Author Student Mother Teacher
The world can feel so dark sometimes that it's impossible to know if there is any good left and we can get so lost in the noise that constant distraction makes. Too preoccupied with things to buy and things to do and people to see and places to go and pictures to take and videos… Continue reading The Cost of Hate and Distraction
You said you were my soul mate, But that simply wasn't true. I couldn't see what we were while we were in it, Blinded by how much I wanted you. But this time, when you went away, I started to pay attention. I noticed the things you didn't think I would catch, The backhanded compliments… Continue reading Twin Flame
If you're waiting for your "Come to Jesus" moment, it's here. I haven't been "religious" since I was a kid. Raised Southern Missionary Baptist in a little church in the backwoods of Missouri. Our preachers were a circulating cast from other churches, and every week was a two-hour sermon on the evils of the world.… Continue reading “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
I'm almost pretty, but not quite, because when I look in the mirror, my face looks like a stranger. I'm almost intelligent, but not quite, because even though I have numerous degrees, I struggle to put them to use, as I tend to get overwhelmed easily and quit. I'm almost sexy, but not quite, because… Continue reading Almost but not quite
The television plays Cooking shows on repeat, You didn’t like them But they bring me comfort. The cell phone stands ready Facebook, E-mail, games Anything to distract me, To keep from feeling. The laptop, always open A story to write, homework to do Simulation games that I can control Things where I get to say… Continue reading Drowning Out the Noise
This short story won the January 2024 Photo Prompt Contest with the Center for Creative Writing. The story is a mixture of true story and fiction and I am so pleased that it was chosen as a winner. It took a lot of emotional investment for me to create this piece and I hope you… Continue reading Saying Goodbye
How can the world keep turning When I can't feel anything anymore? The absence of you is everywhere, Even though you are long gone. I can't understand why And I know that it's not fair. You should be here And I should be there. Without you, the world is empty. Without you, the world is… Continue reading The World Keeps Turning
Sometimes grief feels like the world is ending. Sometimes it feels like the world has already ended. On the hard days, I wonder if I am even alive. Or am I already gone too, but my mind has not caught up? On the easy days, I think I can survive. But it's the in-between that… Continue reading Grief…Sometimes
Welcome 2024. I hope you bring many new beginnings and many more sustained connections. As a writer, sometimes I get bogged down under the weight of trying to achieve perfect prose. I want everyone to love everything I write. And if I don't think it's good enough, I can't publish it or even finish the… Continue reading Happy New Year!
And now it's time for the annual publication round-up. This year, I did not do much creative writing. With the loss of my father and uncle, I just couldn't seem to produce creative fiction. I did add one publication to the list, Creative Gems 3, which I have added to the bottom of this list.… Continue reading Publication Round Up 2023
Cathy Marie Bown 