Darkness all around

Pitch black

No hope

In sight

.

Where am I

I can't see

Looking for

The light

.

Walking down

A lonely road

Tired of

The dark

.

Looking for

Something bright

Looking for

A brand new start

This tunnel

Seems to go on

No end

In sight

.

All I want

Is a glimmer

Just a little

Light

.

Can someone

Help me find

A way out

I'm feeling kinda weak

.

That light

Pretty dim

Life feels

A little bleak

.

Moving

Forward

Getting

More bright

.

I know there

Will come a day

And Heaven will

Provide that light

.

©️Mark's Life

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Lots of stars

An infinite amount

All are unique

Like each one of us

.

Many different shapes

Many different sizes

Colors a plenty

All very special indeed

.

On a clear night

Just look to the stars

They look so small

In comparison, we pale

.

Think how we must look

To the stars all around

So many similarities

So many differences

.

Even though we all share the universe

When it comes down to it

Much like the stars

We will all perish alone

.

©️Mark's Life

There are so many beautiful people on Substack that have had an impact on me personally. Some have collaborated with me, some have reached out to make sure I was okay on the numerous occasions when I posted a note or article that made them say, ‘hey, let me check on Mark’, and they did. Some have known me since the first day they started on Substack. One in particular knows a lot more about me personally than anyone else here. And one, well, one of the most caring teenagers you might ever “meet”. Here is a post to give special thanks to a few of these amazing and beautiful souls.

: First person that really welcomed me here. She joined shortly after me last July. I joined in her Substack Chat group. She would share a prompt every week, and challenge the group to come up with their best work. You can see a few of those among my first posts from last July and August. More than that, she has always been there for me even to step up and defend me if she felt someone was out of line. This Scottish sweetheart I would proudly call my bodyguard if I ever visited Scotland. She will always have a special place in my heart.

: Though I don’t get to talk much to her anymore, she quickly became someone that I could confide in offline. Given the fact that she is 15 time zones ahead of me, that got challenging sometimes. Last December, she became the first person I collaborated with. That was particularly challenging for me at the time, because I never had done that genre ever. She did most of the heavy lifting on it (the good stuff), but it was quite fun putting it together. This woman too will always hold a special place in my heart.

: Met her last December as “Quillink”. Quickly became very close as friends, and we also did a couple of earlier collaborations as well as a couple more recent, including This One about our Soulmate friendship. This alone will speak volumes about what kind of bond we have. We share victories and hardships, laughs and tears, and she means a lot to me. Oh, and we talk about our love of spicy food or food in general WAY more than normal. You need to check out her two publications if you haven’t already. One is 18+, but it’s high quality erotica poetry. You’re missing out if you don’t read her though. One hell of a writer and an even better friend. One of only two people on here who knows my last name.

: Truly one of the best writers I’ve encountered while here. Also one of the kindest and most supportive (of me) there has been for a while now. This is a woman who genuinely cares about people, writes with great vulnerability, and I’m thankful to call her a friend. Truly, you couldn’t meet a more caring woman if you tried. I look forward to her daily posts, and love supporting her however I can. You should too!

: Though she’s been taking some (much needed) time for herself off of here recently, she has been a great supporter of my work, and is such a kind-hearted, genuine soul. A self-published author of poetry, I am a proud owner of two of her books, and hopefully of more in the near future. Be is an amazing writer, and a genuinely great person. I’m so thankful to have gotten to know her little bit during my time here. Be, can’t wait to see more of your work on here soon.

: Sarah is a teen (published) writer that I’ve known for only a short time, but she has turned out to be one of the kindest people I’ve met. Period. She is one of the most caring souls I’ve met, and a strong mental health advocate. She is a great writer, and if you didn’t know better, you’d never guess that she is only a Freshman in high school. Getting to know about her a little bit every day, but what I do know is that if you need uplifted, she will be there for you to help build you back up. She’s a natural born leader (in my opinion) and a heck of a nice girl. The world needs more like her, that’s for sure. She’s “faMazing” (IYKYK).

