Lena Folkert
Bio
Alaskan Grown Freelance Writer π€ Lover of Prose
Former Deckhand & Barista π€ Always a Pleaser & Eggshell-Walker
Lifelong Animal Lover & Whisperer π€ Ever the Student & Seeker
Traveler π€ Dreamer π€ Wanderer
Happily Lost π€ Luckily in Love
Stories (166/0)
Disconnected
Author's Note: The following poem was inspired by an assignment from one of my University Professors. The idea that we need some man with a doctorate to tell us how and why to show our humanity has left a sour taste in my mouth - not because of the professor who assigned it, nor the man who speaks the words. But frustrations with humanity in general, when we need a reminder to simply show we are human.
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Poets
Give More to Get More
When I first joined the Vocal platform, I didn't really understand how to get the most out of this community. I viewed my fellow creators not as a source of camaraderie and support but as competition. I approached every new Challenge Winner and Top Story Recipient as an opponent - as someone who had received an honor that I wanted, and I always read their stories with an eye to pick their stories apart instead of appreciating and learning from them. I was always sure that I deserved better, and there were even times that I would refuse to read another creator's story, because I didn't want to contribute to their reads.
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Journal
Little, Black Bear
Author's Note: The following is not a well-formatted or thought out poem. It is not flowing, rhyming, eloquent, or elegant. It is rough, scattered, unruly, and painful. One year ago my Liwu passed. He had cancer, and we had to let him go two days after the anniversary of my father's death. Now, in addition to my father, and my beautiful, perfect puppy, two days ago, I lost a very dear friend. The following poem is a clumsy attempt at vocalizing grief. It is more for myself than the reader, and it is also not a pleasant read. If this is something that would be too traumatic to read, please stop here. If you would like to know a little more about this beautiful and perfect little gift from above in canine form, click HERE to read all about him. He was and always will be the world's best dog. I love you my little Liwu (Mandarin for "gift). The following song describes (to a much lesser degree) the feeling without my best friend. xx
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Petlife
A Mile In Her Shoes
Author's Note: I realize that, especially now, this is a sensitive topic for so many. I have no inclination to raise political arguments or thoughts. I am sharing the personal experience of what it is like to be a woman, from this woman's perspective, and how it feels to walk through this world ... afraid. For all of the men out there willing to listen, and all of the women who will relate, this is for you. π€
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Viva
When November Ends
Author's Note: The following is a very personal and long poem - A step in the grieving process of a little girl (or a woman who once was) trying to come to terms with the loss of a father, she lost long before he was lost in death. To all of those who are grieving or have or will, my heart is with you, and I recommend that you write a poem or two, if you can. If you cannot, find a poem that someone else has written that speaks to your soul. β€ Please enjoy the beautiful adaptation above of the poignant song about grief from the awesome band Green Day (and writer/singer Billie Joe Armstrong's grief over the anniversary of his own father's death) while you read. β€
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Families
Piles Upon Piles
Author's Note: Hoarding and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are very real mental disorders that deserve, not jokes or judgement, but insights, understanding, and help! The following poem may trigger an unpleasant reaction if you or someone you know suffers from one of these conditions.
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Poets
Unburdened
Author's Note: This poem is for all those who know what it feels like to lie awake in fear at night, afraid to take up space. A far too common occurrence. After writing this poem, I was suddenly struck by the (completely coincidental) similarity to this sad but beautiful song by one of my all-time favorite bands, Pearl Jam, and lead singer, Eddie Vedder. Please enjoy both the song and poem. And Love sent your way if you know these words all too well. π€
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Poets
The Completely Sensible Expansion of Creative Writing Courses
Author's Note: At the conclusion of my most recent writing course, I was required to write a Critical Essay based upon one of our class readings. Among these readings, was an article by Barry Spurr, which you can read by clicking here. The title of this article pretty much tells you all you need to know of his opinion: "The Inane Expansion of Creative Writing Courses." This vicious and unsupported attack from Mr. Spurr simply demanded a response, and because this is something very near and dear to all of us Vocal Creators, I have decided to share the finished product of my response to Barry Spurr with my fellow Vocalites (as I like to call us π). Under no circumstance, ever, should anyone (especially those with the desire) be deterred from writing or learning about writing. I have added in some appropriate quotes, pictures, and additional formatting to make this digital reading more pleasant.π€ π€ Thank you for taking the time to read this essay. If you enjoy it, please Like, Share, and Subscribe! And check out my profile by clicking HERE. π€ π€ And for any curious of my final grade: "A" - Nailed it!! π€
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Education
Until the Jazz Stops Playing. Top Story - October 2021.
*** First place recipient of the David Middleton Poetry Award. Previously published in The Mosaic Literary Magazine. // Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I have included a link to the song that was playing when I wrote this poem. I hope you enjoy both! π€π€
By Lena Folkert3 years ago in Poets
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