when the writing brain disappears

stay where you are

watching the scene before you

staring and wondering if you can find words between molecules and cells

put your hand to your ear

hoping it is putting the writing brain back where it belongs

or keeping the remnants inside

even as the chill sets in

from the brain muffling snow

even if you become Pinocchio

before the magic came

*

just do not lose hope

the magic will come

the snow will melt

and your writing brain will come home

***

Author's Journal: This month has been a stressful one thanks to some recent changes in my employment. Thankfully, I'm near the light at the end of the tunnel and things are better.

I wanted to write this little update for not only myself, but for those who have been feeling a little stressed.

I didn't realize stress could stunt my writing the way it did. I knew with the change in hours I would have less time, but I thought I would still have the desire to write. I spent more time staring at my screen, hoping it would spark something.

For those who are under stress and feel like it's stopping you from writing, know you're not alone and it won't last forever. Give yourself some grace and be patient when the words won't come to you as easily as they did before. (Trust me, that's been a hard one for me.)

And most importantly, don't give up...

...and also take a look at prompts to help you think of some ideas and speaking of...

...a link to ViM's January Prompt | Wooden is down below. There's only a few more hours to submit your poem, but even if you can't get one in before the due date, give this a look.