Welcome to Read, Shake, Appreciate! This is your fortnightly round-up of words that made me feel inspired, songs that made me shake my ass, and people who I think deserve some spotlight.
This week I’m reading and writing a shit tonne of poetry bc it’s the absolute best heartbreak remedy as far as I’m concerned. And I’d love to share a bit more of mine with you since you’re my most supportive people (thank you 🥰). Here’s something I wrote this week:
I am done
with relationships that demand
proof of my goodness
performance, of all kinds
displays of my magic
late night please-treat-me-right
I will not hand over
my history or
bargain my scars
to receive care
to be seen when
seeing myself
is my birthright
I will not raise podiums
for anyone to sit above
or grant them
the right to judge
as if they know
what I've bled
to be enough
I will not
pour and pour
my soft
my ease
my hips
my teeth
until I can't hold myself upright
when wolves come to feed
I will not look
to anyone else
to say yes, rest
to say here, lay
to let joy, in
to give
permission.
I am done
letting them take
what belongs inside
I am bringing her home
this heart - she's mine.
💜
This week I’m shaking to:
Goodmood by Nabes
“She leaves me in a good mood, no matter what I’m going through!” - could be about your dog, your sis, your bestie, your new crush, yourself… it’ll put you in a good mood regardless.
Oh! A couple of you mentioned giving these song recs their own playlist and I think that’s a great idea! Here is every song recommended so far, mixed in with some booty shaking classics (I’ll add the new songs as I recommend them!):
This week I’m appreciating:
Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! Greek and Roman Mythology Retold
It took me many years to grasp that the key to enjoying podcasts was to… Pick a topic you’re actually interested in and find a podcast that makes it fun. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Greek mythology and having the tales told by a feminist with a wicked sense of humour and a cat that occasionally purrs in the background has made this one the only podcasts I’ve ever listen to *just* for fun. And I’m very into it. This early episode is fucking great:
That’s all angels! Take good care, you are precious 💜
More poetry please!! That was absolutely brilliant ❤️🤗
Such a powerful, heartfelt poem. I appreciate that you shared it with us. And I hope you felt empowered writing it :)