My philosophy

I stopped chasing people long ago
and those who wanted to stay, still remain

I’ve learned that we can’t hold on
to those who need a new view

We can’t stifle the ones
who we thought would stay forever

Every person has one life to live

If we don’t allow others to grow and change
and make their own decisions
then they won’t be able to live
the way they choose

I would never want to hold someone back
from following their dreams and ambitions

In fact, I’d much rather be completely alone
for the rest of my life
than to cause anyone heartache

Fortunately, I’m surrounded every day
by people who have chosen to be near me
and I cherish every single person
who has stood by me through thick and thin

I believe I have the best life
anyone could possibly have
because I’ve let go of those
who weren’t meant for me

© 2026 Michelle Cook


 

Photo generated with AI

A teacup that only accepts raindrops as payment

Tears were her last resort
As every cloud was fresh out of rain
So she summoned all of her sadness
Releasing it in pitter patters of pain

The teacup could only smile
As the droplets fell one by one
Now holding the valuable elixir
He beamed for what he had done

© 2025 Michelle Cook

Sometimes we just need to pour out our pain and it’s nice when someone invites us to do that. Thank you to those who have. 😉 ~M xoxo

*For those of you who are curious about the title, I’ve decided to write a series of poems from the perspective of objects, exploring how they might help us if we listen to their unspoken wisdom. I hope these little poems will help you think about ways you can help yourself in a world where each of us may often feel alone.


Photo generated with AI

The Art of Letting Go

It’s more than just saying goodbye to things
It’s breaking free from overwhelming desire
It’s relinquishing the constant yearning for more
It’s discovering the secluded shelter within yourself
It’s finding that place of complete acceptance and joy
It’s noticing the room of requirement within your soul
It’s spotting the harbor of hope that gives you courage
It’s unveiling the secret shelter where only you can dwell
It’s going inward to that realm of divine peace and love
It’s exploring the newfound sanctuary within your heart
It’s knowing that you are enough beyond all else
It’s learning to live without the rest of the world

© 2025 Michelle Cook


Photo generated with AI

Will I have done enough?

I’m trying to be better about reaching out,
to be more intentional with my words,
but oh, how I fail miserably.
There is never enough time
for every person I love
and for every person who loves me.
I wrestle with being able to give enough of myself,
but at the same time,
I’m trying to save some of myself just for me.
Oh, what a predicament!
One day, I will be done trying;
my body will at last wear out,
and I’ll be lost to the wind,
scattered on some sorrowful breeze,
on some unexpected lonesome day.
Will I have done enough?
Maybe it won’t matter
because maybe in the grand scheme of things,
I am just me — a tiny particle of dust
who doesn’t stand a chance
of making any difference at all.

© 2025 Michelle Cook


Photo generated with AI

Disappointments

We never expect that dreams will fade
but somehow, they always do.
And the only way to fix those dreams
is to eventually dream anew.

Disappointments are never fun
life is much more than just a game.
Yet sometimes hearts and minds disconnect
and things just aren’t the same.

We can feel empty, defeated, deflated
as time begins to wear us thin.
And as much as we don’t want the changes
we’re often forced to begin again.

We can’t always see all the positives
even though they’re not that far.
In the meantime, we might just have to sit alone
and be happy with who we are.

© 2025 Michelle Cook


Photo generated with AI