Update

Hello everybody. I know these types of posts are boring, but please bear with me, and I'll try to keep it short. 

Basically, I have no idea what I'm doing here. I've tried typical-blog-post kinds of articles and things, but I just don't have enough to say or enough experience. 

What I really love is writing, and that's what I want to do. Sure, here and there I may post something about music or about something that I feel is important, but I just don't have enough to keep this thing running off of posts like that. 

My point is, I am not giving up on this blog. I've held out on posting poems and original stuff because it seems like something that will attract less people. But you know what? That's all I have, and it was my main reason for starting this whole thing. 

However, I do understand that I'm still writing for an audience. If anybody, anybody (yes, even you!), has any ideas or suggestions, please comment them down below. Even if you're reading this months or years after I've posted this, still leave suggestions if you have them. As I said, I have no idea what I'm doing here. I need your help.

Thank you so much to anyone who has stuck around thus far, and thank you to anyone joining me on this journey. 

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”― Ernest Hemingway

Your Ghost

It is not in my nature

to be attached

My cold concrete castle chambers and halls feel

as if they were constructed to be vacant

But they adapted after you moved in

And now the vines around my window sill

that once bloomed in your sun

are wilted in the winter I created

The twisting shadows still trace my walls

even though the green cords have died and fallen

You have made your mark

||original poem by Sarah Leeann||

"Peace is accepting today, releasing yesterday, and giving up the need to control tomorrow." —Lori Deschene

Doctor Strange: Movie Review

Here's another review I did for my journalism class and that I thought I'd share here. I hope you enjoy :)

Recently, Marvel’s Doctor Strange premiered in theatres. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the movie follows his character after suffering severe nerve damage in his hands. Once an incredibly successful neurosurgeon, Strange searches for ways to recover what he lost and get back on the field. After trying everything, he travels to Kamar-Taj, seeking the help of the Ancient One and her mysterious healing power. Long story short, he ends up in a battle defending our universe.

I went into this movie blindly, not having even heard of this superhero before the movie was announced. Truthfully, I only went because of Benedict Cumberbatch. That being said, the cast its talent was phenomenal. As usual, Marvel didn’t disappoint. The concept was very interesting. The “magic” that Doctor Stephen Strange trains in involves energies, the astral world, and other dimensions in the multiverse. I wasn’t expecting this magical and almost spiritual kind of content in a superhero movie, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, it was still a superhero movie. While there was suspense and plot twists, there were also the cliches that every superhero movie will inevitably have.

Aside from the fight of good against bad, Strange faces another battle within himself: his ego. This is demonstrated throughout the story while he tries to master what the Ancient One teaches him. Apart from that, there were really no main themes or messages that I picked up on while watching the film. As a movie centered around action and science-fiction, though, I guess I can't expect it to be a life-changing classic. Thankfully, for me, while Stephen Strange did have a small romantic life, his relationship wasn't made the focus of the story. Action and adventure fans, don't worry about this movie getting too dramatic—it doesn't.

The action included not only fight scenes, but the complete molding and manipulation of the world around the characters. Not being a huge fan of 3D movies myself, I enjoyed the film in its standard 2D format. If you are a fan of a good 3D movie, though, I would definitely recommend it. The kind of action and scenes that take place in Doctor Strange are perfect for the 3D format and I'm sure will provide a fantastic experience (though I haven't witnessed it for myself).

Overall, this was a pretty good movie for its genre, and one that I wouldn't mind seeing again. It held my attention the whole way through, and made me laugh at various points of comedic relief. The story made sense, had surprises, and featured interesting and complex characters. Last but not least, like any Marvel movie, it left room for a sequel.

Have you seen Doctor Strange? What did you think? Did you see it in 3D? Seriously, I'm really curious as to how it was.

"A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure." --Henry Kissinger

Overcoming Writer's Block + 9 Starting Points for the Uninspired Writer

Recently, I've been hit with a bad case of writer’s block. No inspiration. Incredibly frustrating. To help out anyone else who is in the same stagnant boat as me, here are some bits of advice that help me when my ideas seem to be empty.

Write!

This sounds contradictory, because, well, if you had something to write, you wouldn’t have writer’s block, would you? Get your thoughts out of your way, and push aside the idea that you have nothing to say.  Write random thoughts. Write a journal entry for the day. Write nonsense. This will get you thinking in the right frame of mind. My art teacher told our class that she always doodles and experiments with the material she's about to use before going to the actual piece she wants to do. I think this is very applicable to any creative practice. Doodle with your words before getting into anything. Following where your “doodles” lead may take you to a useful idea.