: This woman is a medical marvel (or miracle). She’s got a myriad of health issues, but you’d never know if by reading her feed. She does face painting, writes in online magazines, creates a lot on Canva, and the list goes on and on. She does all those things and more all while she is managing her health issues. Those do not slow her down much at all. On a more personal note, she is someone who checks on me a lot. She writes whatever is on her mind, and it’s usually pretty relatable or fun. One of the most supportive people I know. Check her out!

Some others that are not only amazing writers that I’ve gotten to know more recently are , , , and .

(D) has been a good supporter and is one hell of a rhyme-master and poets here. You need to do yourself a favor and check out his voiceovers. I’ve had the pleasure of doing two epic collaborations with him. Hope to again soon, but if you haven’t checked him out, you need to. Freaking amazing is all I can say.

is someone who has become a fast friend that I’ve recently gotten to know. She’s an amazing writer (has a book coming out next month), a Notes Queen (and they are great), and someone who has become a big support person for me and my well-being. She’s a lot of fun and I’m proud to call her a friend. Check out her work!

is someone that I’ve also recently got to know a bit. She is a fantastic, beautiful writer, and her voiceovers are something to behold. I’m really hopeful to do a collaboration with her in the near future. She has been such a kind-hearted, caring supporter, and I’m so thankful to have “found” her on here. Check out her work while you’re at it.

Oh, and , you are such a super caring woman and a real talent. Thanks for checking in on me periodically. It means so much to know that you genuinely care about me. I can’t thank you enough for your heartfelt support. Check out her page while you’re here!

There are so many other good great writers that I have come to appreciate during my time on Substack. I hope to get to know more of you as time goes on. This place (for me) has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It’s great therapy, as it has given me a great outlet for my vulnerable soul, and I’ve grown more confident as a writer in the last 13 months. I try and support as many of you as I can regularly, but it’s just so dang hard to do so as much as I’d like. If I missed anyone personally, I’m sorry, but know that I see you, and I appreciate you!

Blessing to all.

©Mark’s Life

Love is present

Only in name

No longer in action

Every day is heavier

Leaving me feeling more alone

I miss the feeling

Not being in love

Every day

Seems

Sadder, as a result

©Mark’s Life

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I appreciate that you are here reading, but if you'd like to support me with a Paid Subscription, it would be greatly appreciated. Soon, I'm going to be making certain posts only visible to Paid Subscribers. With everything going on in my life, I could seriously use the extra support if you can afford to, please consider it.

I started working in education at the end of 2011 as a Substitute teacher in my area. At an elementary school, music class for a half day. My first foray into working in education, and on the way, I felt like I might vomit. I was nervous. Rightfully so. I’d never done anything like this. in my life. The only thing that qualified me was that I had a bachelor’s degree. In my county, that’s all that “qualified” me to perform a job that I was in no way qualified to do.

Well, obviously I survived it, and no bodily fluids exited me that day. Yes, I was nervous. Yes, the thought about what the hell was I doing crossed my mind numerous times that day. But, yes, I ended up going back, substituting both there and in other area schools, and I was hooked.

I fell in love with working in education.

I decided at that time that I wanted to become a teacher, so I began pursuing my Master’s in Teaching shortly after that first experience. During the next seven years, and three to four preschool experiences under my belt, I was four classes (including Student Teaching) away from attaining that goal.

Back to 2019, November 18th to be exact, I began my career as an aide (bus aide to start).

I stayed with that school district for the next seven school years. I made many great memories, working with so many amazing kids and teachers, and gained so much valuable experience. The money wasn’t great, but it was the most rewarding season of my (work) life ever. Further, it prepared me for what begins today…

NEW BEGINNINGS

I’m now heading down a different road on my career journey in education. I’m still going to be working as an Aide. The location and the names are changing (along with my wage), but one thing remains: my love for the most rewarding career I’ve ever had in my life.

I’m excited, nervous, and a little scared at the unknowns. I think that’s a normal feeling for just about anyone going through any changes in life. The main thing that I am bringing with me to this new venture is experience and confidence. I know that even though it’s a new age group of students that will present me with new challenges, I am confident in my abilities because I also am good at what I do.

I’m sure there will be more to talk about and share with you here as I go forward, but just know this: my career in education gives me peace and joy, and to me, that is what makes all the hard work and challenges seem a lot less like work, and more like a calling in a field where I belong.

