Month: November 2020

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Tuesday Poetry: Escaping the Night Terrors

The nightmares don’t come often
They come in different forms
But the themes remain the same
I’m stuck or trapped or paralyzed
Some creature or other coming towards me
The fear is having no escape

I feel this way when I’m awake
Unable to escape bills and responsibilities
And escape from all the people
This is only an extension of my fears
From childhood trauma
Unable to escape the violence

Those memories are locked away
I don’t know how to release them
I can’t cope or heal until I do
Perhaps that’s why simple life tasks
Can be more difficult than they should
That’s why I want to escape everything

The creatures that come for me
From which I can’t escape in my dreams
It’s always something different
A ghost or a beast or demon
Who or what do they represent
Do they represent more than one thing

I don’t have the tools or skills
To fight these mental battles
I try to face my everyday problems
One at a time but more get added to the list
How do I face my inner demons
When everyday tasks leave me paralyzed

I must remember the dreams when I can
Sometimes I don’t dream
If I can see them on paper
Maybe I’ll find other themes
Maybe I’ll discover what I’m escaping from
Only then can I face the daily challenges

From the poetry collection Cats, Coffee, Catharsis.

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Coffee and Contemplation: National Author’s Day

As an indie author, it’s difficult to get the word out about my works. The best way to promote something is with money and most indie authors don’t have much to spare. One review can make or break our confidence because we get such little feedback. National Author’s Day was founded to celebrate authors for their hard work and contributions to literature. The publishing game has changed a lot since this holiday’s inception. It’s now easier than ever to have something published. However, it’s also more difficult to find financial success. It’s not easy scribin’ and vibin’.

If you know an indie author who’s struggling to fulfill their passions and dreams, write them a note or message saying how much you appreciate them and their work. Everyone needs a little encouragement, but writers need a little more to keep going. Writing can be a lonely endeavor. Sometimes it feels as though no one sees or cares about the things you create. So, prove them wrong and tell them what you think of their writing. Encourage them to keep writing and to never give up. It will mean the world to them. Believe me. Celebrate the authors you love and the one who inspire you as well. All authors deserve a little support.