You want to get distracted with your ideas, but not by your surroundings. Let writing lead you, and follow it. Whatever your mind wanders to is probably what needs to be written down. Just don't get distracted by people or technology.

“But I still can’t think of anything.”

(It’s okay; neither can I.)

When you really can’t think of anything to write, try one (or more) of these 9 starting points. Notice I called them starting points. If something you pick to write about reminds you of something else, use it. Don’t let yourself feel trapped. Writing is about freedom.

1.) A picture 

Honestly, I find this to be one of the most effective muses for me. Sometimes I’ll use a picture of my own, or I’ll find something cool and use it (paintings and other artwork definitely count, too!).

2.) Memory 

Narrate what happened. Why did it happen? What did you learn? You can make it as serious or comical as you want. You’re a writer—you can even make it as truthful or exaggerated as you want (although I’d recommend changing names if you choose to embellish your story).

3.) Response to another piece of writing

Just pick something—a poem, a story, a song lyric, anything—then respond with your own piece. This works well with poetry for me, but it can also be great for essays. In fictional writing, maybe try writing an alternate ending or a twist on something instead of a response. That can at least get your writing skills warmed up and awake.

4.) POV of another character

This can be a person in your life, a person you make up, or another fictional character. You can write from this perspective in any format. Options are limitless. This will get you outside of the ideas you normally have, expanding your possibilities, and challenging you.

5.) POV of an object

This is definitely a more creative approach. Much like using the point of view of another person, this will challenge you to think differently about situations and scenes that you may be working on.

6.) Objects in general

Last summer I went to a writing camp/seminar where every day, the woman leading it would place an object on the table and say, “write.” She used everything from plants and rocks to buttons and dried up pasta. Let the object inspire you. What does it make you think of? There's no need to stay focused on the object. Just allow it to be your starting point.

7.) Word

Similar to the object method, pick a random word out of the dictionary and use it. Maybe you challenge yourself to actually use it in what you're writing, or maybe you use it as a starting point. Be creative.

8.) Music

Don’t let yourself get distracted with this one. Just pick a song—doesn't matter if it has words—and use it. How does it make you feel? You can write simply based off of the mood of the song, or think of the song as a soundtrack and write the corresponding scene.

9.) Outside or different location

If you have a place where you always write, try changing it up. Nature can be very motivational and relaxing, but something as easy as changing the room you write in can have an effect on your thoughts.

Professional Advice

Maybe you’re aware of this if you know me in real life, but if you don’t, two of my favorite people alive are J.K. Rowling and Ed Sheeran. As a writer, I often come back to the points made in these quotes.

“Be ruthless about protecting writing days, i.e., do not cave in to endless requests to have "essential" and "long overdue" meetings on those days. The funny thing is that, although writing has been my actual job for several years now, I still seem to have to fight for time in which to do it. Some people do not seem to grasp that I still have to sit down in peace and write the books, apparently believing that they pop up like mushrooms without my connivance. I must therefore guard the time allotted to writing as a Hungarian Horntail guards its firstborn egg.” –J.K. Rowling 

“I think if you view it [writing] as a dirty tap and you switch the tap on, it’s gonna flow shit water out for a substantial amount of time, and then clean water’s gonna start flowing. And now and then you’ll get a bit of shit, but as long as it gets out of you it’s fine. So with songs, you’re gonna write shit songs in the beginning. You are. My songs were terrible. (…) But, I got it out of me, and the more and more you write, the more and more you experience, and then you start flowing clean water, and songs start getting better and better and better.” –Ed Sheeran (I remembered he said that in this video, and had to include it in this post.)

Lastly, don’t have any expectations. If you sit down hoping to write something very specific, you will more than likely want to stab your eyes out with your pen after trying to craft the perfect whatever it was that you had in mind. I'd recommend not to even plan on a certain format—you could end up with a poem, story, flash-fiction piece, it's unknown. When you sit down for a first draft or a brain storm, let your thoughts be free instead of bounding them to one idea.

"I write only because

There is a voice within me

That will not be still."

 —Sylvia Plath

Have any additional tips for writer's block? Let me know in the comments! What was your favorite starting point or piece of advice?

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Script Book

Harry Potter fans haven't expected another book since 2007, when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released. This summer, a pleasant surprise was brought to the Wizarding World when the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was not only premiered at the Palace Theatre in London, but was also released as a script book worldwide.

