Poetry by TonyaJo

The Real You

Where are you?

I’ve looked so many places; searched so many faces. It’s not easily found in a world where shadows abound. A constant game of charades and senseless other games are played.

To be real in this strange place takes a determined heart and a lot of grace.

It takes courage to show your truth ... to brave the stares and shun cruel actions of the uncouth. The Velveteen Rabbit was as real as anyone.

Unraveled and battered with his battle won ... that rabbit came to BE by becoming undone.

A Kind of Heavy

There are days of which no one could argue it’s heaviness. Those moments imprinted across our emotional DNA like an embossed ribbon.

Marked anniversaries of consequential change and monumental grief.

Then there’s the kind of heavy no one can explain.

It trails behind like an overpacked suitcase on the path to a beach.

From all appearances, life is airy and sublime. These are often the most difficult days.

No one sees the load or understands the struggle.

It is one thing to suffer together with friends in communal pain.

It’s altogether different to see the sun shining everywhere and only feel rain.

Bleed

I tried to take you off like my favorite sweater, but you don’t deserve to be folded and neatly tucked away.

I ripped you off my skin like a filthy bandaid. I’d rather bleed once than freeze everyday.

I took a walk today.

I took a walk today.

I listened to the heavy panting of the shaggy heartbeat at my feet, the crackling leaves already dried and stranded on the cracked sidewalk, the sweet melodies of the feathered friends serenading me on my journey, and the laughter of children playing carelessly.

I felt the breeze gently touch my face, the sun burn my shoulders, and the sweat form on my brow as I inched my way up another hill.

I saw a blue sky awaiting the Blue Moon, dappled shadows of swaying limbs applauding my steps, and the waving hands of kind souls that passed.

For just a little while, I did not own a phone, a tv, or any electrical device. For a sacred time I was free.

I went for a walk today, but the walk really took me.

Tonya Rhoades is a reading interventionist and lover of words. She is an avid reader and loves writing and teaching writing. Tonya is in the process of publishing her first poetry book. Her poetry reaches into the depths of emotions based on life experiences and has been a catalyst for healing throughout her life. She hopes to help others find healing in her poems, as well. She currently resides in Elizabethtown, KY. Please stay in touch on Instagram at @tonyajopoetry.