I stepped away for a moment—I began reliving my past an innocent child hurting; from the pain she had sustained. The torturous words left her subconscious—as the wounds on her body pained. Her heart torn into pieces—her dignity pushed away. She stood alone each day—no love had come her way; she began to watch her morals completely drift away. For faith and hope all seemed so far away—She tried to pull it together; She tried to hide away. Away from all this torture—but it just wouldn’t go away. She lived it every day—despite the battles foreseen; she still managed to live. How much could she bare—this all seemed so unfair. The apprehension of her presents became so much more clear. She began to shed a tear. She feared to speak—for that’s what got her beat. She feared to be loved—cause loved is what she’s never been. My past broke me; tore my heart apart; mending it together was the hardest part ever. Today I fear rejection—I fear discrimination—I am just a girl trying to find a new direction. Thinking about how I can live life for today—when will all these memories go away. I just want to be happy everyday and not have to cry in silence as my body drifts away. I want to express my emotions and not feel so numb; maybe one day I will be able to overcome ; all that I have surfaced—in that cruel cruel place.
My world was coloured-with blues and pink; as I watched my family grow. The world for me was not all rainbows—as I pondered on the unknown. I struggled my whole life—with the thought of being with a wife. I didn’t know how to tell him—as I became his entire life. The colours started to fade; black and white was all that was insight. All I wanted was to see a rainbow—a rainbow shinning bright. Red, orange, yellow, green—I let out a great big scream! This is not who I was; I’m a lesbian—that is who I am. It wasn’t until I grew the courage—to be who I was meant to be. That the colours of my rainbow—finally became complete. Now I sit under a bright rainbow—with my future wife in hand. I’ve got so much to offer. I’ve got a mind of an author.
The day that I met her—was like a dream come true. That special girl I longed for; had always been her. I’ve always had my guard up—that night she tore it down. I never had a voice—a quiet girl I was. But on that very night I got to be me—that me I had longed to see. She showed me what true love means—how worthy my life could be. For someone who barely knew me—loved me for me. No judgement came my way—that night I talked her ear away. Instead she held me tight and gave me kisses all night. Silent tears rolled down my face—as I thanked god for her grace. They say true love is hard to find—but I have found mine. I hope this journey last forever; for my life without her—is a life I wouldn’t want to pursue. For she is my today—my tomorrow and my forever. Her hand locks with mine—shivers run up my spine. I lived for this moment—the moment I finally feel fine. No more heartache or pain—I’m no longer going insane. She took away a little girls pain.
About the Creator
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More stories from Josephine M'Msafiri and writers in Poets and other communities.
A Writer’s Domain
For as long as I could recall; I’ve always had an interest in writing poetry. Reading and writing however were never my forte—growing up; kids in school made it known to me that I was dumb for not knowing how to read or write and that I wouldn’t amount to anything. At a young age I would write in a journal; it became therapeutic for me to help subside my anxiety and inner pain. I was never good at expressing my feelings verbally as I had developed social anxiety due to the bullying. Over time I began to realize that the more mad—upset—or hurt I was it would reflect in my poetry. They would become more intense and heart wrenching.