The plot of the play takes place right where Deathly Hallows ends in King’s Cross Station as Harry, Ron, Hermoine, and the rest of the crew watch their children board the Hogwarts Express, nineteen years after The Battle of Hogwarts. The play follows Harry’s middle child, Albus Potter, and his best friend Scorpius Malfoy. We also get to see what Harry is up to now that he's finished his time at Hogwarts and struggles to balance the roles of a parent, husband, auror, and “the boy who lived.”

I've heard many mixed feelings about the play, and many were due to the fact that it is a play. Script-style isn't my favorite thing to read, either, but I found it very interesting to read, and the format made the book move very fast for me. The usual struggle of play format in picturing the settings wasn't an issue, because there are already seven books full of descriptions that I'm familiar with. Going back to the Wizarding World in this read was like going back to an old familiar place.

The story itself was brilliant. It takes a little bit of time to get re-introduced to life nineteen years after the previous stories, but after that small portion, the action picks up and doesn't stop until the final scene. The plot was intensely exciting and had numerous unexpected twists. There were even characters I never expected to see popping up again.

As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I was thrilled beyond words that a new book had been released. However, I still can not compare this play to the rest of the series, or consider it as “the eighth story,” as it's been advertised. I see it more as an extra little treat for the fans to enjoy. I think a lot of the mixed reviews I see about the script are in result of people comparing it to the original books. But really, can anything ever compare to them? It's also good to keep in mind that while J.K. Rowling was part of the writing process and approved the storyline, she didn't write the script herself. She teamed up with screen and playwright Jack Thorne and theatre director John Tiffany to create the play.

My final thoughts are this: The script was a wonderful, entertaining, and exciting treat as a Harry Potter fan to receive, but I just can't bring myself to consider it part of the original series. I see it as more of a “spin-off” but still a great piece of work.

This is one of the first articles I did for my journalism class, and also something that I've wanted to post on here for a while now. Have any of you read, or even more exciting, seen, The Cursed Child? Tell me what you think in the comments!

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” —J. K. Rowling

Open Mics Are Awesome! ...and Dying?

As you may know, I’ve been performing for a few years, and I would not be able to do any of it without open mics. For those who don’t know, open mics are events held at bars, coffee shops, etc., and are hosted by an individual or band. The host brings a sound system, and anyone can come up and play. Usually individuals will come with their acoustic guitars and sing. You can go by yourself, as a duo, or a band, it doesn’t matter. Some open mics are acoustic, and some may have a full band set up. Some may even have a band backing up all the acts that play that night. A lot of open mics run on some kind of schedule, either once a week, every other week, or monthly. There are no requirements to participating, and no need to call ahead or anything. You just walk in and sign up (most places will have a sign-up sheet). It’s pretty awesome.

               Like I said, I wouldn’t be anywhere without open mics. This is for two reasons: confidence and connections. Open mics are very informal. You don’t have to be great. They can be a place to try out new songs and experiment. They’re wonderful for getting used to playing in front of people because it’s not your event and you’re only up for a few songs instead of a whole set. People may even ask to play with you if they like you or know the song you’re playing. My advice: let them. It may not be good, but so what? It’s open mic. It may be really good and really fun. At least you’ll have the experience of playing or jamming out with others, which is almost always great. Another reason to go to open mics is the people you meet. Other musicians can give advice, can inspire you with their style, and they can tell you about the places where they perform. Almost every gig I’ve ever done has been at a place recommended by someone at an open mic. You may even find potential band mates.

               Walking into that bar or coffee house for the first time can be scary. Sometimes it seems like a clique has formed between all the musicians there, but that’s only because of people who attend regularly. I’ve always had very welcoming experiences at open mics. People love when somebody new comes. You will make the host(s)’s day! Also, don’t be afraid to talk to people. Conversations can easily be started by complimenting how they performed or their song choices. You’re both at an open mic; you must have something in common, right?

               Open mics aren’t just playing, they’re also watching. You’ll probably be surprised at just how good some of the people are going to be. Even if you don’t play, you can go to place that’s having open mic night and watch. Open mics have no extra charge—it’s free entertainment. Just look up online open mics in your area or ask any friends who might know of some. There is usually an “event” made on Facebook for open mics, so you’ll probably be able to see who’s running it and what it’s like.

