Longing for the Dream

I’m stuck, trapped in a place I dread,
With hopes of writing, where my heart is led.
Confined by deadlines, I sit and wallow,
Chained to this desk as the clock ticks hollow.
The hum of lights feel like a prison cold,
Each tick of time steals the dreams I hold.

We cherish the classics, words that inspire,
Brontë and Austen lighting light my fire.
Yet when I dare follow in their bold stride,
I’m met with scorn, my passions denied.
Goodbye to the tales that could have been spun,
From the hearts of dreamers, each story begun.
The echoes of voices still linger and tease,
But here I am silenced, brought down to my knees.
But I have dreams.

The weight of discouragement grows day by day,
They say I’ll be broke, that I’ll lose my way.
Yet in moments of silence, when I’m far from my pen,
I find that I’m lost, yearning to write again.
I watch as my visions begin to take flight,
Each word a whisper, a glimmer of light.
Ink spills like wishes, longing to roam,
To craft worlds of wonder, to finally feel home.

In the quietest hours, when the world is asleep,
I let my heart wander, my secrets to keep.
Characters blossom like wildflowers bright,
Each one a piece of my soul taking flight.
Caught in the web of what others declare,
Wondering if I’ll ever break free from this snare.
But still, I hold on to that flickering flame,
For deep in my spirit, it calls out my name.

One day, I’ll leap into realms yet unseen,
Leaving behind all that’s weary and mean.
I’ll dive into stories that wait to be told,
Chasing my dreams, daring and bold.
For I know in my heart, I was born to create,
And I’ll follow my passion, despite the weight.
So I’ll rise from this place, let my spirit take flight,
Because I have dreams, and they’re worth every fight.

Strike Out,

Orlando

Writer: Erika Ryan

Editors: Nina Rueda & Krizia Figueroa

Erika Ryan is a staff writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. She is a multifaceted creative with a passion for literature, art, and film photography. Erika's love for storytelling drives her ambition to become an author, blending her diverse interests into a unique artistic vision. You can reach her at erikarr5350@gmail.com or @erikarryan on Instagram!