Critiquing my life
like a book on the shelf
Cutting through with a knife
exposing myself
Not a comfortable task
there are some chapters, I'd skip
I have been knocked on my ass
I have given some lip
But the gist of my story
not to make up excuses
Catalogued inventory
collected some bruises
Learned to laugh at myself
but stopped taking the shit
And then I gazed into hell
and said, "you can't make me quit"
I am tougher than you think
so, don't look so surprised
When I take what you dish,
lookin into your eyes
And then, made my come back
like Harrison Ford did, in Witness
Exposed all your crap
getting over the sickness
Settled into a rhythm
that suits who I am
to shine as bright as a prism
to my lyrical jam
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
If you like what you read, feel free to leave a tip, I would love some feedback
Find me on twitter @kelli7958958
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/22/2026
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 Vocala day ago in Resources
Comments (6)
great poem!
Exposed all your crap. I loved that! We need to do more of that!
There's the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." There may be chapters you would like to skip, my friend, but they are also what make the book & your life so powerfully meaningful.
A true survivor, life story 💕
Oh yes - this is gold, "as bright as a prism" better than any ride!
Ah, Mrs. Kelli - We should all just 'Witness' "Laughing at Ourselves" Jay