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
A woman in a light mauve dress sits on the side of a grass-covered mountain in Switzerland. At the base of the mountain is a clear, pale blue lake.
Inspired I write. Tired I sleep. Stressed I can't. Lonely I weep. Enabled I do. Afraid I don't. Excited I thrive. Ordered I won't. [continue] ...
: Favorites, Introspection, Poems

When (a poem)

A 3D rendering of a darkened child's room at night. A red alarm clock sits atop a book beside a lamp on the nightstand, illuminating part of the room. The blanket and sheet are pulled down, and the bed lies empty save for two pillows and a teddy bear. From beneath the bed, two tentacles reach out.
Awakened again, unable to sleep, for the stirrings below of leviathans deep. [continue] ...
: Dark, Favorites, Introspection, Poems, Writing

Three A.M. (a poem)

Image Credit: "Woman Dancing Wings Dress, Fashion Art Model Flying on Ocean Sky Sunset" from inarik
Many seem content to walk when they are made to fly And though I walked among them my dreams were in the sky [continue] ...
: Change, Christian, Favorites, Inspiration, Introspection, Poems

People on the Ground (a poem)

Recent Poetry

Recent [3] | All Poetry
Dreamstime 5383587 2048x850
How much does one have to suffer before we accept them on our shores? Is their pain enough to satisfy us, the gatekeepers of freedom? [continue] ...
: Abuse, Change, Christianity, Community, Fears, Grief, Introspection, Learning, Loss, Poems, Politics, Religion, Social Issues, Struggle, Trauma

Our Christian Nation (a poem)

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)

Recent Articles

Recent [3] | All Articles | Top Articles
Dreamstime 80677404 2048x850
We can stay true to ourselves in the midst of their pressure. (763 words) [continue] ...
: Articles

Lessons We Learn (article)

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)

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
Billows of smoke still flow from the head of a thoroughly burnt wooden match.
Some poems rage through me like a flame across a matchhead. While others must be plucked, word by excruciating word, from my flesh. [continue] ...
: Poems, Writing

As the muse sees fit (a poem)

A small woman, in a semi-transparent white dress, sits atop the round end of a red bubble wand, inside a soap bubble.
there is a me that no one sees the one i long to be to live a life devoid of fear i’m dying to be free i see a world when eyes are closed in dreams that’s where i go for there i truly am at peace in a place that few may know [continue] ...
: Dysphoria, Introspection, Poems, Struggle, Transgender

me (a poem)

Beautiful European cat resting inside an Eiderdown (Image: Xvaldes)
Between me and the sweet salvation of slumber I desire, lies the cat. [continue] ...
: Acceptance, Change, Nature, Poems, Trust

Cat Sitting (a poem)

 

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