The things I tell myself

I don’t write much anymore
not sure I ever really had it in me.

Oh, I dabbled here n there
when the muse seemed fit to visit.

But those words were willy-nilly,
halfhearted and unexpected;
useless to those with any reason,
disappointing to my trusted few.

It’s illogical to think any of it matters
when the meandering mind mulls.

Why should anyone be interested,
least of all me, the writer of it all.

© 2024 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-sunset-freedom-summer-female-1857703/

The fool

A fool can’t see
all he holds so near,
yet others do;
it’s often crystal clear.

So then that special gift,
or treasure at hand,
finds its wings,
but he can’t understand.

And that’s the way
love eventually escapes;
the heart loses hope,
and then it breaks.

There is a way, though,
to hold on to the prize,
but it only happens
if we realize.

© 2024 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/flower-rose-petals-plant-bud-6646037/

Superficial

Like a geyser, I gush,
spurting my rage,
but it’s all underneath,
turmoil engaged.

From the top of my head
to the bottom of my feet,
the swells of unrest
continue to heat.

The storm grows stronger,
destruction in its wake.
Still, I try to breathe calmly,
fearing I might break.

And nobody ever knows
the misery I endure;
It’s all just a façade,
a superficial blur.

© 2022 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/grief-woman-cry-destruction-pain-5501796/

Do you ever feel…

Do you ever feel
like you can’t reach out,
like nobody will understand
what you’re all about.

Do you ever feel
like you don’t fit in,
and you wish you could change
all your thoughts within.

Do you ever feel
like the world waves you away,
as if you don’t matter
like you’ve nothing to say.

Do you ever feel
like you’re doing it all wrong,
and no matter what you try
you still don’t feel strong.

Do you ever feel
like you’re hopelessly lost,
but you still try to continue,
knowing what giving up costs.

Do you ever feel
like a failure or mistake,
going through the motions
even when your enthusiasm is fake.

Do you ever feel
like you just can’t get things right,
but you know you can’t surrender;
not without a fight.

Do you ever feel
like you shouldn’t say a word,
because everyone might think
your words are just absurd.

Do you ever feel
like you hold back all your grief,
and you wish in desperation
for a minute of relief.

Do you ever feel
like nobody will understand,
and you wish for somebody
to come along and hold your hand.

Do you ever feel
like someone should listen,
but at long last, you realize
you are no magician.

© 2022 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-lonely-sunset-sad-loneliness-5560212/

Shelved hopes

Silent shelved hopes
and bitter tears;
lifeless and disfigured
by mascara smears.

With gloom-wrapped shoulders,
she reaches out a hand,
but the majority pass by her,
and few can understand.

So she sits in stilled anguish,
waiting for a promising sign,
but the world is relentless
and only seeks to undermine.

She realizes she’s a burden,
another rift in society.
And so she sits and languishes
for all she’ll never be.

© 2021 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/homeless-beggar-woman-poverty-cry-3584319/

Writing prompt: A bottle of hope sat on the shelf