versesbyaaliyah

Welcome to Verses by Aaliyah. Your new favourite corner of the internet, where poetry gets real, raw, and a little bit weird.

[versesbyaaliyah]

Greetings, dream-scribes, late-night alchemists, and quiet firestarters 🔥

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stepped into the first weekly challenge. Your voices echoed beautifully across the page. From here on out, this post will be your weekly hub, updated with each new challenge as we go. These rotate on a ten-week cycle, so if you miss a week (or three), don’t worry—there’s space to wander back and catch up.

🕯 The Candlelit Memory

🖤 The 'Unpretty' Challenge

🫀 The Organ Rebellion

🕊️ Dear Ghost

🧛‍♀️ Poem from the Monster

🌒 "Write the Shadow" Challenge

🕰️ Reverse Time Capsule

🧷 The "Almost" Poem

🕸️ The “Witch’s Hour” Poem

📺 The “Screen to Stanza” Challenge

The challenges will always be shared here, and if you happen to miss the weekly prompt, you can find those pinned over on @picklemafia’s personal blog.

You don’t need to be part of the community to take part—if this finds you and sparks something, follow it. Create, unravel, rebuild—whatever moves you. Just be sure to @ me so I can witness what you conjure.

Here’s to the words you haven’t written yet 🌙

[intheruinsalways]

Those are my eyes, I think, and my face? Am I dreaming again? No, he's the man I hate.

Only, he has my face again and then his.

This goes on and on, untill I forget who comes first,

He's the man that I dreamt about, I am the apple of his eyes,

He takes me out to shop, and doesn't yell at me when my icecream drops.

He's so kind to me that kindness stops feeling foreign,and I stop confusing it with love all the time.

He's patient, still he's strong, and he's wiling to listen to my problems, make them go away,

So when I grow up, I don't find myself on uneven ground again and again.

He's not my father, I just wish he was,

So I often close my eyes to imagine,

Someone who thought I was worth a glance.

I close my eyes and will him to go away,

The father I imagined for myself because I didn't want to be the only one who didn't feel loved that way.

I tuck in my little secret, that my mother would never know. She tried but she wasn't enough,I guess I needed a man too?

@versesbyaaliyah

[versesbyaaliyah]

This piece is utterly fantastic, and it truly deserves to be seen and appreciated by many. It’s so personal, so deep, and carries that slightly dark edge, yet it’s also profoundly beautiful and powerful. The honesty in your words makes it all the more captivating. A truly remarkable piece of writing. Thank you so much for taking part and for trusting us with something so meaningful.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Queen of the Dead

--prompt from @versesbyaaliyah "write the shadow"

She plucks petals from a long-decayed rose: its once powdery color ground down to black, to gray, to silver. Ashen dreams remind her of a face she used to bear--glittering like dew dotting on daisies, she wonders about if it were better to stay young. Innocent, pure.

The dead take up their place around her, children with vampiric teeth glimmering with gilded tips. She embraces them, but her hands tremble. How could love exist, when a crevice cuts through her heart, as cold as the roses right before the dawn?

Golden memories linger, but they float on wilted leaves. Silvery winds console, but they do not match her king's.

She remembers the wounds on her body, bruises like plums festering, for she offers herself to all, only to return wounded, walking in a landmine with her feet bleeding and blooming tulips.

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is utterly breathtaking. It feels so emotional and deeply personal, and that honesty shines through every line. You’ve absolutely nailed the challenge. You've taken something dark and transformed it into something beautiful, powerful, and truly phenomenal. It is an incredible piece of writing that lingers long after reading. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing this with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[everoutoftouch]

Monstrous insides

She turns inside

It’s all monstrous

A monstrous love, a monstrous hate

To whom in which does she deserve to confide

Dig a little deeper

What do you find

Not a keeper

A wrecked mind

It’s all disgusting

The desire and the lusting

it’s all gross

the cracks in her mind show

The filthy need

The sick hunger

On what will she feed

And when will she bleed

The crowd goes wild for the sick show

The turning inside out

Waiting for the final blow

The last word to end this bout

Finally she rips her heart out

With it still in her hand she cries

It’s rotting was there ever any doubt

She screams and lets out a final sigh

Say goodbye to the world’s worst girl

She collapses after a final twirl

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is fantastic. I’m so glad you decided to submit two, my friend. The whole purpose of these challenges is to spark the creative juices, and you’ve not only embraced that—you’ve gone above and beyond with two poems. I’d call that a success, wouldn’t you? This piece, in particular, was brilliant. It's vivid, a little dark, and completely captivating. Thank you so much for participating.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[scorchinghotpan]

Prompt: Write the Shadow

Circles

Rowan Briar

Aug ‘25

Round and round we spin together

Wildly on the carousel on a darkened cloudy evening

Hearts beating too quickly to feel and the air blowing at our faces like its trying to kill us

I tighten the coil of your music box because I love to watch the ballerina spin

We twirl and twirl and twirl and twirl

Dancing the dance, swing around to the beat

The bathtub is full

I pull the cork

We fall down the open drain

It is an endless cycle

Circling vultures

A hurricane

Can you break free?

