A Look Into Jules' Glass Bottle

                                                                                                                                Next in Line I used to think forever was real, An illusion since the clock fell Away from my grasp. Did I blink? Suddenly every laugh  Seems to last longer, The faces I thought were forever  Now blurry in tainted pictures. Don’t blink. I used to wait in line, counting seconds in the water fountain line, Now I’m in line before hundreds, counting seconds toward a lifetime. I glance at stuffed animals Next to a diploma. Is this it? Until I’m tossed another suitcase.  I blinked...

          The Oak Table Into the light. Into purpose. I hear a soft knock stir the door to my heart. I shift my gaze to see the eager grins of familiar faces. Laughter echoes through the walls. Across this oak round-table, endless stories have been exchanged during reunions between loved ones. Here, a joyous harmony strengthens our souls. Our time together is like a candle in the darkness of this world. An invisible string connects us, in laughter, tears, even fear, I find myself here. In every lifetime, these are the arms I would run to. Suddenly, all worries fade within the beauty of this community. More often than not, I fall short of expectation, yet here I am wrapped within a blanket of peace. The nestled key to my cage of doubt, my sole foundation is here. Time spent away feels as though the fire within dims. I don’t understand how I ever thought this to be a fixed truth; my gratitude radiates from every smile I exchange. I notice everyone...

                                                                                                               Found Ground We live in a society of a seemingly never-ending race to rise to true potential, without allowing negativity to dim our progression. We are often susceptible to being caught up in what could’ve been, and not what is.  We fear hard work will spring no harvest, or dedication will rust and dreams diminish.  Yet we forget the greatest counselor,  our strongest foundation,  our Lord and Savior.  He will never fail. In supplication of prayer, He remains near with open arms, He holds the finish line, it’s up to us to run....

                                                                                                                                        Held I find beauty within the small mustard seed, held in the heart of Him. Skies above  envelop His peace. I will always hold a smile, for I love my neighboring seeds, as He loves me. For as He forgave us, the wings of birds keep their course, within the hands of the only true Keeper. Each sacred breath, all in the glory of His name.

  ‘Tis the Season  At the last bell chime, a season slipped from our desolate grasp.  We failed to reappeal  our wishes for a new year. Now, as another passes, the clock seems to have missed a few ticks. Yet it waits for none. So as we share our very last,  carols, presents,  and others’ presence,  longingly cherished.  May we remind ourselves that beneath doubt we still hold a future, not a wistful past. Count every blessing,  fill every glass with cider, to cheers to our new forever after. 

Beneath the Surface I skipped the very last stone,  it landed on the parting waves  of dreams left unsaid.  A smile crept upon my face,  I was caught in a haze.  The soft breeze caught  my breath,  left my hair tangled  with broken promises.  My hands dug into the soft earth below, to align my heartbeat  with creatures alike.  I searched for another,  a stone or pebble,  yet found a diamond.  I lifted my hand,  for it only to escape my grasp,  just as my past. 

End of Beginning As the year comes to an end, I notice the flaws I dread. I somehow always manage to procrastinate through twenty-four hours of my day. My future creeps upon me, ever so near. Thirteen years, just like that— gone in a snap. I remember second grade, moving a small paper along colored posters rewarding my good behavior. I remember fourth grade, as a nine-year-old, guiding my little sister’s hand to the playground for recess. I remember sixth grade, swinging on a makeshift seat, tied to a tree with rope— summer camp memories held true. I remember eighth grade, laughing on a crowded bus, the engine humming beneath us, off to adventure, hearts racing with the rush. I remember tenth grade, propping open my laptop to join a live lesson or two. And soon, I’ll have to wait and see what I’ll remember from my last year— much to my relief, well, there goes those thirteen years— just like that, gone in a snap.

                                                                                                               You Were My Last You trapped me in your arena Tied my strings like a puppet But I held my secret Silenced my conscience While you took the stage Buried in roses I was buried in the ashes I clung to a vision A mirage of expectation With your deception You made it an endless drain I thought it to be my first A chance of love Yet the cards of fate Turned far too late I wanted it to be us But it’d just hurt me if it was The poison in disguise Were those little white lies Those eyes were once My seal of fate But now I can’t meet them Without a...

If Only      If only I was a bird,      I’d soar amongst      the clouded skies,      and dive along      the rushing waves.      If only I was a bird,      I wouldn’t have      a care in the world,      why stress when      the harvest      already exists.      In due season,      I’d leave from one      to the next,      nothing ties me      to any land.      If I only I was a bird,      life would always      be a song,      a clear melody.      My beloved nest,      comforted rest,      and shaded trees      among the bees.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Every Breath It takes a village to raise a child, A beautiful testament to every creature. From our very first breath,...

                                                                                                 The Endless Ringing The bell rang throughout the narrow hall. There were rusty black lockers that filled the silence before the bell when slammed in a hurry. All four doors swung open as the masses flooded in, either gossiping and speaking with their peers or in dreadful dispositions. In this hall, there were two doors along each tall, stained white wall– with those same rusty black lockers. But it was only at one of these doors—a teacher stood guard, masked with a bright smile as a stream of students entered.  The students strolled in, panicking due to the assigned homework — which remained incomplet...

  BOY by Jules' Glass Bottle Drape the tie around your neck; cross wide end over narrow end and continue around; pass wide end across the front of the narrow again; pass wide end through loop; hold the front of knot loose with index finger; remove finger then tighten knot; comb your hair to the left with gel; don’t let it grow too long; this is how to shave facial hair—don’t cut yourself; but my hair is too curly to comb to the left ; this is how to wear cologne; make sure your pants and dress shirt have no wrinkles; button the top of your shirt; properly fold your cuffs so they reach just below your elbow; make sure your fly is zipped; stick to khakis only; always wear a belt; this is how to properly tie your dress shoes; keep them clean, even if you have to use your own spit; don’t sit with your legs crossed; don’t tease other girls; don’t go around kissing every one you see, to prevent yourself from looking like a player; but I’m too shy to talk to girls ; this is how to go fi...

                                                                                                                                                       Fulfillment in Difference In the season of Autumn,  a lone green bush stands, in all its glory.  One shade of green for its rough hedges, while surrounded by color.            It provides shelter—the smallest of bushes,  for the smallest of creatures.  It shares the same Earth as the greener, star-like leaves beneath it.  ...