Whether you have arrived here with intentionality or by sheer happenstance, I celebrate your arrival to my (both literal and figurative) domain. You now find yourself in the not-quite-hallowed halls of the grand repository of my nonsensical ramblings, thoughtful diatribes, and therapeutic musings.

My hope is for you to feel a sense of connection. If you find yourself relating to or moved by one of my pieces, please grace me with a comment or two to let me know how I am doing.

I implore thee, impart upon me thy words.

Like most artists, my cravings include caffeine, excessive wordplay, structure that I can both follow and ignore, and thoughtful feedback, which helps me to better understand the ways people connect with my writings.

Have an enjoyable stay.



~ elr

Poetry Favorites

Randomized [3] | My Personal Favorites
Old parchment paper, a quill, and an ink bottle sit atop a wooden desk, creating a medieval-themed writer's space.
The dream lost, unraveled, unwritten, to aether went, in a moment forgotten. Eternal the cost. [continue] ...
: Favorites, Inspiration, Poems, Poetry, Writing

of Paper and Ink (a poem)

Teen girl behind barbed wired fence (Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd.)
Constantly, you made me question myself. Relentlessly, you told me I was not enough. [continue] ...
: Dysphoria, Faith, Favorites, Growth, Intersex, Introspection, Learning, LGBTQIA+, Poems, Strength, Struggle, Transgender, Trust

How You Made Me Feel (a poem)

A dying tree, its bark peeling, exposes the dried-out trunk beneath. It is the first in a long row of chestnut trees that line a country road.
Looking at trees that line the drive while long in perdition my heart it cries Enclosed in its wounds her visage it lies the inside is dead not but skin left alive [continue] ...
: Favorites, Introspection, Poems

Trees (a poem)

Recent Poetry

Recent [3] | All Poetry
Soft cloud background with colorful.
It’s an age old story, one that is not mine alone. [continue] ...
: Drama, Introspection, Learning, Loss, Poems, Strength, Struggle

I was soft (a poem)

Dreamstime 1006287 2048x850
“Friends will come and go, but family is forever.” — Mom [continue] ...
: Change, Drama, Intersex, Introspection, Learning, Loss, Poems, Riddle, Slam, Strength, Struggle, Transgender, Transition

Hurting (a poem)

TV remote control. Searching through the channels.
We sit in comfort and watch them there, from the safe repose of our easy chair. [continue] ...
: Abuse, Change, Community, Fears, Grief, Introspection, Loss, Poems, Politics, Social Issues, Struggle, Trauma

American Lethargy (a poem)

Recent Articles

Recent [3] | All Articles | Top Articles
Looking through blinds
...the result was the same...my problems were still there, staring me in the face. (732 words) [continue] ...
: Articles, Change, Christianity, Community, Diversity, Drama, Fears, Growth, Introspection, Learning, Politics, Social Issues, Struggle, Trauma, Trust

Perspectives in Coping (article)

Music concert, hands raised in the shape of the heart.
Remember the artist, band, writer, poet, actor, or comedian who touched your heart, brightened your day, helped you through a rough patch, altered your view of the world or how you saw yourself? Remember that artist who affected you so much that it changed your life? (392 words) [continue] ...
: Art, Articles, Books, Change, Growth, Hope, Inspiration, Introspection, Learning, Strength, Struggle, Trust, Writing

Fond Memories (article)

A Christian holding a sign that says, "Repent. The Kingdom of God is near." Taken in ALBANY, NEW YORK, U.S.A. - Jun 09, 2020
Blasting people with scripture and judgments then walking away, leaves behind nothing but animosity and contempt... (641 words) [continue] ...
: Abuse, Articles, Change, Christianity, Community, Diversity, Drama, Fears, Growth, Introspection, Learning, Politics, Social Issues, Struggle, Trauma, Trust

Poor Timing (article)

Recent Thoughts

Recent [3] | All Thoughts
Sad woman surrounded by people walking on a busy street.
Most of my life, I have been chasing approval. [continue] ...
: Art, Growth, Introspection, Learning, Nature, Thoughts, Writing

Chasing Approval (thoughts)

Close up of the face of a woman who lies in bed her head is hidden under the covers
Just when I think I’m at a point where I’m okay and can finally start moving forward, someone casually or incendiarily hurls those three words, burning me to the core. [continue] ...
: Change, Drama, Family, Fears, Grief, Growth, Hurt, Introspection, Learning, Lonely, Loss, Social Issues, Struggle, Thoughts

Today, I realized. (thoughts)

Close-up of a lioness, open-mouthed, roaring, teeth bared in the light rain.
They have seen it all and stood strong despite the pushback. They have the scars to show for it, but they also have resilience. [continue] ...
: Big Thoughts, Change, Community, Growth, Hope, Inspiration, Learning, Social Issues, Strength, Struggle, Thoughts, Trust

On Days Like Today (thoughts)

Recent Stories

Recent [3] | All Stories | Shorts | Novellas
A man preparing to drive a white, painted finishing nail into a board with a hammer while his left hand supports the nail. A ladder, shop benches and tools are visible in the background.
In 1984, I decided to pierce my left ear. I did it myself with a bag of ice, a sterilized needle, and a bar of soap. (492 words) [read] ...
: Growth, Inspiration, Learning, Love, Short Stories, Stories, Struggle, Trust

The Earring

A bright red umbrella site alone on an aged European, wet, gray brick street. Overlay of pianist playing piano.
Pianist and Composer, Jason Fervento asked, "How does this song make you feel?" (107 words) [read] ...
: Change, Fiction, Learning, Loss, Love, Short Stories, Stories, Struggle, Trust, Vignette

I Stand Alone (a vignette)

A monochrome image of snow falling softly on a line of wood and cast-iron benches that line the sidewalk in a New York City park. In the background, old buildings stretch into the distance.
Sometimes the warmth we need comes from an unexpected place. A novella (10,025 words). [read] ...
: Drama, Fiction, Grief, Hope, LGBTQIA+, Loss, Novellas, Slice of Life, Stories, Struggle, Transgender

Cold

Topics

Randomized [3] | Search All Posts by Topic
Intersex symbol on a watercolor PRIDE flag.
When we marginalize someone, we marginalize everyone like them, and in doing so, create hardships for others who do not fit perceived standards and, in some cases, negatively affect even those who do. (4,568 words) [continue] ...
: Acceptance, Change, Christianity, Community, Diversity, Dysphoria, Faith, Family, Friendship, Growth, Hope, Hurt, Inspiration, Intersex, Introspection, Learning, Loss, Nonbinary, Politics, Religion, Social Issues, Speeches, Strength, Struggle, Transgender, Transition, Trauma, Trust, Truth

Intersex Awareness Day, expanded (speech)

A stork and gulls sit atop the rubbish in a public landfill.
I live on land that is not mine. Her people, long departed, left not a trace. Their legacy, a world in balance. I am not like them. [continue] ...
: Change, Grief, Growth, Introspection, Learning, Loss, Nature, Poems, Politics, Social Issues, Struggle, Transition, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ, ᏗᎪᏪᎵᏍᎩ ᎧᏃᎮᎸᏍᎩ

A Mother’s Day (a poem)

A lone white and yellow frangipani flower on a cement floor.
Shame can be a strong force for positive change. At the same time, shame can stunt my growth. (333 words) [continue] ...
: Acceptance, Articles, Change, Growth, Hope, Introspection, Learning, Lonely, Nature, Struggle

Shame, shame, know your name (article)

 

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