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is brilliant. It's such a fun and imaginative piece. The vivid description pulled me straight into the scene; I felt completely immersed from start to finish. For a moment, I honestly had to check that I hadn’t been sucked down that drain myself. The energy and detail made it such a joy to read, and it really stuck with me. Thank you so much for taking part.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[followcb]

Stealth Criminal

in perpetual reformation

shadows paint . . . .

. . . . only to erase

any discernible trace

invisible yet still visible

diaphanous without a face

seeing is not believing . . . .

deceiving as eyes can be

and yours are ones that stay

shine light into life's mystery

clandestine as human history

shadows cast to block the sun

no truth in light . . . .

. . . . if fact proves fiction

a house of lies will come undone

out of the darkness . . . .

. . . . your secrets and lies

no guise to hide you . . . .

killer, it's you who fired the gun

out of the shadows . . . .

. . . . run, you can run

but you'll never outrun the light

for you've no right to end a life

shadow warrior, shadow dancer

stealth criminal. . . . .

. . . . there's never ever - any

telling what you might

. . . . shadow lover

☆☆☆☆☆

©️ @followcb ☆ August 29, 2025

@versesbyaaliyah : Write the Shadow Challenge

[versesbyaaliyah]

A pleasure to read, as always, Mr. Chris. You have such a delightful intellect, and the way you weave in smart, thoughtful words is absolutely something I’m here for. Each piece you share carries depth, wit, and a spark that keeps me engaged from start to finish. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing your work. It’s always a joy to read.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[iamjustmagical]

Empty Heart

My mother said that writing story’s and drawing was for kids of four.

But why won’t you let me have a dream?

It’s not about how I tell the story.

It’s about its core.

Why don’t you care about me?

I thought I was your daughter.

But why don’t I feel?

I never wanted to be brutal.

I just need to defend myself.

Cause I’m scared and family doesn’t know.

I know, my heart is supreme.

I will survive with or without family.

I will look at the beautiful sun on a cold winter day.

Knowing I’m standing alone.

From this to that, everything changes.

While I’m just a teenage girl,

With tears in the nights.

Maby when I’m older there will be more chances.

But for now I’m just standing next to my head,

Cause now I need to listen to my heart.

I will let family be what family means to me now.

For now family is just a word.

But maby one day it will change.

I feel a lot, but family doesn’t need to know.

Let me watch the sunrise while I wish I was free, like a bird.

-Sabine

It's for the challange: ''Write the shadow'' @versesbyaaliyah & @picklemafia

I wrote about my family cause idk actually. It's, yea, this is what i want to share, i don't think i have time to write something else <3

(I know I didn't follow the rule. But this is all I could write. Busy week, srry)

Hope u have a nice day <3

[versesbyaaliyah]

There are no set rules for these challenges. They’re simply meant to spark your creativity, and where you take it is entirely up to you, my friend. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of writing. You’ve taken something so painful and transformed it into something meaningful, powerful, and deeply moving. Every word carries weight and purpose. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve created. Thank you so much for participating and sharing your work with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[humanconditionpoetry]

The Burden of the Mind

T.W/Tags - The Poem has Heavy Themes, Such as Mental Health and Implied Suicide - Read at Your Own Risk! You Have Been Warned!

The Burden of the Mind.

Oh, the Burden-

It Burns.

It Takes.

Without a Thought-

Without a Grace.

Like Shadow Hands,

Presented Holy.

Gripping.

Pulsing.

They Suffocate the Light.

The worlds blurry.

The words sharp.

"No body cares about you, S-W-E-E-T-H-E-A-R-T"!

"lair, lair, people see your S-C-A-R-S".

" An A-L-I-E-N from Mars".

"What a - P-A-I-N-F-U-L and V-O-I-D-E-D art".

Laughter, Whispers, and Loudness-

As They Dance Around.

Cold and Robotic,

Echos Surround.

Yet, their Rhymes-

Make a Truth

Convoluted and Profound.

Tried to Make Sense-

Tried to Make an Angelic Mound.

But the view is like sticky dark cobwebs.

Trapped.

Consumed.

Soon, an Arachnid...

With Hooks and Dangers.

Teeth Penetrating.

Ripping Apart-

The Last of You.

The Burden of Our Minds.

Where's the Light?

The Last,

Disappearing into the Night.