By Josephine M'Msafiri5 years ago in Poets
‘There Is a Sense of Things Careening Towards a Head’: TS Eliot Prize Winner Karen Solie
Karen Solie, the award-winning poet and TS Eliot Prize winner, has long been celebrated for her insightful exploration of human experience and contemporary life. Recently, she spoke about a feeling that pervades her work today: “a sense of things careening towards a head.” This statement captures both the urgency and tension present in her poetry, and offers a window into the mindset of one of today’s most influential literary voices. Solie’s reflections remind readers that poetry is not only about beauty or rhythm—it is a mirror for societal anxieties, personal contemplation, and the unpredictable nature of life. Who Is Karen Solie? Karen Solie is a Canadian poet whose work has won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious TS Eliot Prize. Her poems are known for: Evocative language that paints vivid landscapes and emotions Reflection on social, political, and environmental issues Subtle commentary on the human condition Solie often blends observation with introspection, creating works that resonate with both emotion and intellect. Her poetry is widely studied and continues to influence a new generation of readers and writers. Understanding Her Statement The phrase “a sense of things careening towards a head” conveys tension, urgency, and anticipation. Solie explained that it reflects her perception of the world as both fragile and unpredictable. In her view: Events and emotions can escalate quickly, often beyond our control Social and environmental challenges add to a collective feeling of unease Poetry serves as a way to observe, interpret, and reflect on these accelerating moments In interviews, Solie emphasizes that this perspective is not doom and gloom—it is a call to pay attention, to witness, and to think critically about the paths we are on. Poetry as Reflection of the World Karen Solie’s work has long been praised for its connection to reality. Unlike purely abstract poetry, her writing often engages with: The natural environment, from forests to urban landscapes Societal shifts, such as economic pressure, political tension, and cultural change Personal experiences, weaving intimate reflection into larger contexts By describing life as “careening,” Solie acknowledges the chaotic yet patterned nature of existence. Her poetry encourages readers to pause, reflect, and notice the small and large forces shaping their lives. Examples from Her Work In many of Solie’s collections, the theme of mounting tension is apparent. Critics note how she: Explores moments of uncertainty, where seemingly small events lead to dramatic consequences Captures the fragility of human connections in a fast-paced world Uses language rhythm and structure to reflect the unpredictability she observes This stylistic approach aligns with her recent comment, giving her audience a direct lens into the psychological and social layers of her poetry. Why This Matters Today In a world filled with rapid change—whether political, environmental, or personal—the feeling of “things careening towards a head” resonates with many. Solie’s poetry: Reflects the modern experience of uncertainty and acceleration Encourages readers to observe, question, and interpret rather than passively accept Provides a space for emotional processing, giving language to feelings that are often hard to articulate Her work reminds us that poetry is not only aesthetic but deeply engaged with life, serving as both warning and meditation. Interviews and Public Commentary In recent interviews, Solie discussed how her writing has evolved over time. She explained that, while she has always observed the world with care, current times amplify the feeling of escalation and urgency. She also noted: Poetry allows her to navigate uncertainty and organize thoughts Sharing work publicly is a way to connect with readers facing similar challenges The statement about careening is a reflection, not a prediction, offering insight rather than fear This approach has made her work especially relevant in today’s cultural climate, where readers are searching for clarity and emotional resonance. The Role of the TS Eliot Prize Winning the TS Eliot Prize has elevated Solie’s profile internationally. The prize: Recognizes outstanding poetry collections Brings attention to poets with distinct voices and perspectives Encourages global readers to engage with contemporary poetry For Solie, the recognition is significant, but she emphasizes that the work itself—the poems—remains central. The feeling she describes is inseparable from her creative practice, reminding audiences that great poetry often emerges from observing the world deeply. Takeaways for Readers and Writers Karen Solie’s reflection on “things careening towards a head” offers several lessons: Observe carefully – Pay attention to the details and patterns in life. Express honestly – Use language to articulate complex feelings and observations. Balance urgency with reflection – Recognize escalating situations, but maintain perspective. Engage with the world – Poetry is a tool for connecting personal insight with societal currents. For aspiring writers, Solie demonstrates that poetic voice thrives when it captures both the inner and outer worlds with clarity and empathy. Conclusion Karen Solie’s recent statement highlights a core truth of her work and life philosophy: the world is accelerating, moments of tension are inevitable, and poetry offers a lens through which to understand, reflect, and communicate these experiences. Her work, recognized with the TS Eliot Prize, reminds readers that attention, reflection, and creative expression are essential tools for navigating a complex world. In a society often rushing toward uncertainty, Solie’s words encourage us to pause, observe, and consider the paths we are traveling—both individually and collectively. For readers and writers alike, her insight is both a warning and an invitation: to notice the world careening around us, and to respond thoughtfully through reflection, observation, and art.
By Fiaz Ahmed 5 days ago in Poets
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