Tsunami I watch the waves crash against the shore As the#moonsways them more and more. And the water left out of this glorious swell, Dwells hidden and beneath - a rip current. Until there's a crack in the system, And the water comes together - an insurgent.

West Virginia Rolling hills, Nothing short of breath taking. Rising bills, Nothing short, of breath taking. Stress fills One family after another As the river rises, And flows through our fingers and toes Soon to take us away. The air so crisp With the wooden aroma, And the pang so sharp From fighting loved ones. Birds joyfully sing For everyone to hear. But alone, I watch flowing tears Of those I hold dear. And you hate to leave... But the flowers always bend Toward the better end. Waving goodbye, As they sway in the wind.

School Sucks Three years ago, I practically wrote a #poem every night. I felt passion, and was inspired! This time of my #life was the summer between 8th and 9th grade. So, I started high school, and necessary parts of my #life ceased to exist: poetry, harp, nature, and passion altogether. I was focused on school, honors, AP, class rank and all that. I thought that if I didn't get highest average in at least two of my four core classes, that I was a failure. Obviously, I stressed myself out with work, and I'm not a naturally smart or gifted person intellectually. My 11th grade year, I was excited to find out that my school was starting a poetry club! Finally, I had an excuse to write #poems. Naturally, I wasn't happy with the #poems I wrote because they weren't inspired by anything in particular; they were forced. So now, it's my senior year. It's my opportunity to change and make this last year of high school worth it! I'm loving people, cherishing people, and laughing with people again. That, alone, has made a massive difference. I still find myself worried if my grade is falling to an A- in Calculus, but embracing the people has made me so much happier and inspired! Thank you for taking your time to read this. I know it's nothing special. I just wanted to express why I've been off Oppus for the past 3 years, and to let you know that I plan on sharing fairly regularly again. With lots of love, Mikaela.

Beneath The Weeping Willow Tree Beneath the weeping willow tree, Sweet melodies swept our souls afar As the wind blew and encompassed we. With the shielding tresses, one could not see; For #life was never found bizarre Beneath the weeping willow tree. Through storms and shadows and all its debris, Both carrying more than one scar, The wind blew and encompassed we. #life often seems ever empty, But such dwindles by far Beneath the weeping willow tree. Crawling with vines, there's no purity. As though brushing our bodies' blackening char, The wind blew and encompassed we. Eternally dearest is this sanctuary. Although sad we often are, Beneath the weeping willow tree The wind blew and encompassed we.

Once Did I Once did I write But time manages to bite Once did I see beauty But eyes casting upon the future, Seems a duty. Once did I dream, But the nightmares of failure, Causes me to scream.