You don’t have to be healed to deserve the good things in your life.

-Josue Camargo

Some people become such a special and integral part of your life that they mark a “before you” and an “after you” in your life. That’s what you are to me. My before and after. Because before you, my life was not complete, and after you, I cannot imagine my life without you.

Hey, can I kiss you now that we have buried the skeletons of our past?

- Ruth Winters // Skeletons of our past

It’s wild to me that people will write sentences, do a little line break, and call it poetry. Like first of all that’s a poem (yes, technically that is a poem) but it’s not poetry! Meanwhile, I pour out the entirety of my soul into my work, labor over every individual word choice, never post a poem until i’m at least 80% sure that it’s at least adequate… and yet i still have this creeping dread that I’ll never be good enough to be loved nor admired.

Transparent

"aren't you just

a bit unstable?"

"isn't everyone?"

she smiled.

"I'm just a bit

more... transparent

with my crazy."

~kairos 💛

Here we are, bound by a string that goes out of my heart and into yours, made of two souls twisted into one. I so often forget that you’ve been on this earthly side 10 years longer than I have. You, quiet and stoic, and me stumbling behind you, grasping for your coat tails asking questions that you always seem to have an answer for. When we first met I used to think that eventually you’d get tired of me. But if patience is a virtue, you truly are the most virtuous of us all. You’re still here.

You have one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever been blessed to hold. I didn’t know a chilly November night would bring me someone that would stick by my side the way you have. Everyone who knows us can feel how deeply we love each other. So deep, that many people aren’t even able to comprehend it. But we do. I moved 1000 miles away from home and the first gift Utah gave me was you. How you showed up exactly as I needed you to. It doesn’t make sense how we get on each others last nerve, but can’t stand being apart. How if we haven’t seen each other in 72 hours it feels like a puzzle piece is missing. Who else can I talk to through the sky? How intricately connected do you have to be to be able to feel each others vibrational frequencies. The way we can say, “I need you.” without a single word dropping from our lips. And yet, we always answer the call.

You’ve taught me that I don’t always have to speak, sometimes all I need to do is show up. In every season, in every storm. I’ve watched you transition from she to they. Watched the hair grow on your legs, I’ve watched your eyes light up when I tell you that you look handsome. You’ve taught me that you don’t need the same parents to be a sister, or certain body parts. That some things don’t make sense, they just are. You just are. Here for the vibes, even when you’re unwell. I know sometimes you fake it, cuz you’d do anything to keep my smile big and my eyes bright. You’d give me the world if I asked you for it. I know that’s too much, but if you smile for me one more time, I promise to pour the sweetness of life through the gaps in your teeth. You’re still here.

A psychic once told me that this is our 4th lifetime together. Thank you for finding me. It all makes sense now. I hope in the 5th one you’re not as sad. And if it so happens that the stars align and they spell out sorrow. Then I will beg and beg to take your place. That’s how much I love you. I am my sister’s keeper. And you’re still here.

You are a fighter. On the days when your spirit is bright. You are a fighter. On the days when you are stapled to the mattress with thoughts stuck in the back of your throat. You are a fighter. And you’re still here. My sister, my fiercest protector, I know there’s not too many people who love me the way you do. I am always reminded that best friends are so hard to find, because the very best friend is already mine. And you are still here.

-jamera naquai, You’re Still Here

“Will we speak to each other

making the grass bend as if

a wind were before us, will our

way be as graceful, as

substantial as the movement

of something moving so gently.

We break things into pieces like

walls we break ourselves into

hearing them fall just to hear it.“

—Robert Creeley

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Own Poetry Book

Shaina Tranquilino

November 5, 2023

Poetry, an expressive form of literature, has the power to captivate readers with its rhythmic verses and profound emotions. If you've always been fascinated by poetry and wish to compile your own collection into a poetry book, then this guide is for you! In this blog post, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating a poetry book that reflects your unique voice and experiences.

1. Find Your Inspiration: Every poet draws inspiration from different sources. It could be nature, personal experiences, relationships, or societal issues. Take time to reflect on what moves you emotionally and sparks your creativity. Explore various themes that resonate with you deeply and jot down ideas and potential poem titles as they come to mind.

2. Establish a Consistent Tone: Consider the overall tone you want your poetry book to convey - whether it is melancholic, reflective, uplifting, or raw and honest. Maintaining consistency in tone throughout the book will create a cohesive reading experience for your audience. Experiment with different poetic forms such as sonnets, haikus, or free verse to diversify the structure within your collection.

3. Drafting and Editing: Begin writing your poems by putting pen to paper or typing on a computer screen. Don't worry about perfection at this stage; let your thoughts flow freely without judgment. Once you have several drafts ready, revise them thoroughly for clarity, grammar errors, and coherence of ideas. Pay attention to word choice, rhythm, metaphors, and other literary devices that enhance the impact of each poem.

4. Organize Your Collection: Organizing your poems in a logical sequence is essential for creating a well-structured poetry book. Consider grouping poems according to themes or narratives that emerge naturally from your work. This arrangement helps readers connect with your writing on a deeper level while maintaining their interest throughout the book.

5. Seek Feedback: Share your poetry book with a trusted circle of friends, fellow poets, or writing groups. Constructive feedback can play a vital role in refining your work and identifying areas that require further improvement. Consider their suggestions while remaining true to your artistic vision.

6. Create a Compelling Title: A captivating title can attract potential readers instantly. It should reflect the essence of your poetry collection and pique curiosity about what lies within its pages. Experiment with different titles until you find one that encapsulates the mood and themes of your work.

7. Designing Your Book: Give careful thought to the visual presentation of your poetry book. Choose an appealing cover design that complements the style of your poems. Consider fonts, layout, and formatting options to enhance readability and create an aesthetically pleasing experience for readers.

8. Publishing Options: When it comes to publishing your poetry book, you have several options to consider. Traditional publishing involves finding a literary agent or submitting directly to publishers; however, this process may be time-consuming and competitive. Alternatively, self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Lulu offer greater control over the publication process.

Writing a poetry book is an incredibly fulfilling creative endeavor that allows you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through verses that touch others' hearts. By following these steps - from finding inspiration to organizing and publishing - you'll be well on your way towards creating a remarkable poetry book that will resonate with readers for years to come. So pick up your pen, let imagination take flight, and embark on this beautiful journey of self-expression!

To love means to be willing to give everything of yourself away; And to be loved means to never be asked to do so.

- Laura Chouette

of all the cliches,

my favourite is you:

sapphire eyes of the deepest blue

laugh like the rolling ocean tides

smile to light up the whole city view

Book: Night Drives 💕

Let these hands slip into the spaces between fabric and skin, let them say to you what words cannot. They will be closely followed by my lips.

I miss you, Long for you. My heart is filled with An agonizing desire A blazing fire Many waters cannot douse A passion This weary soul cannot house. And yet we are separate, Not together forever But kept apart, together never. Our hearts, separated By oceans and hours, Trapped in prisons of pink flowers. If it were up to me, I'd wish our roses red. Light or dark, alive or dead, It wouldn't matter, not to me, So long as they were red. So long as we were free. I tell you, I would if I could, Paint them with my love, Marinate it in my blood, But I shouldn't, I know I couldn't. I tell you I don't care if they're Black or Blue, Pink or Yellow, Blood Red or White as Snow. But you know, I know, we all know That's not how the story goes. Because truth be said Pink or Red I. Am. Dead.

-A Prison of Roses

You are so well

put together that

it gives me faith

in God again.

~kairos 💛