I embrace that. Time to go. Here’s to my new adventure!

FUN NOTE: I threw in pictures of a panther and a cardinal because those are the mascots of the former school district and my new one respectively. So:

GO CARDS!

©Mark’s Life

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I appreciate that you are here reading, but if you'd like to support me with a Paid Subscription, it would be greatly appreciated. Soon, I'm going to be making certain posts only visible to Paid Subscribers. With everything going on in my life, I could seriously use the extra support if you can afford to, please consider it.

Time

Precious they say

Sometimes feels like it’s dragging

Others, it’s flying away

.

Seems like yesterday

Out in my backyard

Or on a rainy day

Looking at my baseball cards

.

Grandma

Sending me for ice cream

As I look back now

It seems like a dream

.

As I’ve grown

Starting to get old

Memories getting longer

Just like my mom had told

.

Watching my kids grow

So fast it seems

Hard to imagine

Seems like a dream

.

Lots has changed

But one thing’s for sure

Time it keeps passing

Beyond life, it endures

.

©Mark’s Life

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I appreciate that you are here reading, but if you'd like to support me with a Paid Subscription, it would be greatly appreciated. Soon, I'm going to be making certain posts only visible to Paid Subscribers. With everything going on in my life, I could seriously use the extra support if you can afford to, please consider it.

My little girl

Wandering

Lost

I can see her

From an out of body location

She’s wandering

Aimlessly

Down the corridor

Of life

From where I sit

I cannot help

Only scream

Into the void

She can’t hear me

So she must navigate

On her own

She knows I’m there

So she is navigating

Her way

Down the hall

Checking the numbers

On the doors

As she goes

Door 15 getting further

And further

Away

Estimated arrival at Door 16

Seven months

She looks so little

So lost

I’m here

Always here

She know this

But I know

That she must

Travel this hallway

Navigate

This dark scary hall

Largely on her own

But deep down

She knows

That should she fail

Should she fall

I will be there

To help her up

And get her back

On her way

To Door 16

And beyond

©Mark’s Life

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I appreciate that you are here reading, but if you'd like to support me with a Paid Subscription, it would be greatly appreciated. Soon, I'm going to be making certain posts only visible to Paid Subscribers. With everything going on in my life, I could seriously use the extra support if you can afford to, please consider it.

Optimistic Me (O). Shut down Me (S)

O: Good morning! The sun is shining

S: Yeah, but look, there’s rain in the forecast

O: It’s going to be a good day. I need to get up and get moving.

S: Why, what’s the point? Everything is falling apart around me. Might as well stay in bed.

S: By the way, will you please stop talking to me?

O: Stop being so negative. We got stuff to do. No time to sulk.

S: Shhhhhhhh

O: Well, I don’t know what you need to hear, but just know that you’re loved and you’re awesome.

S: I’m not. I just don’t want to deal with anything. And, you should know, I don’t want to talk to anyone about anything. I’m processing my pain. I just want to cry.

O: Look, I get it. I mean, we share the same body and mind. I’m just here to remind you that it’s not always as bad as it seems.

S: We do. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that we are the same person. But I do know we’ve made it through so many things. But right now, I just want to be left alone.

O: Fine, but that doesn’t change the fact that we need to work, provide for our family, and be a light to those who have none at all. Remember, it could be worse.

S: Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it. Deep down, I know this, but in the moment, it just feels so hopeless.

O: I know. Give our body the rest and time it needs to recuperate. I’ll take care of the grind.

S: I’m taking a nap now. Talk later.

©Mark’s Life

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NOTE: This poem stems from the pure mental exhaustion that I've been feeling more than ever of late. It seems like everything is spiraling erratically out of control, and there's no safety net to catch me.

I appreciate that you are here reading, but if you'd like to support me with a Paid Subscription, it would be greatly appreciated. Soon, I'm going to be making certain posts only visible to Paid Subscribers. With everything going on in my life, I could seriously use the extra support if you can afford to, please consider it.

I'm freaking exhausted

In every way, tired

Like milk going bad

Feeling expired

.

I want these

Rain clouds to disappear

Nothing in my life

Seems very clear

.

