RomaJ

I write poetry inspired by
the surreal landscapes of dreams
capturing fleeting, vibrant moments
that linger in emotion and vision.

I explore the quiet reflections
of my soul’s journey through this life.
I’m drawn to stories that feel magical or supernatural

I avoid violent, gory, or explicit and graphic content. I just can't stomach it, not even in films. And have never watched any of the Saw films. Sorry.

Short stories are my favorite
though I will dive into longer works that hold my attention.

I joined this site around 2014, to connect with writers who share reciprocal energy
reading, reviewing, and inspiring one another.

Thoughtful feedback is my focus.
For this reason,
I do not check private messages:
I turned off notifications after receiving inappropriate or explicit mails.
Thank you for respecting this boundary.

I feel like I need to say this because the private messages keep coming, and I want to clear a few things up.

I am a married woman in my forties, a mother of three, and a teacher. I prefer not to post personal details on a public site. I do not want to be woven into anyone’s gossip or story. Please leave me out of it. I am far too old for that, and I assume we are all adults here.

Everything I write comes from my own thoughts, opinions, and lived experiences.

I write the way I choose to write. My voice is my own. I do not need anyone to tell me what to say, how to feel, or how to express myself. I appreciate feedback, but I will continue to write the way that feels true to me.

I do not make assumptions about people, and I expect the same courtesy in return. That has never been the kind of person I am.

I have been on this writing site for over ten years without drama, and I try to keep it that way. Whatever narratives are being spun about me, I kindly ask that they stop. I do not wish to play a role in anyone else’s storyline.

It is always better to be a good person and to choose not to gossip. I am not someone who gossips. My life is full, and I have no interest in speculating about strangers online.

We are adults. Let’s behave like it. I would never gossip about colleagues, and I consider the writers here as colleagues. Let’s be professional and treat each other with respect.

Thank you. I appreciate you.

Existential Fuel

I took a long drive

to lose myself.

I found myself.

And got lost anyway.

I'm not where I'm supposed to be,

but the road is long,

my gas is on empty.

And so I walk,

a shadow of myself.

Needling Hope

Each breath

a tangled thread,

a stitch

for what the soul has bled,

mending what the storms

have frayed.

Hope stands

when all falls,

Hope,

when it's all you have left

needling blue skies

into gray.

starsrite/romajpoetry