Chelsey’s Story
In the beginning, I described myself as “the messy poetess that no one saw coming” because I didn’t see it coming myself.
I’ve always been a writer- but a poet? Nah…(aside from the lyrics I wrote to accompany my guitar during my emo years in high school, and I didn’t consider that poetry).
In my mind, poetry was reserved for the big names of history and the influencers that pumped out posts on top of books. So, I took my love for writing and chose the path of a more traditional career – the law – and paired it with an unconventional twist – the military. For eight years I served my country on active duty, advising military commanders across the world. That path led to love and then eventually heartbreak and then to what I called an “early-onset-midlife-crisis”.
Taking Off Rose-Colored Glasses
I am a powerful person,
always have been,
and always will be.
My power was caged,
unknowingly.
One day,
I woke up and realized,
I needed to let myself
out of the cage.
Whereas, the night before,
I couldn’t even
see the bars.
But in the midst of a crisis, you fall back onto strengths you have to get through it. One of my strengths is writing, and like the character from that one show who emerged from fire and flames with baby dragons, I had half a poetry book written in two months. From that moment, I could never go back.
I am messy. I thrive in organized chaos. Living out of one suitcase for an extended period is home. I gain energy through my female friendships. Adventure is another word for love. My sisters mean everything to me. I love a good theme party, Pilsner on tap, and my dog Daisy is one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life.
I’m Chelsey Marie, and I’m a poet. Super nice to meet you.
Daisy
He used her as an excuse,
a reason why
he needed to leave
me
I told him
that was bullshit
because she helped
me mentally
I didn’t have a purpose
at work anymore,
and the kids left us
to go back to school.
He and I talked
so many times before –
about adopting dogs.
At least for me
that was mandatory.
I picked her up
on a whim at nine weeks
because her family
couldn’t care for her properly.
I’m so glad
because she’s by my side,
offering love
every night as we fall asleep.
I thank the universe
and my starts every day
that she was right there
through our end.
When we wake up together
or go on a walk,
I’m reminded
my soulmate never left.
