You swore you wouldn’t. You said you’d break the Sunday smile, the holy fake— the man who preached then left a kid to sit and wait. Now look again. Same hymn, same hush, same public grace. As you stand in this instant, do you wear that painted face— or wreck the place? Daddy worked the pulpit. Mama looked brand new. What the church got handed was a polished view. What the house got handed didn’t make the news. Careful what you copy when they teach you “good.” The thing that blessed you also drew the blood. You’re thinking that you left that pew as you’re raising your voice, too. This isn’t faith. This isn’t true Now look again. Now some of us walk out. Wake from the name or learn to doubt. The aisle is worn. The lie is born in clothes that look like love, then worse— a perfect little church-trained curse until the child becomes the show. You learned to shine for borrowed eyes. You learned the smile that swallows cries. You learned that anger wears a dress and leaves a map of red on flesh. How will your kid tell God apart — from you— when you still flinch at “bless your heart”?

This is a room for people who write poems at 3 AM and hate themselves by 4. No craft lectures. No ‘write what you know.’ Just drop your shit, get feedback, and don’t apologize for it.

Suicidal dreams, Coincide with these Homicidal screams. Now everybody breathe! But no one here can leave, No one’s self esteem Not knowing what it seems, Is this just a dream? Now everybody breathe! Voices in the distance, Choices aren’t much different. As I listen in this instant , Should I enlist in my instincts? Or relinquish this as delinquent? They say religion can make a difference, What is it that I’m missing? Careful for what you’re wishing, They’er might be someone listening. You’re thinking that life’s a breeze, As you’re sinking to your knees. This ain’t my dream! Those aren’t my screams! Now everybody breathe! Now some of us can leave! Wake up from your sleep, Or have you sunken in too deep? Inclined and just too steep,, Imprisoned by mankind! Those visions aren’t hard to find, When you’re a prisoner, A prisoner of your own mind. Until your blind and deaf, I am here…. But your timely death is near! Nothing can last forever!!! As you close your eyes together, Cold dirt is your only weather! How will I be remembered???