Tag: poem

Cogs In This Machine

Leave a comment

Cogs In This Machine by Valerie Parente

The cogs in this machine
get stuck on repeat frequently
I understand the mechanics of my mind
and how it operates on rapid fire
but sometimes I need to be checked
because I have a tendency to forget
that it’s not normal to dwell and replay
and every now and then I need an update.
It’s gonna take a little grease
to loosen up my psyche,
so if you tell me its time for a cleanse
I’ll take your word and reflect.
It’s not easy for me but I’ll lend my trust
I’ll get down in the dirt and scrape the rust,
then when I get these OCD gears turning again
I’ll try to remember the importance of maintenance.

– Valerie Parente (8-10-2020)

Swift Relief

Leave a comment

Swift Relief by Valerie Parente

How beautiful
it is to see
another artist
blossoming
I feel her pain, and I admire her words
my mind feels heard, even though its her’s
and what a swift relief
when I detach from me
I finally feel free
as folklore speaks
another being’s story.
Its nice to feel haunted
by someone other than me
to feel a sense of sanity
through another’s humanity.

– Valerie Parente (8-9-2020)

On My Own

Leave a comment

On My Own by Valerie Parente

It’s been three months alone
trying to have adventures on my own
at the places we used to go
undoing every single milestone
’cause I’m single but not stone-cold
and I still get pretty emotional.

I’m making progress, but it’s slow
still learning how to cope
with this loss you called a hoax.
Lucky you, it was never official
but you know you still filled that role
created an illusion that felt whole.

In these past three months alone
I’ve found new ways to fill that hole
without relying on some hope
that a man could make me a home
because I’ve got home in my soul
and this ugly road made me feel beautiful.

– Valerie Parente (8-4-2020)

It’s About Time

Leave a comment

It’s About Time by Valerie Parente

Don’t put off the thing you’re ready for if it makes you nervous
because the only thing you’re doing is putting off progress.
If it goes bad now you know why and it won’t torment you anymore,
if it goes well you’ll be blessed with a brand new chapter.

– Valerie Parente (7-24-2020)

Trust Me, I’m Okay

Leave a comment

Trust Me, I’m Okay by Valerie Parente

I think people think that I’m stuck in place
because I still talk about the pain
but I swear that’s not the case;
it’s just hard to verbally move on
when you have ritualistic thoughts
and such a prevalent mental scar.
I promise that at the core of my ego
I truly don’t want what I wanted three months ago
I just can’t help but memorize the pain from your low blow.

Trust me, I’m okay today and every other day.
Sometimes timing just doesn’t matter with the OCD brain
and it’s just a matter of accepting the ways our mind plays.

– Valerie Parente (7-23-2020)