Direction, meaningless-

Without the breaking of Dawn.

Without a Starry Sight.

The Burden of the Mind.

A shadow none sees,

from reality's false bright.

HumanConditionPoetry © Aug 28th 2025

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is so good. I feel like my brain was completely overstimulated but in the best way possible. Your use of descriptive language is incredibly powerful, and I’ve never been transported into a scene as vividly as this. Every word, every image felt alive, drawing me fully into the world you’ve created. A truly beautiful piece of work. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing it with us—it’s an experience I won’t soon forget.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[bluemoonpoetry9]

A hot air balloon envelope gradually falls

to suffocate a fragile body.

Words splattered in blood cover the panels.

“Not good enough.”

Stolen dreams scribed across the skirt.

“That’s not a woman’s job.”

As blazing air invigorates

and the envelope rises

the body remains still.

The calligraphy expands, bulging and invading.

Alienated and forgotten

the two eyes open.

Hauntingly unblinking

they glare up at the inflated, full balloon.

The balloon is not large enough to fit

the cries she holds deep within.

The balloon drifts up

leaving her abandoned on the grass.

Cold and torpid.

Lying in the thickness of chauvinism.

A poem inspired by the "Write the Shadow" Challenge thanks to @versesbyaaliyah

[versesbyaaliyah]

That hit so hard. I can’t even begin to put into words how it made me feel. In just twenty verses, you completely floored me. Every line carried weight, every image lingered, and the emotions stayed with me long after reading. What an absolutely wonderful piece of writing—a perfect demonstration of your incredible talent. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing this powerful work with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[ashesinverses]

Hidden and yet there

An inner fire

is fanned,

glowing coal crackles,

sparks rise into the air,

painting a new zodiac sign

into the night.

Why don't you want to understand?

Flames creep

through the veins,

air so thick,

barely room

to breathe.

Pressure

on chest,

a burden so heavy.

Don't you believe me?

Despair,

a silent neighbor of rage,

familiar,

yet far away.

Lava - your blood,

ash - our breath,

dancing

and whirling

through the air,

gray takes over,

red heartbeat,

hot skin.

Can't you feel me?

This poem is inspired by the shadow challenge by @versesbyaaliyah

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is fantastic. Yet another truly remarkable piece from you. Your work carries such a dark undertone, and honestly, I’m here for it. Each of your pieces holds so much truth and power, drawing the reader in and leaving a lasting impression. There’s a depth and intensity to your writing that is genuinely captivating. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing your incredible talent with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[rain-rainynights]

isn't it fun to be doomed?

isn't it fun to be doomed? look at this wreck-

wildfires burning down horizons not a drop of water in any direction vows twisted and turned to fit the narrative of false heroes who force upon their perspective and the golden ones who vowed to be saviors turned the tables revealing to be traitors

it was always about money and power because what could happen if you share your jeweled tower? it was always about the color of skin because what will you lose by being inclusive? it was always about heteronormativity because what else will sustain toxic masculinity?

this was not the future i was promised this was not the life i believed in this is the end times i am forced to live was there ever hope for a happy ending?

we set ourselves up for our own demise living dystopians from tales as old as time and within the rage i am blinded by the hope i had for a bright future is out of sight cursed to live under an eternal night with only the dimming stars as my only light

but unless a vigilante rises to the occasion i will remain within, believing life has left me forsaken

-

A/n: This ended up being more about the current world than I expected. And because of that I want to note this is written from my perspective as a cis white bi/queer girl.

Inspired by the prompt "Write the shadow" by @versesbyaaliyah

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is so good. Honestly, this is right up my street. I’m a huge advocate for equality across race, gender, and sexuality. So I’m all about the pieces that truly focus on real-world issues, and this one is written so beautifully. It’s a little sad, but powerful nonetheless, and it really lingers in the mind long after reading. Thank you so much for participating and sharing your work. It truly resonates.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[bishopknight0517]

Deepest part of my hell

Like a piece is missing from a dust covered puzzle on a shelf

You’ll be ignored and see others around you find love but you won’t, not even in yourself

Cold and lonely is your fate

The next day is your only date

Intertwined by fate and while destiny leaves you confused

A stamp in your mind “used and abused”

You’ll have friends but no connections

You’ll avoid any deep reflections

Seeing that there’s only more and more of the same

A body without a name

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is fantastic, just like always, my friend. I really enjoy reading your work—it’s always so deep, powerful, and full of thought. This one is shorter than what you usually write, but you’ve still managed to capture that essence beautifully, with every line resonating. Thank you so much for continuing to take part each week; your contributions always bring something special to the table, and I’m genuinely grateful for them.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[everoutoftouch]

What’s inside a girl

Come on baby let’s take a tour

Let’s see inside right down to the core

Take off your skin and let the blood pour

What’s inside a girl

Emotions deeper than the titanic

Feelings of love and some of panic

Wind her up and watch her be manic

What’s inside a girl

Scars on her lungs from trapped screams

She’s ripped and bursting at the seams

Memories are buried almost lost it seems

What’s inside a girl

Every time she was ignored or forgotten

Unmet needs. Inside she’s rotting

Small frail voice not used to being heard

Her body is the cage for the bird

What’s inside a girl

She’s starting to rust!

