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This Weekend's Featured Poetry

17th May, 2025

LIFE OVER COFFEE

By Cynthia Foss

I met my younger self for coffee at a place just down the street. On the way there, I contemplated the things I would say. 

We both arrived early because I'm still impatient. She arrived just a few minutes after me. I ran up and hugged her so tight; I knew she, too, didn't want to let go. 

We both went and sat at a corner table. I ordered an iced coffee, and she told me I was weird. She ordered hers hot with tons of sugar and cream. 

My hair was dyed a natural dark brown, hiding the grays; hers was bleached blonde. 

As we casually talked, I noticed that my iced coffee was already almost gone as I saw her blowing to cool off hers. We finished at the same time. 

I see the pain behind her bright brown eyes; she sees comfort in mine. She tells me she's so glad it gets better. I reassure her it gets so much better. 

I reach out for her hand and tell her it's not going to be easy. I tell her she's going to be a mother, she's going to go through a divorce, and experience pain that's unexplainable.

She's going to be a mother, but she will not be allowed to be a mom. She will struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues. She will lose everything. 

I notice how terrified she looks; she doesn't have to say the words. I reassure her and tell her not to be afraid; she grabs my hand tightly.

I tell her, "Head up, shoulders back." She will not just survive everything life throws at her; she will begin to heal. She will become so strong, independent, and fearless.

One day, she will become someone with whom now she would have felt safe with. She tells me she feels safe sitting at this corner table.

I tell her that I am you; I'm proof that if she keeps going and doesn't give up, she will find a sense of peace within that she never knew was possible. She tells me thank you for giving her hope, and I tell her thank you for being so strong.

She cracks a joke to lighten the mood and says we should meet again for coffee soon. 

As we both leave the coffee shop, she asks if I am going to walk her home. I tell her, "Home is where you are, and I will always be with you." 

I too hope we meet for coffee again soon.

ABOUT THE PIECE: Inspired by poetry a trend on Facebook about having coffee with yourself.

18th May, 2025

SILHOUETTE

By Isabelle P. Byrne

Simplify me!

Simplify me!

Simplify me!

And so he did,

He drew we as a silhouette

And in the darkness I hid,

True black that absorbed any chance of light,

Because it can’t be lit in the dark of night

It cant be faked or fawned,

With the lights turned on it finally dawned,

That I was just a silhouette without a shadow,

I was nothing deep I was excessive jo ly shallow,

Read me for what I am not what I’m not,

As when the lights turn on And my the shadows fade I’ll be forgot.

ABOUT ISABELLE: Isabelle is a published poet whose work delves into themes of identity, mental health, sociological thought, and nihilism. She is known for her innovative poetry films, which have been selected for international film festivals, and have earned her multiple awards, including Best Director and Best Poetry Film. Her work, both on stage and screen, offers a powerful exploration of the human condition through a unique fusion of visual and written storytelling.