Tag: mental health

Six Word Story (70)

marygracewriting2 Comments

The worlds that we are.

The magnificence that each body represents.

Even when flawed, or experiencing illness.

I have had to sit and watch the IV drop in silence, more than once in my life. Have you? I didn’t feel like a masterpiece in the middle of my pain. But that doesn’t change the fact that I was and still am, one.

So are you.

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Photo sourced from unsplash.com

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Disconnect/Mental Rhythm Magazine

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A literary magazine dedicated to showcasing the rhythms of mental health in individuals around the globe.

– Mental Rhythm Website –

They have featured my poem Disconnect in their first issue. I invite you all to read it along with the many other great works included.

It’s always a blessing to have a piece chosen out of the many submitted to each outlet. As a student run magazine, it’s also great to know my words are reaching young people in need of support.

I look forward to following them as a publication and supporting the students working behind the scene.

Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Splinter

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Like
a splinter in the foot
you just can’t seem to see,
is the pain within a heart
filled with
anxiety.
No one else can see
pain
that you now feel.
Often times you ask
if it’s even truly
real.
Walk about your day,
the prick
will stab with pain.
Balancing
the wound
becomes a dripping drain.
Energy is lost,
focus on protect.
Friendships
pays the cost,
when attention you
deflect.
How
to remove
a shard that can’t be seen?
First admit,
discard
pretending’s screen.
Allow
a probing look.
A gentle searching poke.
Trust
someone who knows,
this pain in not a joke.
Often
it may feel
like a bandage ripped away.
The sting,
it may endure
well into your day.
But,
pain of healing hands
is worth a season’s rest.
It’s a pain that’s bearable
when into tears it’s
pressed.
Gentle
words may pinch,
a tweezers searching bite.
And tears can wash away,
splinters
and their bite.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

‘Splinter,’ was originally published in Fahmidan Journal‘s Issue 6: Autoimmune & Mental Health Warriors. Page 10–11.

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The Pansy’s Purpose/Calla Press

marygracewriting3 Comments

I have again been honored by a publication on Calla Press.

The Pansy’s Purpose is a creative non-fiction story, told from the viewpoint of a small garden pansy. It’s a very personal story, and I feel it has found a perfect home.

The little flower was waiting. It sat quietly with its siblings in a plastic tray. The sun was warm, the waiting long. But what else was there to do?
A woman with tired, anxious eyes came looking for the right blooms. First impressions were important, things needed to be just right.

– The Pansy’s Purpose –

I invite you to visit Calla Press, to read the full story. Make sure to let me know what you think afterwards!

Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Electric Lights

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Eyes so tightly shut,
dark edges shimmer red.

Electric blotches
painted
in yellow’s glowing thread.

Irises grab light,
horde it within.

Just as eyes close in
peace,
cast it out, a twin.

Blink the shadows off.
Spots upon the wall.

Within the yellow
polka dots,
purple starts to crawl.

Shapes, haunting follow,
whether closed or open wide.

A secret theatre named,
Pains Entertainment Ride.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Fahmidan Journal/Issue 6. Autoimmune and Mental Health Worriers.

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I was honored to have my poem Splinter accepted for Fahmidan Journal’s 6th Issue. The themes for this issue is so important to share. As someone who deals with PCOS and mental health issues, it’s beautiful to see so many contributors coming together to bring some hope.

Follow the link to read Issue 6. Autoimmune and Mental Health Worriers.

https://www.fahmidan.net/issue-6

He Keeps Me, Art Highlight

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This week I released a new design at my Redbubble Shop.

He Keeps Me Brave Products

He Keeps Me is a blending of my art and poetry, and shares the same name as the painting. You can read the full original poem here.

This design is available on sixty-six different products. From t-shirts to mugs, stickers and greeting cards to full size posters, there is something for everyone. All profits from my artwork go to funding publications and website upkeep.

Thank you!

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Lavender (A Dribble)

marygracewriting12 Comments

Lavender crushed between finger and thumb. Only one blossom. The scent gentle but true, only for the person holding it.
Squeezed tighter and then rubbed together. Another whiff of scent. Calmness, a brief shaking stilled.
“Thank you.”
She turned back to the house.
“Carmen, down off the counter.”
“But, Mom!”

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

A dribble is the modern term used for a story of exactly 50 words. The art of micro-fiction is something I am trying to learn. I don’t always get it right. To bubble the whole of a story into so few words takes something special.

I would love to hear from you if you write short fiction in any form. How do you make your stories a whole, and not just single seen?

To somehow tell the story without telling the story is part of it. Is there more behind it?

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