souls

points towards my heart

A resonance larger than life

Rings through my darkened way

 

Why deny that fate has cursed me,

I remain petrified.

Pursued by the very demons that gave me purpose,

I still haven’t grown used to them
And maybe I never will. 

— Christopher Vanatta

Our Time is at a Stand Still

Please, tell me, what meaning do I hold,

having abandoned the purpose I once served?

I’m broken, neglected by the world you oh, so adore,

Yet you laugh, blind to my obvious terror.

 

Being as twisted as I am, I hold my breath,

Now I’m hidden, and nothing can reveal me. Not even the truth.

I’m fragile, but indestructible,

and psychotic, yet unable to loose my sanity.

 

In this dull, stubborn world, I gradually become transparent, unable to be seen.

So, don’t waste your time looking for me, advert your eyes.

I just don’t want to hurt you, in a world out of someone’s imagination.

Be content with just my memory; as vivid as I was.

 

Forever spreading, solitude warps my image.

Memories of times we laughed together come to mind,

And I can’t move, I cannot move!

Protect your innocence!

Continue reading

Retirement from Pennsylvania

One day

I’ll be far away

This place is not where I want to be

This place is holding me back, can’t you see

The people

The places

The opportunities

Not what I want

Not what I need

Any other place is a better lead

I’m the one who needs happiness

And I can’t find it here

So many people are near

They don’t help

It’s this place

I need my own space

It is not here 

— Amy Haberstroh 

Dear T&T

The first time I pounded on that rod floor,

The first time I pounced on that trampoline,

The first time I looked down that line,

The first time I looked at that box with the “t”,

It was love at first pass

But you see there has always been problems,

My knees, ankles, wrists, and my back

They can’t keep up you see

They get pounded and grinded down

I can’t take it any more

I truly am sorry

The pain is just too much

I will forever love you with my whole heart

 

Yours Truly.

The World Champion 

— Olivia Hurston 

This Generation

You can’t be yourself because of what this generation has people thinking.

People don’t understand that it’s okay to be different.

It is never a bad thing to do what you feel is right .

If you feel the need to not fight, then don’t fight.

If you don’t wanna spend all your money on a new pair of jordans, then don’t .

But sadly, some people won’t give you credit for that, they just won’t.

People are gonna be jealous of you because you ain’t letting this generation make you into what this generation is trying to enforce.

So in reality, will people talk about you to your face? No

Will they talk about you behind your back? Of course

It’s like if you don’t do what they like, then they call you rude names.

Sometimes you have to be coach and learn to control this generation’s games. 

— T.C 

 

She Had Said

Life is fun, she had said,

A smile kissing her lips with innocence

Blind to the reality of greater war

Giggles and energy frees from her

 

Life is scary, she had said,

Millions of new faces crowded around

Expectations had to be met, or else

But Daddy was always there for her

 

Life is stupid, she had said,

Rumors spread like flu, just as crippling

Nights were spent up, days were spent drearily

Maybe, just maybe, rest would lay ahead

Life is unjust, she had said,

Tears fell, darkness dressed her for the dreadful night

Sickly faces crowded, peering at the still man ahead

With evil on the spree, blood boiled within her

 

Life is joyous, she had said,

Hats thrown; Freedom peeked around the corner

Celebration commenced; He sat on the mantel

This time was for joy, not sorrow

Continue reading

Different is Good

I am unique. What I think and what I value is what makes me, me. If I lowered my standards and morals, I would just be going with the crowd; I’d be losing my individuality. If I started caring about what people think of how I view life, I would be giving up on myself. I am confident, independent, and I don’t need anyone’s approval. I am different. Different is good.

Her

I talked to your girlfriend today. I didn’t realize how pretty she was until I looked at her in the eyes. I didn’t realize how lovely she was until she smiled wide & laughed. I can see why you like her & it reminds me of why I wasn’t good enough. 

— SNG

Breath

Calm down and look around.

Let it all sink in.

Everyday is a new opportunity,

and you are your worse critic.

Take risk,

make every second count.

20 years from now that boy that broke your heart won’t matter,

so stop worrying about others

start worrying about yourself.

Fall in love with yourself and everything around you

make peace with yourself while you’re at it.

Take time for yourself

and accept that you’re here for a reason,

now take a deep breath.

Live your life spontaneously,

forgive and forget

and move on. 

— Caitlin Renshaw 

I’m From Sun and Rain That Never Has Been Tamed

I’m from a house of seasonal smells; from autumn leaves, to pine cone trees, to summer breeze.

I’m from a little town called Columbia on busy 5th and Union where the sounds of sirens surround us.

I’m from a mom of many years and a step daddy after a few.

I’m from a couple of brothers and just one sister.

I’m from the lands of Ocean City Maryland with the waves that hit us.

I’m from fun games and silly play from back in the day.

I’m from watching music videos to learn to make my own.

I’m from my annoying little brother, always trying to top us.

I’m from writing in my journal because I never really had a fellow.

I’m from variety of tastes because my mom swore she was Rachael Ray.

I’m from looking up at the sky asking for forgiveness on my lies.

I’m from never knowing, but continuing to keep going.

I’m from putting others before me.

I’m from depression that taught me a very big lesson.

I’m from never letting go and saying to myself “ you got this for sho”.

I’m from a little big mouth that always liked to shout.

I’m from a girl that never was understood, but everyone seemed to know me.

I’m from learning to survive by myself because really, I have no one else. 

— N.G