The end has come
yet the feeling of sadness
holds no place inside.
24 Poems ~ 24 Hours
Jana O’Dell is an author and poet from West Virginia. She has been diagnosed with several mental illnesses and uses writing to cope with daily struggles. Jana lives with her wife, their three children, and a host of fur babies. Jana O’Dell's independently published books that are all available on Amazon include: Cyanide Kisses: The works of a manic, bipolar, dissociative mind.--- My Secrets are in the Stardust--- Magic in the Madness. Published works she can be found in: Poetry Marathon Anthology 2019 and 2020. Upon Arrival Solitude. Best Poets of 2019 Vol 3.
The end has come
yet the feeling of sadness
holds no place inside.
My name is Jana O’Dell. I am 33 and live in West Virginia, USA with my wife, 3 kids and 9 fur babies. I have 3 published poetry books and have participated in the poetry marathon the last 2 years. This is my 3rd year participating. As past years, I will only be doing the half marathon. If you have Instagram, you can follow me @janaodell.author
Like the mountain lion who holds her own
comes from upon the cliff top looking deep down
I feel my oneness-
a calling-
within the wilderness.
Like the snake who slithers from woodsy grass
to open water
I feel my oneness-
a calling-
within the wilderness.
Like the bird who nests at the tops of the trees
looking down to protect the ones she loves
I feel my oneness-
a calling-
within the wilderness.
Like the mama cub who protects her young
ready to pounce on anyone who threatens their safety
I feel oneness-
a calling-
within the wilderness.
(Random book selection: Intuitive Witchcraft)
(Chosen line: From deep within the wild woods comes a call)
Into the realms of darkness and despair
is where I typically reside.
But in my heart lies a soul
wishing to live in the sunshine.
Making memories with ones I love
Open minded to the journey that awaits
Optimistic to what the future may hold
Never losing sight of what matters most
Sitting with my thoughts
Happy with the emotions they bring
Always searching for a deeper meaning
Deeply present in each breath I take
Overly eager to find my way
Wishing for the best yet to come.
The fireflies light up the night sky
excited to have been let free
bottled up for seasons past
their light masked by snowflakes.
Now excited to be seen
lighting up the treeline
showing the heat of their passion
their fire- willpower.
Roaring!
Thrashing!
Scratching!
The sounds of the souls disturbed.
You can feel their fire
the embers glow in every tree that they encompass.
The night sky screams in anticipation for their return.
The ghostly wind that chills the spin
shocking everything it touches
every direction holds its own sounds.
Emotions running high
not always knowing
where they may have come from
why they present themselves at that moment
yet always fully aware-
waiting-
hoping to make sense of the chaos,
confusion.
Wanting to help those around
who may need the positive energy-
sometimes unsure which way to always send it.
Wind blowing ever so slightly
the breeze hits my arm
sending a calming sense of satisfaction
through every hair it breaks through.
The sun, just behind the cotton like clouds
never truly peeking out
just there enough for it to be seen.
A light drizzle of rain
enough to bring the joy of Autumn soon to come-
never enough to bring a dampness to the air.
A bluebird gently glides by showing its wings
so proudly yet without force.
This is the day I hope for.
This is the day I crave.
This day-
my own personal perfection.
Calm
like the cat
who finally decides to stop chasing the prey;
the dog
who finally uncovers his lost bone
only to realize he saved it for this special day;
the turtle
who stops swimming
to enjoy the crashing sounds
of the emotions held within the sea-
the peaceful water he craves
finally learning;
Serenity is within-
a never ending companion
that just longs to be chosen.