Goodbye
Breaking free from molding myself to fit your needs.
Apprehension kept pulling on my shirt just like a little kid. I was scared to let you go, but not anymore.
Beneath this persona I allowed you to
create, the storm is growing and threatening to break through the surface,
destroying and washing away the parts that were never me.
Enough is enough; I'm not you and finally, I'm okay with it. So done with
forcing conversations and diminishing myself to fit into the puzzle you call a life.
***
Give me a moment to acclimate to the sudden change. One breath in, one breath out.
How did I survive with you choking me for so long? I can breathe fresh air again.
I'm scrubbing you away with a wire brush; it's going to hurt but I'll be all right.
Just need to give myself a little time and grow some tougher skin. My
kindness and all the extra chances I gave, you took advantage of. How
lukewarm and tainted every so-called good moment feels now; a sick
masquerade that I never wanted to attend.
***
Now it's midnight; both of us have got our masks off - the
one you forced on me and the one for yourself. This brand new me, she's a
phoenix rising. I know it's cliche, but if the shoe fits well, I wear it. My
quality of life is reaching higher than the stock market.
Reality seems brighter than my fantasies, so no more diving into rabbit holes. I'm doing more than
surviving life. I'm finding happiness in all the smallest of things and
taking hold of my dandelion dreams, fulfilling them because I want to, not because you said it was fine. I'm
upsetting your perfect circus act, ringleader, breaking free from the spot you forced me in. This is not a
vacation; this is me moving on. I'm taking back my
worth because it's too expensive for you to keep, a treasure buried. An invisible
'X' on the map, so you'll never find me again. So, goodbye, old me and present
you, I won't miss either one at all. I've broken free from the
zebra mindset and stopped trying to blend in. I'm going to stand out and you can't stop me again.
About the Creator
Alexandria Stanwyck
My inner child screams joyfully as I fall back in love with writing.
I am on social media! (Discord, Facebook, and Instagram.)
instead of therapy: poetry and lyrics about struggling and healing is available on Amazon.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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The Ritual of Winter Challenge Winners
Welcome to the Winners Announcement for The Ritual of Winter challenge. This prompt focused on winter rituals and the meaning that settles into them over time. The top pieces stay grounded in ordinary acts and repeated routines, letting winter shape the work through pace, attention, and restraint.
By Vocal Curation Team6 days ago in Resources
Comments (20)
And good riddance to both, I say. Though you said it much better, Alexandria.
Congrats on top story!!🥰🫶
https://youtube.com/shorts/ippxvQBdAgI?si=43LlbQZBEkloW6Me
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Your compelling and skillfully written story kept me eagerly anticipating the next developments, skillfully blending emotions and suspense for a truly captivating experience. I'd appreciate it if you could also take a moment to read my work!
I loved the defiance of this and that "I'm not going to bend anymore!" strength.
YES! Say it for the people in the back!!! I love this! #empowering
Great flow to your poem. I easily forgot about the ABC form. I especially lovd this line: "How lukewarm and tainted every so-called good moment feels now; a sick masquerade that I never wanted to attend." Well done and congrats!
I got so caught up in reading I forgot to Heart. I'm Back
so many powerful lines! Congrats on your top story
Love love love it! Emotionally growing through something very similar, and you did such a wonderful job capturing that feelings. Really enjoyed the idea of a masquerade and the clock striking midnight, masks off! Great work!!
Alexandria, every woman should read this poem, it's very empowering and well done. Congrats on Top Story!
‘Scrubbing you away with a wire brush’ Now that is a visual emotion. Ouch. Well done
Excellent effort! Keep up the superb work—congrats!s
Beautiful and empowering. Well done.
Beautiful
This is a great exercise in self-reflection. Loved it!
Wow, this was so powerful. As a recovering people pleaser, this poem hit home. Thank you for writing this poem. Keep up the great work!
This brand new me, she's a phoenix rising. I have a tattoo on my leg of a phoenix. She takes up my entire calf almost. Around it I have scripted: "From the ashes, I will rise." I also have a youtube channel called Phoenix Rising. It's on abuse. I've been inactive for a while, but this poem... man it has my fire burning. I'm proud of you, by the way. I know what you're writing about is probably truth. And it's hard to do. Stay strong. I see you, fellow Phoenix.
Great and inventive take on the challenge, and always look out for yourself