Regarding beauty

There are some who will never understand,
for it’s often hard to see beauty in anything,
let alone among the tragic realities of life.

Tragedy comes in many forms,
each with its own underlying purpose and appeal.

For instance,
there is this overwhelming loveliness
of a rose
even in the midst of its thorny pricks.

And there is the awe-inspiring wonder
of a thunderstorm,
even though it can cause untold damage.

Do we ever say to either of those
that we wish they’d never been,
simply because they’re dangerous?

On the contrary,
we welcome both into our homes,
treasuring their grandeur.

Caressing the silky-smooth petals of one
and trying to catch a glimpse
of the majestic radiance of the other.

Each is a miracle in its own wondrous way.
Each can also offer an unfavorable
or terrifying experience,
depending on our view.

We must remember that just because something
is potentially hurtful doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

© 2026 Michelle Cook


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Mondayish

Oh, Monday what can I say?
Your clouds aren’t very picturesque today.

Your vibe is off, your face isn’t sunny,
at least my eggs are still soft and runny.

Why are you always such a pill,
while all the other days give me such a thrill.

You make me feel down and somewhat dreary,
and even when you’re shinning I still get leery.

So now I’ve got this Mondayish vibe,
and thanks to you I might not survive.

Could you please be better when you come next,
so I don’t have to feel like I’ve been hexed.

© 2025 Michelle Cook


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There are days…

There are days
when everything is right,
days when all the fields
shine so bright.

But today is not
one of those days,
instead, it’s just proof
of how nobody prays.

Today the sun
has lost her glow,
and the rain sent instead
has been all just for show.

Fattened gray clouds
still gush in sheets,
flooding sunken corners
on empty streets.

Sorry puddles
reflect sullen skies,
waters blurry black
like mascara eyes.

Echos of harsh words
woven in the winds,
a mournful reminder
of how the story always ends.

© 2025 Michelle Cook


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Separation sufferances

Being separated from the ones you love is a lonely place to be.

I suppose some may never understand what this is like, but I believe most will know this feeling well.

I have had enough of this torture to realize that we don’t get to decide how or when we will be separated.

There are even those we love who will never be able to grace our paths no matter how long we yearn. 

The distance from those loved ones may as well be a trip to the moon.

These are life’s true tragedies, and the heart cannot comprehend why this is the way it has to be.

It’s especially difficult during a dark night, one void of loving arms and reassurance.

We cannot then comprehend the reality of our circumstances.

That’s when the heart realizes how truly alone it is and suffers in silence as it mostly always has.

These are the sad truths that often live inside us all.

Few speak of these sufferances, but that doesn’t make them any less painful.

The only way to survive the distance is to reach out as much as you can, sending deeply felt “I love yous” and sincerely honest “thinkings of you.”

© 2025 Michelle Cook


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Feigned brilliance

Brilliant blue skies
and oceans sparkling black
you’re the only reason
I never went back

It all turned to feigned brilliance
and murky seas
I wish I’d seen sooner
the truth in these

Realization comes
when sparkles dim
and I finally figured out
all the trouble I was in

And now I’m never going back
to that place of false hopes
Back in those days
I was at the end of my ropes

© 2024 Michelle Cook


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