An Ode to the Redeemer of Mankind — A crack on the ground cutting shards through its rounds frost atop repressed flames built upon unprocessed shame. Crystal lights from far a sight cruel cold to passers-by bleeds the feet of all who cross over its stitching edges. A hunter trespasses guilty voices escape bottles leak, old rags burn wild-demons shot in…

A poem to restore the soul amidst life’s most idling moments — away from others / scattered / fallen dead leaves / tattered / crunch goes my soles / mattered / mental tabs poof / sputter / echoes my steps / a distant birdsong dews my naked ear / pitter-patter / dissonances ringed / battered / she reaching its peak / clatter…

How I finally allowed myself to grieve and let her go — High School Bestie I once had a best friend. She was part of the cool crowd, and I was only nearly there. Despite our difference in social standing, I remember how easy it was the instant we met. We were basically the same person: Really bookish, both K-Pop fans, both light-skinned and long-haired…

From confusion to transformation — Confusion Most of us don’t realize we are walking around with a grey cloud hanging over our heads. We carry it everywhere we go without truly processing things, thinking the extra load is fine because we’re strong enough to see it through. You might be fine right now while everything is…

What to say when you start questioning yourself — The number of words I write per day does not define my value as a person. The volume of articles and the manuscripts that I finish has nothing to do with my self-worth. The reach of my poems, the magnitude of their engagement, and the size of my waist, wallet…

How to develop and practice the skill — This is our usual evening bathtime scenario with our 5-year-old: Parent: “OK, time to shower.” Child: “No, I still want to play.” Parent: “C’mon, it’s getting late. I don’t want you to catch a cold.” Child: “But I’m not done yet.” [heat arises] Parent: “I still have to prep for dinner. I need you to…

A poem about being seen and heard — For Camilyn I know today big sis is going to perform but why do you keep passing me away? …

Self-regulation strategies that have worked for me — I don’t know about you, but I am highly prone to dysregulation. With over a decade-long history of depression, I often lack the self-awareness to take myself out of the familiar darkness and get away to practice some newly minted self-regulation skills. …

How tiny changes in our home increment to healthier, wealthier, and happier lives — I’m reading the final edition of Nudge: Improving Decision About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, the 2017 global bestseller on influencing consumer choices. So far, the pleasure of reading a physical book combined with the insights provided in it has reduced my overall stress and my yelling as a mother of…