Her walls of metal are no good

Her chest is so hollow and full of air it might bust

To keep this body together she’s done all she could

What’s inside a girl

A giant heart surprisingly still beating

A heart full of love and needing

A heart of dreams and fire

It’s all inside this cage of wire

[versesbyaaliyah]

I love this so much. What a wonderfully quirky and unique take on the prompt. If you ever wanted to revisit this piece, I would absolutely love to see you spin it further into a dialogue—perhaps as a tour guide leading us through the scene. That would be such a delight to read. Honestly, I adored every moment of this; it’s imaginative, lively, and full of charm. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing your creativity with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[walkingparadoximok]

Written for “Write the Shadow” challenge.

@versesbyaaliyah

Shadows

Shadows dancing in the soul

Darkness covers what one can’t know

Opposing truths that taste of lies

Is a zebra black or white?

A sacred love, a gentle hymn

And wild lava flows from sin

Desire calls to dance in pairs

While stillness beckons an empty chair

Shadows holding broken pieces

Dripping blood the heart releases

Somber in the dead of night

Shadows steal in dreams till light

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is absolutely delightful. It leans into a playful tone, which feels like such a fresh and unexpected take on the prompt. I adore the rhyming scheme—it gives the words a life of their own, almost as if they’re dancing and twirling across the page. Every line carries energy and charm, making it a joy to read from start to finish. A truly wonderful piece. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing this with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[error404feelings-deactivated]

Unrevealed

Nothing a smile can't hide

A fake laugh

Sugarcoating what's inside

You call it anger. Resentment

When it's unhealed trauma

And a child's memory bent

You think rage leads to slammed doors

But it's the internal pain

It's the nights that leave you curled up on cold floors

You see bruised hands, punching the wall

And you say it's disrespect

Not a cry for help, an SOS call

Then It's a weakness to cry

But how the fuck does that work

Cause when you have to help you don't even try

This fire you see as furry

Is just survival mode

Something to stop reality from getting too blurry

Now you know why it's a secret

Why there's so much precaution in words

Why every conversation seems discreet

You can't tame a fire but you can shut it off

Now i keep it's ashes sealed

This part of me. Raw and vulnerable

A part I'll forever leave unrevealed

------------------------------------------------------

For the: Write The Shadow Challenge

Hosted by: @versesbyaaliyah

[versesbyaaliyah]

I must say, I’m a huge fan of your work, my friend. You truly have a remarkable talent. The way you write carries such honesty, raw emotion, and depth. It’s impossible not to be moved. Each piece you share feels alive, resonant, and utterly captivating. Another fantastic work from you. Thank you so much for taking part and allowing us to experience it.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[cshirt]

drawing with a shaky hand,

blackness beneath her eyes

any words spoken are crushed between

a rotten index and thumb

i linger,

seeping through the cracks of her cracking walls,

there when she least expects, stalking,

strangling heart, constricting lungs

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is absolutely wonderful. You’ve managed to capture such vivid imagery and deep, resonant emotion in so few words. You have a rare and truly remarkable talent. Each line feels intentional, each image alive, and the piece as a whole lingers long after reading. I’m genuinely captivated. Thank you so much for taking part and sharing this beautiful work with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.

[soror-ithilguli]

poem, flesh, skin, bone

pointy skin and bone,

meat walking, wishing for more,

whispers screaming not-to-be,

so fragile, weak, so endlessly sick,

always a product bound to be

consumed endlessly.

vile skin that shines,

its own desires denied,

for something beyond lying down,

and accepting flesh —

as her final line.

simply another object on the pile.

simply another non-human forced to play this endless farse.

a soul unallowed to thrive,

condemned to survive,

to be an object of desire—

until her own desires starve,

or get killed,

more fuel for this inorganic fire.

[versesbyaaliyah]

This is absolutely fantastic. I’ve always been a sucker for a poem that leans into the darker side, and this piece doesn’t just lean—it fully embraces it in the most compelling way. The imagery is rich, the tone deliciously haunting, and the pull of it kept me hooked right through to the end. An exceptional read, truly. Thank you so much for taking part and for sharing such a powerful piece with us.

This poem was inspired by The Poets' Porch weekly challenge, "Write the Shadow" Challenge.