               Even though open mics are SO AWESOME, they seem to be dying out (at least in my area). People aren’t out as much anymore, and a lot of people who come to the open mics are older adults. Of course, they’re still super friendly and extremely talented, but where is the younger generation? Like I said earlier, people love to see new faces, and they especially love to see young people come and enjoy the events, too. As a teenager myself, I would highly recommend going to open mics to people of any age.

               Open mics are wonderful events that can help build your confidence and get you in touch with the other musicians in your area, but they can only happen if people show up.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” –Andre Gide

P.S. Guess who's starting up a YouTube channel? (It's me)

Numb

Numb
Sarah Leeann

I keep having dreams.
Oh, I keep having dreams

that I have wings,
that I'm free,

that all ties
have vanished.

Oh wind, please carry me
away     from     here.

Oh sails, keep your courage;
help me keep mine.

Let me not be loved,
only remembered

with no call to come
home.

Let me
be. Let me

go.

Seeker

As I frantically google search blog post ideas (for example, when I completely forget I have a blog then remember I skipped the day I planned to post), I see a lot of one-word prompts. Glancing over them, nothing really caught my attention, but I remember in my second period noticing a word that caught my eye. While I blankly stare off in class, I often see a book called The Water Seeker on the shelf across the room from my seat. It has a pretty cover and, as a word lover trying to write poetry while blocking out my teacher, I was interested in using the word seeker and scribbled it in my notebook for a later idea. Are there any writers out there who do similar things? Seriously. Let me know if I’m weird or not.

So, here is my response to the word seeker:

I suppose I consider myself a seeker. But of what? All I know is I feel a longing in my chest—in my core. So I must be seeking something, right? Happiness, maybe. I just know that this word resonates with me. I long to leave the place I’m in. It feels as if in my short time of living here, I’ve already exhausted its possibilities. I seek because as a kid, it was always forced down our throats to dream big, and to believe that we can become whatever we want to be. When I was little, I had such high hopes. I guess we all do. Now that I’m approaching the end of my school career, the kid in me still hopes and expects something great. Really, the kid in me expected to be something great by this point, I imagine. But the pessimist in me just doesn’t believe that will happen. The doubt in me hangs on my shoulders and follows me around. Of course I’m seeking. Under all the doubt and cynicism, I still hope, as any human would. Isn’t that a human trait? When we’re in a bad situation, we hope something will happen to get us out of it. We don’t always do something, but we hope. Maybe I’m seeking because I’m not doing. Maybe I’m wishing for something better instead of creating something better, instead of ensuring myself something better. The little kid in me is still there, too comfortably, in me. She sits and daydreams, ignoring responsibility, oblivious to problems—she’s a master procrastinator (hence the introduction of this post).

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings of unplanned thoughts this week. Here, I suppose, is an example of one of the wonders of writing: learning more about yourself. It’s fascinating, sometimes, to dive into our own heads and see what we find.

“Nothing will work unless you do.” –Maya Angelou

What ideas the word seeker spark up in your mind? Feel free to respond in the comments or in your own post :) 

A Summer of Music

My lovely mother celebrated her 50th birthday this summer, and used this event as a reason to buy concert tickets for all the acts she's always wanted to see. So, my parents and I had what was probably the best summer of our lives as we witnessed some of music’s biggest legends. The “Mom’s Birthday Tour,” as we began to call it, started in Hershey Stadium with Sir Paul McCartney. Two short weeks later, we were in Washington DC singing along to Billy Joel. Lastly, in August, we rocked out to Joe Walsh in Maryland.

Our adventure started as we pulled into the grassy parking lot across the street from where—in a few hours—the former Beatle would be performing. There we passed many easy-ups and tailgate parties made up of fans both young and old. As we walked by, I imagined that Woodstock must have been like this, but times… what? A hundred? A thousand? Anyway, it clearly would’ve been on a much grander scale. Arriving and leaving were both made easy, and it was obvious that a lot of planning (much more than usual) went into crowd control for this specific event. That being said, crowd control mostly entailed directing people where to go, as the population there was largely composed of fans in their 60s and 70s—not a very rowdy group of people. I can’t say enough times how incredible his show was, or how awestruck I was (and still am) to have seen someone who played such a monumental and influential role in music history. Despite being 74 years old, McCartney still had the enthusiasm to be energetic on stage without missing a beat. His voice didn’t sound worn down or lacking in any qualities it formerly had. He was sweet, humble, and made it evident that he was there for the love of music. That was the most touching aspect—that he still has such a passion for it, and his fans do, too. His set list was made up of songs from throughout his life. He played Beatles hits, solo pieces, and Wings favorites, not forgetting to add in anecdotes about them in between. The sound quality was perfect. Both his vocals and the extremely talented musicians joining him could be heard clearly. The show left us mystified, and wondering, how on Earth can any of the other concerts top that?

