Poetry
The Mirror -Part 2
Dear Kim, I am here for you.
No matter what you are going through.
I will always be at your side.
And that includes if you choose to cry.
I won't think less of you, this you need to know.
Take your time, there's no rush but continue to grow.
The mirror can wait until you are better prepared.
I know how you really are feeling scared.
He was once powerful, and you had no choice.
But it's different now, in the mirror please find your voice.
You have what it takes to take your power back.
See the colors, everything is not always black.
Change the reflection that you see, make it work for you.
This will help you, please, please try - this you can do.
You must learn in the mirror to self-soothe.
It will be ok if you have to move.
But continue to go back and to try again.
Because the mirror wants to be your friend.
To be able to look at each other and to laugh.
This is something that you can choreograph.
Make a playlist if it will help you get through.
Continue on your healing avenue.
Remembering everything you have accomplished already.
Stay focused and on your feet stand steady.
I Almost Turned 22 Today
By: Derrick Iozzio
I almost turned 22 today
It’s not what you think
No, not the usual way
There was no cake
No candles, or gifts
The demons showed up
All they brought were rifts
My life they wanted to take
They wanted to stay
To celebrate their day
The game of life they tried to play
I tossed, I turned
I tried to ignore what they say
It was me they wanted to slay
They almost won, their victory was near
But at the right time, I called on a peer
Those demons seem mighty and bold
They can’t be beaten is what I’m told
I was given some renewed strength
Because my peer will go to any length
And spoke those words I needed to hear
Stay in the fight, your victory is near
We can defeat those demons
I am your peer
Covered with sweat, my skin has glistened
But my peer is here and they listened
They heard my cries, and my doubt
They listened until I got it out
Then my peer, stood by me near
And whispered confidently in my ear
When you find yourself in this fix
Remember your peer- We Got Your Six
You see, it isn’t the day of my birth
I will live another year on this earth
Those demons, they wanted me to be
A statistic, the twenty-two you see
So just for today, I will not turn twenty-two
And I want you to hear
My words are so true
This world is better because of you!
*If you are in crisis, call 988, Reach out- Ask for Help
Hitch My Wagon To A Star
By: Kirk Poe, June '24
Before I hitch my wagon to a star
I must unhitch from that stubborn ol' mule
Old memories covered in feathers and tar
Release me from the prison so cruel
What lesson am I to learn
Before I can let go
Inner peace is what I yearn
Plant new seeds for healing to sow.
I will not continue to suffer
I will not feed my fear
I will tell my demons that I am tougher
The voice of doubt I will no longer hear
I am ready to heal my trauma
I know that I have come so far
It's time to let go of the drama
And hitch my wagon to a star
In Honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month:
Wear Your Green
Get out and make yourself seen.
Making sure to wear your green.
And when one gives you a nod.
Know that it is you they applaud.
Mental Health Awareness rocks!
Let go of the stigma, rearrange those blocks.
Make it a priority, to yourself be true.
I know it's not that easy, but this you can do.
I've worked hard with mine for years.
Through fake laughs but through hurtful tears.
I've struggled, but I have climbed.
Every chance now, I have chimed.
I feel good about myself, and for you too.
Just think about how much we grew.
No, I'm nowhere close to being done.
But at least I'm learning to have fun.
In strides, forward is where I'm going.
To myself and others, I am showing.
That it is ok, I wear my green with pride.
And I am most definitely in it for the long ride!
I'm cruising on my healing avenue.
It's a wonderful breakthrough.
It takes courage and strength.
And a positive wavelength.
But when I park my mind at the end of my day.
It's to myself that I can say.
Thank you for not giving up.
And don't forget with my support team to follow-up.
I want them to be happy for me as well.
I look forward to sharing with them and to tell.
About a wonderful life that I lived today.
Of how my demons were kept at bay.
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