The mishap swirled around my heart
Stirring wildly with a wooden spoon
Sucking life out of my eyes with each swirl
A sharp sensation shot through me
As I felt the knife slide across my throat
Eyes empty met mine too close
I could not move while being choked
Your eyes held every part of me
Until all that was left was the air that I used to breathe
Vanishing in thin air I leave
You no longer have a grip on me
These days I sit with myself
Not empty like I used to be
My face holds down like gravity
I do not have it in me anymore, to smile without meaning
I don't want to pinch my lips to be polite
I won't show strangers my pearly whites
Back to how it used to be
Maybe younger me had it right all along
Pretending to play along for you
Left me black and blue and yellow too
Sliced to bits, I'm gathering myself
To forge a whole new me, one you will never see
*
I get inspired by weird things, for instance, I dropped (something) on the ground the other day and it looked like a frowny face... my very first thought: It could have just as easily been a smiley face if it fell the other way. And now you read a poem inspired by that thought, welcome to my brain 🩶
About the Creator
Tanya Lei
A poet, if nothing else.
In a blank space, captivating words flow freely to create something that has not existed before.
From my mind, to yours.
https://www.instagram.com/soulpaintedart/
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal7 days ago in Resources
Comments (5)
In looooove with the lip piercing 😍 💪🏾🖤The mishap stirring with a wooden spoon. Love your creative choice here. - 'All that was left is the air that I used to breathe' Very deep. 💪🏾🖤Knife. Choke. I could feel how confined this all was in the moment. How there was quite literally no place to go. -It's so great that you're able to now sit with yourself, without feeling empty. You have come a far way. 💪🏾🖤Pinch your lips to be polite. I love the serious tone that shuffled into this bit. - One you will never see. And there lies the victory! I loved this. So powerful and shows strength but gives us that dark edge that we know and love about you. Outstanding work, Tanya 🤗 ❤️ 🖤
So much power behind each and every word, really felt this, such strength thank you Tanya for sharing with us. Very deep here and meaningful.
This is powerful. You can really feel the pain giving way to strength by the end.
ah yes, the inspiration comes from many an odd place! is this autobiographical, tho, like the experiences or emotions. either way, its another impressive piece, Tanya!
“Pretending to play along for you Left me black and blue and yellow too” Love the control here in expressing such violent emotion. Really well done.