THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

I hope to share with you all,
More poems from my healing heart's call,
Though it's been shattered and torn apart,
I find an anchor to mend each part.

Suicidal thoughts may haunt my mind,
But in this anchor, solace I find,
I'll spend quiet time to recombine,
My heart to myself, a task so divine.

Till I return from this tearful mission,
Reclaiming the pieces, my heartfelt vision,
My strength may have waned,
Yet I'll be whole again, no longer pained.

Drained of power, sweetness lost,
I'll rebuild, no matter the cost,
When I'm gone, what's left of me,
In memories, a place to be.

Innocence marked by time's delay,
These are the shadows of a darker day,
Unprepared I was for this strife,
But I'll find my way back to life.

Yearning for peace in a world of strife,
Chased in circles, this uncertain life,
By two-faced cabals in their games,
I'll regain my strength, no more in chains.

Pour me hope, a living stream,
Gallons of it, like a vivid dream,
In this journey, I'll find my way,
From broken to whole, come what may.