Then, at the end of July, we found ourselves in Washington DC, waiting for about two hours in Nationals Stadium as rain poured down. It was crowded, humid, and drenched. Luckily, we had a roof, and were determined to see Billy Joel. This show by far was my mom’s favorite. She grew up listening to Billy Joel, and told me stories of calling the radio station every day to request his songs. Finally, music sounded from the large speakers, and everyone rushed to their seats. The one complaint about this show is that we were never warned that he was about to start playing when we were all taking shelter inside. Weather aside, this show again was fantastic.

Our last concert took us to Pier Six Pavilion in Maryland. This was the most awesome concert venue ever. Even though our seats were on the lawn, we could still see Joe Walsh! It was a small, brilliant place for a concert, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Now, there isn’t much that I can say about this act, or Billy Joel’s, without repeating the praise I gave for Paul. All of the concerts we went to were incredible. Each of the performers had wonderfully talented bands to back them up. The set lists of the acts stitched together the timelines of their careers. Joe Walsh even played “Take it to the Limit” as a tribute for Glen Frey. But, again, what was the most amazing, was seeing fans of all ages come together for the love of someone’s music—and the artists’ ongoing passion for what they do. It was obvious that Billy Joel still held his love of song dear, as he lost himself in the sound of the piano. Joe Walsh looked just like a teenager jamming on his guitar and having fun on stage.

Concerts always fascinate me by bringing together hundreds, sometimes thousands of people together just for one artist/band. It’s amazing to see that someone can create something so beautiful that people come (sometimes driving for hours to do so) to see it. Nothing is as inspiring to me as that—connecting with so many people through song. That’s why I shared these stories (that I dearly hoped you enjoyed!). Through all of the things that we find on a daily basis to complain about—myself included—there is still so much beauty in the world and in people.

"That’s one of the great things about music. You can sing a song to 85,000 different people and they’ll sing it back for 85,000 different reasons." –Dave Grohl

(My all-time favorite quote EVER)

What inspires you? Have you been to any concerts this summer? Feel free to share stories in the comments :)

Why I Don't Have Stage Fright When I Perform

I’ve been performing solo for about three years in settings like bars, restaurants, talent shows, and other local places. Sometimes people ask me how I’m able to play in front of an audience. “I could never do that,” is a common remark that I get. When I first began to play publicly, I had no confidence in what I was doing, but now I’m more comfortable behind a microphone and guitar in hand than I am anywhere else.

Starting Off With Some Wise Words

               Toward the end of eighth grade I started taking guitar and vocal lessons from the teacher I currently have now, who is in a band herself. She always encourages her students to perform (it really does make you better). So, sure enough, within a few months she had brought me out to one of her events to do a few songs. I was terrified, but I did it. Then, I participated in front of my whole middle school for the talent show. No other performance has ever filled me with more fear than that one. I didn’t even really want to do it. But, bless our choir director—he told all of us who signed up something I’ll never forget. To put this in context, there was an evening performance that students and adults could come to, then there was another performance the next day at school during an assembly/pep rally. Some of us were comfortable enough for the evening show, but afraid to go out in front of our peers. Before the evening show, he said, “I know some of you asked if you have to go tomorrow. The answer is no, but I’m just saying, if you’re nervous about performing in front of everyone tomorrow, or afraid, and decide not to go, that’s losing the battle without even putting up a fight. If you choose not to go tomorrow, you’re putting up your white flag, and they’ve already won.” He continued on with more pep-talk encouragement about our passions that I can’t recall verbatim. His words gave me the confidence to go on stage the next day, which is really the hardest part.

Ways to Overcome Stage Fright (What I Did)

               The most effective cure for a fear is simply to face it. I know it’s cliché, and surely isn’t easy sometimes. When I am afraid about a certain song or certain person in the audience that I know, the fear always leaves once the song begins. Starting is often the hardest and scariest part. Once I’m playing, I’m focused on the notes, keeping a consistent beat, and all of the emotions the song makes me feel. It’s almost impossible to be afraid during those three to five minutes, trust me—especially if it’s well-rehearsed.

