Featured Poet - Cynthia Foss

GET UP

You gotta get up... 

You gotta get up... 

You gotta get up and get out of that bed. Put your feet on the ground. 

You have to support your own weight. 

I know it's difficult. 

Nobody is going to do this for you. I know it's hard and unfamiliar. 

Get up and feel that sun shining on your face. 

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. I know it hurts, baby girl; I know the pain. 

But get yourself up out of that bed. 

You've already conquered monsters; you're ready to conquer the world. 

The choice is up to you. Make them wonder how you did it. 

Get up.



CAN'T YOU SEE

The strong become tired, the constant pouring into everyone's cup.

Her cup becomes empty, the strength gone, but no one can see how empty she has become.

No more energy; she's just on autopilot. She has no more energy to give.

Company disassociated.

People call her harsh and ill-tempered. Can't you see she's empty?

Can't you see she needs comfort, but comfort never comes?

Can't you see she's tired of being strong?

Can't you see?

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN

She's a beautifully, perfectly broken soul. When she looks in the mirror, she can see that the past has taken its toll.

You don't know her story, but she still wears her scars. If you look into her eyes, you can see the stars.



A POEM FOR MY DAUGHTER

My beautiful daughter, you have a kind-hearted nature that pulls people in

You possess the most radiant personality.

You completely light up the room because your light shines that bright.

There's a reason that you attract people looking for a light from the darkness.

When anyone looks into your eyes, they see a familiar pain, like a lighthouse through the storm.

A ship in the ocean at the mercy of the sea, they see a familiar pain...

Just because of your light...

Light always overcomes darkness...

Shine so brightly, my daughter; always shine through the storm.



ABOUT THE POEMS: "Throughout my life, I have grappled with mental illness. Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for my emotions. My aspiration is that my poetry might ultimately serve as a source of inspiration and support for those who are struggling, offering them a sense of hope and connection. It is crucial to acknowledge that it is normal to experience difficulties, and to seek assistance when needed."