Tag: love

The Very Real Reality

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The Very Real Reality by Valerie Parente

I talk openly about my mental health
in the hopes that it helps
the people who have a hard time with words
who need a voice that understands the hurt.
These themes revolve around love and loss
and how it replays in obsessive thoughts.
To some it may not seem pretty
but a light needs to be shined on OCD
instead of just ridiculed and teased
because this is the very real reality.
These are not personal attacks, they’re symptoms of a mental disorder
it’s not commentary on anybody except the sufferer.
I pray you can separate yourself from my mental health journey and find solace in this truth,
that when it comes down to brain chemistry, this has nothing to do with you.
You deserve to lead a life that is happy and free
but please, don’t look for that through me.

– Valerie Parente (8-21-2020)

A Blessing Named Tuukka

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A Blessing Named Tuukka by Valerie Parente

I was so afraid to love again
scared that the love I had for her would divide
but as soon as I met him
I quickly realized
that when a heart has no more room
just like magic, it multiplies.

– Valerie Parente (8-7-2020)

Red Flags

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“Scared to Let Go” by Valerie Parente

Red Flags by Valerie Parente

Next time I see warning signs I need to realize
that this frustration makes me see red;
that’s why the red flags were easier to protect
because the color wasn’t something I noticed.

– Valerie Parente (6-22-2020)

terrified.

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terrified. by Valerie Parente

The most terrifying thing I ever did
was confront my true feelings
because it was either waste my life or admit
any of the joy I had hidden
and as much as I wish this could result in happiness
it’s no longer my decision
because I let go my control of any consequence
by taking that leap and hoping not one but two people could be honest
and I never would have made such a dangerous bet
for anyone who didn’t have my highest respect.

– Valerie Parente (5-22-2020)

Love Vs. Obsession (One in the Same)

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Love Vs. Obsession (One in the Same) by Valerie Parente

What is the difference between love and obsession?
Because the two are synonymous in a mind like mine.
And I’m really not trying to cross a line
but I can’t control the way feelings reorganize my mind.

Why is obsession only beautiful
when obsession is mutual?

You say I have to apologize when I care in that beautiful way
Everybody else gets to experience love without the shame
Now the girl with OCD starts to love and it’s called insane
But I really can’t help it that love and obsession have always been one in the same.

You Never Know Who's Hiding

– Valerie Parente (4-24-2020)

The Time Is Up

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The Time Is Up by Valerie Parente

In 2 months you’ll be able to breathe again.
In 2 months you’ll remember the fallen.
In 2 months you’ll learn to live with yourself.
In 2 months you’ll realize what really counts.
In 2 months you’ll find a reason to laugh.
In 2 months you’ll rise above your past.
Because this is God’s way of saying the time is up,
time to come face to face with your fears
time to get to know the mind you’ve been avoiding for 25 years
time to feel the discomfort that matures you through loneliness
time to master your trauma like a true artist
time to look inward for gratification
time to make those long overdue changes
time to show your ego how far you’ve come
time to tell the people you love that they’re enough.
It’s time to see your deepest pain through;
It’s time to contribute to the world that chose to spare you.

– Valerie Parente (3-31-2020)