Every morning

I wake

Not knowing how much more

This soul can take

.

My body

Seems broken and bruised

Don't know how to fix it

I have no clue

.

I want I to hide

Want to take cover

Just want this shit

To be all over

.

Not my life

Please understand

It's the exhaustion

But I have no plan

.

So everyday

Struggle to motivate

Because I don't know

What to anticipate

.

Begging for one day

For this all to change

Wishing for my life

To be rearranged

.

Until that day

I'll try to rise and grind

Hoping that one day

Some peace I'll find

©️Mark's Life

Surrounded by ones I love

Knowing in my heart they love me too

So, why do I feel

Like they don’t appreciate me?

.

They know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do

To make sure they’re taken care of

But, lost in it all

Is their appreciation for me

.

I don’t want to throw them

Under the bus

But the respect, appreciation, and trust

Seem to be missing

.

Maybe it’s all in my head

Maybe I have it all wrong

But in the moment

All signs seem to confirm that I’m right

.

Additionally, I feel so alone

I don’t understand

How it’s possible

But my feelings I can’t deny

.

Meantime, I long for the day

To feel real appreciation

To not feel alone

That’s not too much to ask

.

© Mark’s Life

Mark: BOLD

Damien: Italics

Tired of this mind fight

I want to get this mind right

Before I self-destruct

Wake up every single day

My own thoughts already in my way

It always seems so fucked

Before I get myself up

I need to get myself pumped

Take a deep breath and try

Time for the daily grind

I only hope that I can find

It in me not to cry

I might get emotional

I hate that my mind is full

Of all sorts of junk

It’s hard for me you see

The grind is real for me

Want to be out of this funk

Time for me to grind

It’s time for me to to find

A way to rise up and fight

So, instead of this B.S.

Need to shut down this mess

And get my mind right

I’m tired of the fight in my mind

As I write I go blind, trying to find

The reasons why it won’t stop

Awake at all hours thinking

Or standing in the shower sinking

This season of mine…it won’t swap

For some free time to free my mind

So I see rhymes just flee each line

As I forget to jot my racing thoughts

Tossed and turned up in this bed

Or water churning o’er my head

I cannot get uncaught, these crazy plots

Twist on and on down a rabbit hole

Staying up late is a new habit so

I embrace it, taste it, and take it

Walking these vacant spaces

Wandering my sacred traces

Mind races, faced it, I’m naked

Wishing I had someone to share

Wishing I had someone who cared

I’m aware I chose this life, so fuck it

My mind is going to do what it does

I have to accept all of this because

A busy mind exposes me as reluctant

Subscribe to Damien

Today I will…

CHOOSE to treat people with kindness

TRY to be a positive role model

START the day with a positive attitude

MAKE an effort to do my best

GIVE love

FINISH the day with peace

PRACTICE what I preach

THINK how I can do better

BE the dad my kids need me to be

SHARE my heart with those I care about

ACCEPT that it's not always going to go my way

STOP negativity from ruining my day

SAY what needs to be said with love and respect

SEE what I can do better tomorrow

©️Mark's Life

NOTE: If you like this idea, I invite you to use the image as a guide to create your own “Today I Will” poem or essay. I loved the idea and ran with it. Thanks for reading.

However, a lot has happened and a lot more (okay, a few more) new eyes are in here now, and so, I wanted to do a reboot on it, let’s call it Intro 2.0. I also wanted to let you not only read it, but hear it straight from me. I’ve included my first attempt at a voice over. Hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better…from me.

THE EARLY YEARS

I was born in a smaller Midwestern US town and area known for football and steel. The first home I lived in was a large side of a duplex that was built in 1870. Next door, literally, the width of a standard driveway next to a neighborhood bar and grill.

From as early as I can remember, my family spent a lot of time at that bar, including myself. Until I was a bit older, my time spent there would be with my mom typically, always during the day, getting a burger, a Squirt or Coke, and playing one of the video games (typically Donkey Kong) or pinball and playing songs (on 45 records) on the Juke Box.

At home, if I wasn’t outside getting my youngest uncle in trouble somehow, I would be inside, watching cartoons, sorting my growing baseball card collection, all while smelling the wonderful aroma of baked goods or dinner being cooked in grandma’s kitchen.