              

               The second most valuable way to overcome your fear, after facing it, is to face it often. I’d say that the main reason I’m so comfortable during gigs is that I’m so used to it. I’ve done it so much that it doesn’t even phase me. If you’re doing what you love, eventually you will find this, too. Music is my passion, and, after the initial fear of performance, it’s just natural for me to do and to share with others.

               The last bit of advice that I have is that nobody cares. Of course I mess up—I do it every time I play somewhere. I’ll play the wrong chord, sing the wrong verse, forget to take a breath when I need to, or even sometimes forget some of the words.  Over the course of two hours of playing, it’s almost inevitable. That’s the thing: nobody is going to focus on the few seconds that I messed up out of an entire two-hour set. I know that not everyone is playing or singing for such a long period of time, though. Last year, I took a voice class at school where we had to sing a solo (without my precious guitar as my shield) about once every week. We even had to hear thoughts and critiques from our classmates on the spot right afterwards. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I wasn’t scared. After watching everyone else in the class do their pieces, I realized that I could barely remember how everyone did at the end of class. Sure, the people who blew me away (because of how good they were) stuck out a bit more, but I didn’t even think about any of the performances once they were over. I didn’t instantly remember how well or how badly someone did the next time we were together, and didn’t associate any performances with what I thought about those people. So, why would anyone else? Honestly, the truth is, a bad performance isn’t very interesting, anyway, so don’t worry about people thinking too much of it even if you do have one.

Messing Up

               When you do mess up (yes, everyone does), the best thing to do is keep going. Don’t quickly play that measure or note over again just to get it right. Keep going as if it never happened. This looks much more professional, and usually people won’t even notice you messed up if you don’t show it. It also won’t affect the timing of anyone else who may be playing with you. If you forget the words, sing the words that you do know. For example, if you forget the second verse of a song, sing the first verse again in its place (assuming it musically fits), then jump back in with what you do remember. If you’re in an informal setting and can play and sing at the same time, make a joke or something about forgetting the words while playing through that part, and go back into what you remember. If none of these are an option, just act as if there’s a break in there and you’re intentionally not coming in yet, instead of turning into a deer in the headlights.

Even if you truly don’t yet have confidence in what you do, fake it while playing. A song will always sound better when performed with confidence than when performed anxiously or quietly.

“No one is you, and that is your power.” –Dave Grohl

Do you perform or have experience with stage fright? What are some other tips or stories that you have? Let me know in the comments! 

Introduction + A Poem (Chalk)

I’m going to address the elephant in the room here and venture that first blog posts are awkward and scary for everybody. As this is the first post of my voice, I suppose I should introduce myself. Blogging has always been an interest of mine—especially after watching BBC’s Sherlock, where Watson regularly blogs of their adventures—and I’ve finally plucked up the nerve to do it. Actually, a friend I met this summer has a blog, and that was the final push for me.

So, to shed some perspective of what experiences are behind this voice, here are some basics. I’m going to be a senior in high school this year, and have lived in Pennsylvania all my life. My deepest passion is music and its ability to make us feel. Obviously, I also love to write and to read. I hope to be able to inspire my readers, or at least offer a new perspective of some sort. It’s possible I may have some posts from time to time relating to music, but I am in no way an expert, nor do I know enough to consistently recount share-worthy experiences or advice concerning one topic. I envision using this site to share what I write (mostly poems), recount interesting experiences, and to reflect on the world around me as I try to establish myself in it.

As school swiftly approaches, I figured I’d share a poem about a common classroom object, chalk. I wrote this at a writing camp that I attended over the summer, and hope you enjoy.

Chalk

Sarah Leeann

The pale pillars in fragile formation

stand waiting inside

their thin-walled safety.

To live is to deteriorate,

but to hide—well, that’s not living at all.

The chalk generously shares itself

to all generations

with no discrimination.

Its existence is fleeting, but its

messages, lessons,

those are stored within us,

intangible.

Every student

has been shaped by these warriors,

surviving to educate, but, more importantly,

to express, screaming

if need be.

Even their dust nestles itself

into our unfortunate black clothes,

into the pores of our fingertips,

inevitably sinking into our lungs.

Come out, come out,

and do not fear the eraser,

for you will rise into the crisp air and

be carried off by the sweet breeze,

subtly soaking into this world,

this life.

~7/12/16

"One day, your heart will stop beating, and none of your fears will matter. What will matter is how you lived." --Henri Junttila