#poesiacorner

[mariellaolden]

A Blue Christmas poem ❄️

[mariellaolden]

[mariellaolden]

You belong here

You're the flowers I'd pick among the vast species in a field. You're the language I no longer speak but still know how to read. You're the clouds in the sky I've been meaning to reach. You're the stars in the night I'd gaze upon. You're the sun I wait to rise in the east to be with you until you set in the west. Your presence lies in every receipt, sticker, and any curio I hold dear. You fill the spaces others are afraid to be in. You show unwavering courage to fight for what you believe in. In my thoughts, you are always here.

You are in every corner, everywhere. Even in the smallest things, your presence is seen.

You belong here, my dear.

[mariellaolden]

Dear my future lover,

I am currently playing love songs and suddenly thought of writing to you for the first time. Do you know what? I have always believed in love. I want the kind of love my parents have. I like the type of love that is real. It may not be perfect, but it is the kind of love that embraces despite the cold and shines regardless of the rain. The love that stays and heals. The love that is simple but feels whole.

I don't know you, and we haven't met yet, but I hope life treats you well. I hope you are somewhere great, enjoying life. If it doesn't, I hope you get through it. I hope you overcome every hardship. Do you find joy in gazing at the sky and stars at night? Are you into taking photography, exploring new things, or visiting museums? Do you prefer going outdoors or staying indoors? I want to know your favorite color or if you like pineapples on pizza as I do. I want to know your favorite coffee drink, but it's fine if you prefer water or milk. 

Everybody around me and my age is falling in love, and here I am, one of the peculiar people who don't want to rush into love. I know you are out there waiting, too, and I hope the waiting never wearies you out. I look forward to sharing my favorite songs with you and making poetry inspired by you. Let's meet halfway soon.

I want us both to eat well and before we meet, let me strive to become the best version of myself first.

With anticipation,

Mariella

[mariellaolden]

The Beauty of the Unknown

Since I was a kid, I have always believed that there is beauty and magic in not knowing everything. The uncertainty makes me wonder what else is out there and what else this world could offer. There are so many places to discover, so many people to meet, and so many stories waiting to be written.

Today, as you read this, I urge you to let the unknown surprise you. Let the unknown blow your mind. Let the unknown heal your soul. Let the unknown make you cry or make you smile. We never know what the next minute, hour, or day has in store for us. Yet, we continue to move forward. This is what life is about. The less we know, the less worry and stress we take in. The less we know, the better. What we do not know could never hurt us.

May we embrace the peace of not knowing everything. Let uncertainty unfold and enjoy the freedom that comes within. Hold on to the promise of the unknown. One step forward, never two steps back.

There is beauty in not knowing everything.

[mariellaolden]

An ode to my father

(No one writes about the good, loving father, and it’s saddening because he deserves the recognition too; so let this be one.)

Growing up, my father would always tell me not to cry and waste the entire day on it. I didn’t understand why. My father is an island of wisdom, a lighthouse of courage, and a sky of blue. He’s not showy, but when he speaks, intelligence flows. He rarely cries. He is so good that his kindness to others always comes back to him tenfold. His jokes may be silly, but they brighten our days. He always had a way with words. He's an explorer and all-rounder, always willing to go the extra mile to provide. Fear has never been a part of his vocabulary; he's never afraid to take up space.

My father has been there for us since day one. He's one of the people who made home feel how it's supposed to feel—warm, comforting, and enough. In my many moments of loss and failure, he's there to reassure me, saying, "It's okay, you can try again next time." I've heard countless words of affection, but his I love you's will always be my favorite. To love my father is to love his thousand wounds, cuts, and imperfections. People say we look alike, and perhaps it’s true. It's in the strength we share and the perseverance to move forward. If I could make a wish, I would ask for the courage to hold my father's hand so I could take out his suitcase of pain, his back full of suffering, and carry the weight of life’s challenges.

If someone were to ask me who my first love is, I would say it’s my father. If someone were to ask me in what way I'm lucky, in a heartbeat, I'd say it’s the way I have him. And if I were reborn, without a doubt, I would still want him to be my father. On his special day today, I pray that the world will be a little kinder towards him and that his purpose will never end. I pray that he will continue to fight his battles, we will always be beside him. I thank him for listening to my stories, for supporting me in pursuing my childhood dream, and for never pressuring me to be anyone but myself. His presence matters a lot. It took quite a lot of effort to shape me into the woman I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Now I know the reason why. My father told me not to cry to understand that life does not end there. For me to keep living, to think of solutions instead of weeping, and to embrace pain but not actually own it and be defined by it. As I grew older, I realized he was right; he always is.

[mariellaolden]

I embody everyone I love.

"I embody everyone I love." I speak the language of my own love without knowing I am doing so. I still listen to the song an old friend suggested to me. I make sure to go home before 7PM so I can eat dinner together with my family. Occasionally, I step outside our door barefoot, longing for my late grandmother's gentle reprimands. I always give more than I receive, mirroring what my mother consistently does despite having none for herself. The words of my friends become my own, and the scent of my father's cologne is my only favorite among all.

We often unknowingly imitate the behaviors of our loved ones as humans, and I believe that's what love means to me.