Sometimes, grandma would have me go to the neighborhood convenient store or Dairy Queen for ice cream. I would either walk or take my bike. I loved doing small errands like that for her. Some might conclude that I did it just because I was getting something out of it. You wouldn’t be totally inaccurate. However, looking back, mostly why I did was because we lived so close to these places and because she couldn’t do it for herself. Additionally, at that time in my life, no one in my house had a car, so, we all had to pitch in and contribute any way we could.

SCHOOL YEARS

In my early elementary years, not much of note really occurred. I remember not liking (okay, being afraid of) my first grade teacher. She was mean. Second grade, I got my first pair of glasses, which shortly after, corrected the problem, and in about a year, I would shed them, and not need glasses again until my early twenties.

Late elementary through middle school, the only thing mildly worth mentioning was that I tried out for the middle school basketball team two years in a row, and the two reasons that I never had a roster spot for me was because being in a football crazy town, they liked to take football players first to help them keep in shape for the off-season. The other reason being that I just wasn’t that good.

Growing up wanting to be a radio DJ, heading into high school only interested me because they had a pretty good telecommunications program that would help me to prepare for that. I loved being in the program, but honestly, once I was graduated, I had little interest in going to college, so after semester at college, I dropped out and just became a member of the workforce.

WORK AND COLLEGE LIFE

Over the course of my lifetime, I have had many jobs in many industries, and have attended various colleges, even having attained two degrees. Let me first list the jobs by industry that I have worked in, not in chronological or any order, but it is a few, so here goes:

• Fast food

• Hospitality (hotel catering and room service)

• Retail sales

• Warehouse

• Factory

• Medical Billing

• Grocery

• Office work

• Education

Notice that nowhere on there listed is radio. I did get accepted into a broadcasting school in the early 90’s, but I never ended up attending because I had to work full time, as it was the first time I had ever been out on my own (with a friend) living, and out of the hometown where I grew up, so work took priority.

Speaking of colleges, because I did mention that I have two college degrees: an Associates in Computer Science from a local two year college, and a Bachelor’s in Business Information Systems.

It was while I was in the homestretch of finishing up my Bachelor’s that I had been let go from the job I was in. I took a job through a temporary agency, finished my degree, was working in Medical billing, and then that job ran out of work for me. So, there I was, a Bachelor’s Degree, and unemployed.

I was told then, this was late 2011, that anyone in my county with a Bachelor’s degree in any field could substitute teach. I applied, did all the background check stuff, and took my first substitute assignment for a half-day music teaching vacancy at a nearby rural elementary school. I’ll never forget that day, because as I was in the middle of the 30 minute drive, I thought I might throw up, and was having a staff meeting with myself the entire drive because I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

Fast forward to present day, and here I am, getting ready to enter my 14th year working in education. I have worked in preschools, sub jobs, bus aide, and for the last six plus years, as a Special Education/Educational Aide, and I couldn’t be happier…in my career. It is the most rewarding “job” I’ve ever had in my life. Funny, it took me 42 years before I found my true calling, and the only issue is that I wished I would have discovered this field earlier.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND LOOKING FORWARD

In my life, my family, small as it is, has always been at the forefront of my life. I was born to a single mom, no father in my life, and I was raised by her and my grandma (her mom). In my house growing up, my youngest uncle also was there. He would eventually become the best man at my wedding. We grew up more like brothers.

Speaking of siblings, I had none biologically, but along with my uncle, my two cousins were essentially more like brothers to me (still are). We still do stuff together as we meet up (along with my youngest and oldest uncle) on the first Saturday of every month for a brunch. We eat, swap stories, updates on our own lives, and just enjoy each other’s company. We started this about two and a half years ago, and hope that we always are able until we aren’t anymore.

Friends. Well, I used to have a lot of friends that I would do a lot with. Basically for decades, we spent a lot of time doing a lot together. Wiffleball and football when we were younger, going to concerts, and plenty of sporting events were attended, and many times in my early adult years, a fair amount of adult beverages were consumed.

