Shutterstock As I sat in a semi truck somewhere between Wisconsin and Chicago on a freezing January night, refusing to move out of the warmth of the sleeper, I began swiping through movies on my Showtime Anytime app. I was bored, and sick of being surrounded by snow and freezing wind gusts. I…

Buzzing louder than usual, the tardy bell rings the moment I reach my Algebra class door. Looking me square in the face, the teacher closed the door. Franticly knocking and twisting at the locked door. No one came. And within seconds his cold masculine hand wrapped around my throat, as…

The Wait I stand alone on the peak of Mt. Everest arms wide open to the heavens. Respectful screams to my God escape my lips. “What journey are we embarking now?” I rewind the adventures of my life, to take a glimpse of how I’ve grown into my faith. …

BROKEN RECORD A record can only repeat the words So many times before it’s broken It becomes worn from repeated misuse Wishin’ you would finally Understand the meanin’ Of the words, That you could finally Appreciate its melody Before…It’s broken The vinyl can only attain its crisp sound When handled delicately And repeated misuse is not it… The song can only play so often ’Til it realizes — that hell you not even listenin’

Don't Light the Wick 'Don't Light The Wick' from the Book Damaged GoodsWritten/Performed/Directed by: Tonika Yvonne Wheeler (Toni)Video…youtube.com DON’T LIGHT THE WICK This candle’s been lit and blown out for the last time Don’t light it if you’re not ready for eternity Don’t light it if you can’t feed my soul, my mind Can’t handle the extremity of my energy Don’t light the wick Don’t light the wick