To die a bit each passing day,
as ashes drift then fade away.
Colorful hues become pale gray,
a haunting path leads hopes astray.
Choke from the words that scream inside,
suffocates every ounce of pride.
Exposes all her true self hides,
allowing misery to guide.
Gain smiles from all by being fake,
a heart of steel could never break,
yet everyday emotions ache,
knowing her life is a mistake.
Walks to the edge, meets a light flash,
sways side to side as feelings crash,
takes two steps back, old hopes rehash,
sadness and fears thrown in the trash.
Moved far from that hollow old shell,
free from what felt like a cursed spell.
A beaming laugh she carries well,
her sincere stories she now tells.
Grateful to live in her own skin,
each moment helps a mark begin.
Amazed at how perspectives spin,
showing how faith can always win.
– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy
My poem Second Wind, was published at Spillwords on August 30, 2022. In light of my recent nomination for Author of the Year by Spillwords Press, I have decided to re-share some of my previously published work. It has taken me years to find the courage to publish anything I have written, so you can only imagine what this nomination means to me. If you enjoy my poetry, I would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to vote for me. General Voting will be officially held from
1/26 (Thursday) – 1/31 (Tuesday) and will be conducted via this page: https://spillwords.com/vote/. Thank you so much for all of your support during these past two years. In that time, you have all inspired me to write over 1,450 poems. I am so grateful to this amazing WordPress community. π
I would also like to thank Dagmara K, and the whole team at Spillwords for the nominations and for publishing my poems/interviews. I truly appreciate their continued support. π
The courage to hope always carries one through hard times. Lovely perspectives Grace. Thanks for a second look at “Second Wind”
It sure does. Thank you so much. So glad you enjoyed it again, my friend.πππ
A pleasure, Grace. Cheers!
Cheers my friend πππ
I absolutely love this poem for my own personal reasons I feel deep down in my spirit. You are a dynamic Poet imma Friend and a fan for Life absolutely loved it. Itβs everything.π₯°π€πΊπ
ππΊEnneaπΊπ
I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you so very much.π
Such a touching and beautiful poem Grace. ππ€
Thanks so much, Destiny π
Beautifully penned ππ«πβ¨
Thanks so much π
You deserve it. I did voted dear Grace. Wish you many more blessings β€
Thank you so much. Truly appreciate it, my dear friend. πππ
Brilliant Poem Grace! Yes, we die a little each day in beautiful ways too! π
Thanks so much, my friend. Yes, absolutely.π
you’re sooo welcome Grace, always!β£οΈ
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Beautiful poem, like everything you write, friend Grace.
Truly means a lot to me, Lincoln. Thank you so much.π
Stunning, you have such a gift and you use it well.
So sweet of you, my friend. Thank you so much.π
That last stanza is such a perfect ending, dear Grace. Another marvelous piece, my friend. I love the messages and wise lessons you continue to share π€π€
I am so happy to hear that, Grace. Thank you so much. This truly means a lot to me, my friend.π
Congratulations Grace and this is a beautifully reflective poem … Yes! I have voted … π
Thank you so much, Ivor. Truly appropriate you and your kind support.π
My pleasure Grace
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The first have is so heart wrenching…until she gets her second wind….then you can feel her soar. Beautifully written, Grace! πππ
So glad you enjoyed it, my friend. Thank you so very much.πππ
This is beautiful, Grace. A nice hope injection — I surely needed one this fine morning π
Thank you so much, O.D. Thatβs so nice to hear.π
I really love the journey that you took us on with this one. You do a great job of using a poem as a vessel for storytelling.
Iβm so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you so much π
Beautifully written as always β
Thanks so much π
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Oh wow this was an emotional ride. This was wonderful!
Thank you so much, Belladonna. Iβm so happy you enjoyed.π
I sure did π€π€
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Love this inspiring poem Grace.
Thanks so much, Sadje π
Most welcome
βHer sincere stories she now tellsβ
π₯β€οΈ brilliant!
Thank you so much π
Walks to the edge, meets a light flash… I liked this turning point, and the ending. So beautiful and so inspiring poem, Grace! I voted for you ππ
Thank you so much. I canβt begin to tell you how much you support means to me, my friend. Truly appreciate it, dear KK.π
Always a pleasure, Grace! You’re always welcome π
Beautifully written, Grace! It flows very well and the progression from a fake shell to a real person is beautifully done.
So kind of you, Dwight. Thank you so very much.π
You are very welcome!
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Another lovely piece, Sunshine! I votedβοΈ
Thank you so much, Nancy. So happy to hear that, my friend.π
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I found so much inspiration in your gentle yet powerful words, Grace. I could totally identify with the verse,
‘Moved far from that hollow old shell,
free from what felt like a cursed spell.
A beaming laugh she carries well,
her sincere stories she now tells.’
I love the final stanza, too. Well done, and many congratulations on your achievement. You write so beautifully. I will go over to Spillwords to vote for you. Xx ππ
So happy to hear that, dear Ellie. So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks so much. Truly appreciate it.πππ
Such a wonderful message in this poem. π
Thank you so much π