LOST

by | Jan 18, 2020 | Poetry

“I’m lost. No one will find me. I’m scared and lonely.”

Poetry is so powerful. And so real. From Friends of Guest House

A Place Called the PJs

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Poetry, Public Speaking

Three things we love Anna Thomas’s poem “A Place Called the PJs”:

Her shy, adorable smile

Fried chicken, Lima beans, and cornbread

Burping through your nose

Listen for yourself:

What do you think? Tell us!

 

Heard Arts Program Brings Creative Expression to Marginalized Individuals

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Media Coverage, News

What a fabulous surprise to read this story from the City of Alexandria eNews

Expressing oneself through art can be both a freeing and insightful experience, and clinicians and therapists often use art as a treatment option in their support of individuals facing a range of challenges, including mental health and substance use disorders. This fall, the Alexandria Residential Treatment Center (ARTC) partnered with Heard, a local nonprofit, to offer art workshops for individuals in recovery. (more…)

The Unknown

by | Jan 14, 2020 | Detention Center Writing Contests, Poetry

The Unknown

Jumiya Arleen Crump

Heard/Arlington County Detention Facility writing contest, August 2019

My insecurities got me stressed

because in certain areas I wasn’t blessed.

Stuck wondering why me and how I got caught up in such a mess.

He loves me, He loves me I keep telling myself

yes, yes oh yes.

Yet his actions speak loudly

if only he would verbalize his feelings to eliminate my distress.

Why so cruel?

Why ever so rude?

What did I do? Why me?

Why did you make me the fool?

Beautiful Beautiful Blessing are those words no longer true.

My eyes are closed

kiss my forehead, take away the pain

please don’t leave me stained.

You hurt me, I hurt you,

I hurt you, you hurt me.

I thought those days were over finished through.

IF I’m dreamin please wake me

please wake me

cause I know I have to be mistaken

or no longer sober.

I fought for you, you fought for me,

we fought each other only to discover that you love me,

and I love you, we love we, so why can’t we be?

Do you no longer love we?

Do you no longer love me?

Answer me

I’m pleading with you and I only want what’s true.

Don’t leave me hanging like I’m a sudden stranger.

See my anger had me hostile

my true feelings had me feeling like a child.

I didn’t know how to be that statue and stand proud.

So I took it way back to love taps,

for lack of a better way to express my true thoughts.

Now today I’m sad and stuck wondering how?

Why me?

Don’t you love me?

I hope you didn’t add a she to replace little ole me,

and if so you and she could never be we.

With all sincerity I hope you’re happy

just please don’t forget to love me.

Sweet Little Home

by | Jan 14, 2020 | Poetry

We love this sweet little poem from Anna Thomas of Friends of Guest House! 🙂

Sweet Little Home

Anna Thomas

The Choice Is Yours

by | Jan 9, 2020 | Detention Center Writing Contests, Poetry

The Choice Is Yours

Jumiya Arleen Crump

Heard/Arlington County Detention Facility writing contest, August 2019

I cried so many tears,

I have no more

I just fold.

Put trust in filthy people

that my heart it’s so cold.

You win some and you lose some

knowledge wisdom it’s gold.

Expand your mind to ease your time

for peace you unload.

Pray for the best expect some mess,

that’s just how it goes.

IF you’re loved they hate

just find some faith and pray

your soul stuck in a cell

I think its hell,

I’m desperate it shows.

No friends, no visits, no fam,

no money no hope for unknown.

But still I try to hold my head

cause only God knows.

When in distress I know I’m blessed

I breathe and let go.

Thought you was me and I was you

together were’ bold.

But you hate me and I love you

why ever so cold.

My down-fall was a dollar but a dollar was pleasing,

it had my back it kept me smack on pace and from freezing.

I found the piece which lead to peace

my puzzle is golden.

In forgiveness there is power,

for my power I’ve chosen

sometimes it’s best to let go give

so that the humble can live.

For a fool is just a fool who claim the wise looking in none is chosen.

No man is righteous for he is lifeless.

But through the son and faith alone

His grace His mercy was shown.

It’s up to you the choice is yours.

With that knowledge I’m gone.