Now, they are almost all still friendly with me, but with family obligations and age, those fun times are almost all gone now. I am okay with that actually. I still get out, am still a social person (thank mom), and I’ve found other friends through this wonderful page. Even though it’s unlikely that I’ll ever meet many of you in person, I still consider you friends.

©

That being said, I would never paywall anything because my story needs to be told. However, I do put time an effort into what I do here, and if you’re able, you could become a paid subscriber, BMC, or send what you can through PayPal. Links are directly below. Thanks if your able, but thanks for just being here. You are a vital part of my life. Blessings.

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NOTE: This poem comes from the standpoint of living with depression most of my life, trying to ‘let it go’ but never quite able to. I'm sure many of you can relate.

Depression

At its worst

Can debilitate

Though not constant

It's something

I've had to live with

Most of my life

There are most days

The lowest

Is kept at bay

Then on any given day

At any given time

I can get blindsided

And everything in me

Shuts down

I can't talk

Don't want to

I can't just

Let it go

I can't explain it

To those who

Don't quite get it

I have to just

Ride it out

Until something inside

Releases its grip

And let's me breathe again

Depression

I wish I could just

Let it go

I realized

A long time ago

That ain't gonna happen

So I just cope

Fight my way through it

But I can never

Just let it go

.

This tire

Yes it's real

Cruising along

Without a care

Taking things for granted

That some things just are

Well, because they are

And we move on

Until one day

Life reminds you

That you're not in control

You never were

You never will be

You're left

Feeling flattened

Deflated by life

And so you just sit

Waiting for someone

To come rescue you

Bail you out

Like so many times before

So there you sit

Staring up at the night sky

Looking to the moon

The stars

Waiting for life to move on

Waiting in silence

In the darkness of night

Waiting to be saved

Waiting to go home

But for now, you're stuck

Stranded as it may

At a roadside respite

A gas station parking lot

But you're safe

And you wonder

Why is life

Constantly leaving you deflated

But you're safe

A necessary reminder

That you've been given

Yet another chance

A reprieve

So, you replace the tire

With a spare

Tires are like that

Meant to be replaced

So we can return to normal

Resume your trip

Life, however

You only get one

So you remind yourself

To get on with your life

So, the next morning

You wake up

Your dog at your side

In a comfortable bed

Your best friend a text away

The sun is shining

And you think

Life

You're not going to leave me flat

.

Note: This really did happen last night. Driving along, not too far from home, daughter in the passenger seat, about to get on the highway. The low pressure light comes on with a chime, and in less that a minute, I'm driving on a completely flat tire. I go to a gas station, call for assistance, and wait. I don't have a jack, but I do have a spare and roadside assistance, and not long after, a tow truck driver comes, replaces the tire, and we navigate our way home safely. I couldn't be more thankful. It's almost like we were being watched over so the worst didn't happen.

Immediately, my poet brain activated, and that's where this poem was born. I'm blessed to write it from the comfort of my own home, safe, alive, and a story to tell.

©️Mark's Life

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Celebrations will be had. Cookouts, fireworks, traditions will be amped up today nationwide, as America celebrates 250 years as a “free” nation. The word free (or freedom) is something citizens have had many conversations/debates about, and will continue to do so for as long as this nation exists. I’m not here to spark controversy. I’m here to honor my home country in the best was I know how: with poetry.

1 in 343 million

That’s all that I am

Just one voice

Only one man

.

250 years has passed

From Britain we were freed

Imperfect men

Planted a seed

.

Innovations, Inventions

And so much debate

Many hate it

Still many think it’s great

.

I’m not here

To sway you to “my side”

I’m only here to say

That I still have some pride.

.

Most of us work hard

We all have our plans

About what it takes

To make it in this land

.

Take care of our families

Give back when we can

I still have much hope

But I am only one man

.

It’s easy to get caught up

In all of the “noise”

Me, I’ll just speak up

With a positive voice

.

I’ll be an ambassador

I’ll do my best

To show you just why

We’re not like the rest

.

Not saying we’re better

Perfect we’re not

Saying that the best of us

Will give all the good we got

.

One thing’s for sure

When our neighbor is down and out

Plenty step up

Of that there’s no doubt

.

