still my chest aches
invigorated by the moments when I bottled your laughter
lying here, terrified of forgetting
even more scared of remembering
now all we have is an emptiness of words
can you remember what my voice sounds like?
'evermore' is a bullet embedded in my skin
About the Creator
Poppy
poetry in progress
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (9)
Your lines have such an emotional impact on me when I read- excellent work!
Oof this is heavy. You’ve really gone in on the idea of “silence as absence” in relationships or after them, and “'evermore' is a bullet embedded in my skin” is a wonderful line. It’s that idea of something that was supposed to bind, now wounding. Good luck in the challenge Poppy!
*Deep sigh* Well that was heavy... that final line just ended me, it hit so hard. That's going to echo in my mind for a while. Great work Poppy!
Beautiful and heartbreaking. Great work!
Well done… different slant on the challenge ✅
Holy cow this poem stabs at heart and inner emotions!
Powerful ending!!!💕❤️❤️
Very nice Poppy. Excellent work!
Beautiful, and that last line hits hard. Well done.