Poetry

When it storms

It pours and the rain is coming down

And I feel like I am being pulled in many directions as the wind blows left than right.

I don’t know how to feel as everything falls upon me.

And the branch knocks me out, and the life I fell into is the one I’ve been searching for, but now what?

Do I get to keep this life that feels so good and positive, a life that is full for me and everyone around me?

All those things that used to stop me in my tracks are gone, and now the storms don’t bother me anymore.

As I walk into this world, knowing myself and loving myself is my truth.

And when the doubt or harsh words of others are thrown at me.

I smile, for I know where they used to be, and one day, they might be where I am if they just let go and embrace the unknown.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

Life

Can be light and so freeing

Like the breeze of air flowing into your life, like a lovely day in the fall, sometimes life can seem so dark, like the night.

You told me to keep quiet for who knows what’s lurking in the shadows.

But my voice is like a bird. Sometimes, it can’t be silent to protect those who play the victim card all the time out of fear of being turned in because they’re always looking for a way to blame others for the problems they don’t want to face.

To be silent again feels like being that little girl who had a voice but was too afraid to speak up for fear of others turning on her.

But I’m not that little girl anymore, and I won’t go back to the past where her voice didn’t matter.

For I know her voice matters and so does mine.

So, where do we go if we can’t say what needs to be told in this place anymore?

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

I don’t

Want to wait around for something to happen.

I’m tired of feeling like I’m the only one they can relay on.

When do I get my break?

Before I break down and become useless, too?

I can’t trust you anymore, for lies pour out your mouth like a waterfall.

Leaving me angry and annoyed

But who am I to complain when I’ve known for a while who you are and what you do!

So here I am, tossing and turning, but sleep will not come, and yet again, a long night awaits me.

To dislike you is my truth because hate is a strong word, and you are not strong enough to deserve it.

One day, I won’t look back and wonder whatever happened to you, for I’m sure you will still be playing the same games as before I left.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

My thoughts

I’ve been thinking

What makes us lack confidence and bring down our self-belief to the point we no longer take risks or have leaps of faith when a great opportunity comes into our lives?

Did something happen to lower our confidence, and are we still holding on to past trauma?

And how do we overcome it?

Would meditation help?

How about journaling our moods daily and how we’re feeling help?

Or maybe expressing ourselves through poetry brings out those vulnerable moments and finally sets us free?

Or is it something we have to seek help for?

What do you do when you lack confidence but have the drive to say I want more, and I know I can’t get it if I don’t have the confidence or the self-belief that I’m good enough to do it?

All these questions keep running through my mind as I step into a new me, but I am still trying to shake my old thought process.

You won’t know how good you are until you do the thing you’re hesitating about, for the first step is just the beginning.

I used to lack so much confidence and self-belief that I relied on others to Validate who I am and what I stand for. But then I worked with a coach who broke down every wall I put up in my life and I found my voice and my inner child and adult self wanting to break out and voice their opinions and show the world they matter and that they are here to stay.

I know my journey isn’t over, and I still sometimes want to hide or stop when things get hard, but I know I’m meant to do more and help others, too.

I would love to know how you ladies or gentlemen handle lacking confidence or self-belief. Or if you would like to answer any of the many questions above?

I’m currently doing meditation to center myself and enhance my creativity, and I’m journaling, praying, and taking baby steps to complete the goals I set for this year.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

Making connections

It’s the way we were made

And sometimes, it can be wonderful to laugh and talk with people who relate to you.

To have an unexpected connection is excellent as you get to know someone you didn’t think you would end up bonding with.

The feeling of being happy to see them

And knowing that feeling is mutual

And connecting and still not agreeing on the same things but still coming back and talking some more.

Sometimes, heads are butted, and we feel unheard or dismissed, but sometimes, we get in our feelings because it’s harder to trust and keep friends at some point in life.

So authentic connections sometimes are rare, and when you find one, you want to hold on for dear life for you get to the point where you see through the people who are nice to you to know your business and then toss you to the side when they feel better comes along.

We still crave connection, but we become more guarded sometimes; we throw it all to the wind and let fate and destiny take the wheel as we risk putting ourselves out there. Sometimes, it pays off, and your fairytale friendship is born.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

Hanging on

To hope like a loss thread that everything will work out.

But then my true desire pulls me forward and there’s no going back now.

As the feeling is so strong, I can’t ignore it, and once I face it, it feels so right.

And all along, what was I thinking when this is what I was meant to do?

It’s like my plans were not suitable, and now I’m back where I was a month ago, doing the thing I love.

And I know now my plans weren’t God’s, and so on a wild goose tale I went.

Not looking around or about because I thought I was right, and life just laughed at me, and now I see how silly I was.

Oh, how I laugh as I open my eyes and enjoy the beauty of a new day. And I know I will never forget what a lesson I learned today.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

I look away

From it all

Because I’m tired of the nonsense chatter around me and realize there is no point in getting mad about the things I can’t control, and neither should you.

But I can’t control you, and I don’t want to.

But if I’m quiet and you wonder if something is wrong with me.

I didn’t say the real reason that day, only because I was physically tired, and being quiet was the only calm and reasonable thing to do.

I know this world can be so cruel and unfair, but I won’t play the victim when I, too, have done wrong.

I want to live better and not hold grudges for anyone anymore.

I’m letting it go, and no, I won’t forget what they did, but I’m living for me, not them, and I will be damned if I let them steal my peace of mind.

I may look sad right now, but I’m free from the chains they tried to keep me in. But can you say the same?

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

To be with

You when time stopped and the memory of that day was imprinted in my mind as if nothing before and after it will ever be the same.

Nothing can top the sparkle in your eye, the goofiness of your smile, and the depth of your voice as your laugh seems to touch the deepest parts of your soul as I embraced the joy you pointed my way.

Your energy is so pure and bright, shining down like the sun, sometimes too bright to deal with, but other times, your company is all I want, as some days seem longer than others. No One can match your energy.

Even on my worst days, you still can get through my darkest cloud and make me see the light in things.

As the blessing of a rainbow shines around me, I am at peace again as long as you can stay around and brighten up my day.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

Pour out

Of me as the heat is turned up.

And everything is intense, and nothing is left innocent anymore.

You don’t get to walk out that door and face the sun like any other day.

For today if you go, you will end up like a puddle on the floor.

I tried to warn you it was too hot, but you told me to mine my business.

And so here I am inside with cold air blowing at me.

And you, my friend, sunburnt inside whining about how cruel today has been to you.

But to tell the truth, the day warned you in many ways, and you still thought it would not hurt you.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes

Poetry

Today I feel

Hopeful about all the possibilities I could complete today.

I will only focus on one thing then when that is complete.

I will move on to the next thing because when I list it all.

My head begins to spin, and all that can be done is untouched like an unwanted snack.

I don’t want to waste time, but I’ve learned if I don’t listen to my body.

Then my well-being is at risk, which I don’t want to put on the back burner to please someone else.

So whatever I get done today will have been all that needed to get done.

And if I wake up tomorrow, the rest can be divided up again until the list is no more.

Nothing is worth stressing over anymore, as when the weight is off my shoulder, the feeling of being free is what I long for.

So today, I am free to be and do what I want.

Written By: Deirdre Stokes Copyrighted ©️ 2023 By Deirdre Stokes