So in celebration

Of the red, white, and blue

Happy Two Fifty

To thee I’ll stay true

.

©Mark’s Life

©Mark’s Life

©Mark’s Life

Author’s Note: I’m just one man in this country. I work hard. I fight for my family. Give back when I can. I will never try and convince you or anyone to see this country through my eyes. I only ask that you give me the same respect, no matter where you’re from, no matter your point of view. I still believe in the Golden Rule, and I will go to my grave trying to treat others with respect. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we should all strive to be better. I believe that positivity and real change starts from within. I will do everything in my power to make this country and this world a better place for us all.

Happy Independence Day USA!

Blessings to all.

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When I look in the mirror

What do I see

In the man

Staring back at me?

.

Sometimes I see

Dark shadows under my eyes

From staying up late at night

Drying up tears that I've cried

.

Other times

I see this guy

Thirty years younger

With dreams in his eyes

.

There are too often times

When who do I see

But a man who has failed

And gave up so helplessly

.

Then there's this dad

Whom I always lacked

That when he saw his kids

Knew he'd never turn his back

.

Every day I see

A man with a big, caring heart

Even when life's hard

He won't throw in his cards

.

He may never be rich

His life will never sniff perfect

But in the mirror I see

Is a man who isn't done growing yet

©️Mark's Life

Who do YOU see when you look in the mirror? Drop it in the comments below.

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PETALS PART

In need of a shoulder to cry on,

when too much feels like a heavy burden.

Given a second chance—

how did we ever deserve this opportunity.

Sorrows flood the gates of the soul,

penetrating through thoughts of recovery.

.

Times get tough but we are still here,

friends and family is all we have.

In an era full of uncertainty and lies—

absolutely nowhere to turn.

Whispered cries is all that is heard,

a change is coming with the new wind.

.

A tantalizing breeze that calms the mind,

never taken for granted.

When we have nowhere to go—

family is there to help you the most.

Broken and lonely is all that we are,

a helpful reminder from a loved one is near.

.

Crying to the world but only silence is heard,

feeling diminished like an insect on the ground.

Cowardly people hurt and run away—

finding those crucial footsteps next.

Losing hope and vitality,

but never the kindness within your heart.

.

Family is everything always,

don’t loose sight of that fact.

Hope and faith rides the wave of love—

compassionate divinity all for you.

Turning despair into joyful moments,

only loved ones can turn the light.

.

A stage full of emotions,

hours and days go by.

Never looking back again—

healing and growth is on the cusp.

All we can do is try our very best,

looking unto the future of our being.

©

MARK’S PART

We face hardship from the first moment

As we grow, we learn to trust

And we learn to be wary

People come into

And out of our lives

From the first breath we take

.

There are people

Who are only there when times are good

You find out

Who your true friends are

When the bottom drops out

These are the ones who remain

.

In moments of joy

In moments of pain

Who can we trust

Who will remain

Only those who are true

They’ll see us through the rain

.

As I’ve grown older

Many friends have drifted

But the hardships

Never fade

Then there are moments that come

That give me hope

.

What I have learned

A friendship that’s true

Can grow out of nothing

And when hardships

Inevitably hit

They will remain for you

.

Whether in real life

Or through the magic of an app

It’s always refreshing

When even just one shows up

And you know

That friend will never leave

©

Mark’s Note: It’s been such a pleasure getting to collaborate with such a wonderful and talented writer and person. We hope you love reading it as much as we loved writing it. Through the last couple of weeks, our friendship has formed, and this piece come out of our conversations about how to get through the difficult times with the help of friends. Enjoy!

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Once upon a time

I held you in my arms

And for the first time in my life

I felt I had a real purpose

.

Already, I was giving you

More than I ever had as a kid

The love of a Father

So deep. So true.

.

Watching you grow

Explore and learn

Asking lots of questions

Discovering who you would become

.

I've shed many tears

Watching you shed yours

I couldn't always help

But I could always love

.

Being your father

Your Dad as it may

I could never have imagined

I could love so hard

.

As I look to the future

Wondering what may

One thing is for certain

Your Dad I will be

.

So

It's Father's Day

And I'm blessed

To be your Dad…FOREVER

.

©️Mark's Life