The sole survivor: from The Book

Sarah was a little girl whose heart was like an open book, her emotions laid bare for all to see. She possessed a sensitivity that seemed to magnify every experience she encountered. Whether it was something she learned in school, a scene from a movie, or even the news she watched at night, the images and circumstances would haunt her, leaving her feeling overwhelmed with confusion and turmoil.

But amidst the chaos, Sarah had a refuge, a place where she could find solace and make sense of her emotions—putting her thoughts on paper. With each stroke of her pencil or pen, she poured her feelings onto the blank canvas, giving them shape and form. Seeing her thoughts and confusion in print helped her cope with the weight that rested upon her young shoulders.

One evening, as Sarah watched the news, the headlines blared with stories of war, violence, and the threat of nuclear annihilation. The images flashed across the screen, and the words of suffering and despair echoed in her ears. The weight of the world seemed unbearable, and she couldn’t help but internalize the pain she witnessed.

In an attempt to make sense of it all, Sarah began to write. She carefully crafted her words, channeling her raw emotions onto the page. Her hand moved swiftly, and the ink flowed freely as she wrote:

“I am the sole survivor,

the fighter of death.

But I am losing the battle

with every breath.

If this is what men died for,

I wish that I had died.

Just seeing what has happened

is worse than being fried.”

As the words spilled onto the paper, Sarah felt a mixture of sadness, anger, and helplessness. The intensity of her emotions seemed to lessen as she transferred them from within her to the outside world. Seeing her own feelings reflected in her writing brought a sense of validation as if she were acknowledging the weight she carried and the impact these global events had on her tender soul.

Though the circumstances were overwhelming, Sarah found solace in the act of expressing herself through writing. It became her lifeline, a means of processing the confusion and turmoil that swirled within her. Through her words, she could confront the realities of the world and explore her own complex emotions.

In her writing, Sarah discovered that she wasn’t alone in her feelings. Sarah shared her poems with her friend David, an older gentleman who lived alone in a house at the end of her street. He was a great poet and often encouraged her. Sarah treasured her friendship with David, a wise and compassionate man who had experienced his own share of loss and heartache. Despite the age difference, they found solace in each other’s company and shared a deep appreciation for the power of words.

One afternoon, as Sarah carefully unfolded a piece of paper that held her latest poem, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and vulnerability. David had become her confidant, someone who listened attentively and offered gentle encouragement. She knew that he would appreciate the raw emotions woven into her verses.

With a determined breath, Sarah made her way to David’s house. The small cottage nestled amidst a garden filled with blooming flowers. The sight brought a sense of tranquility, and she knew that within those walls, she would find a kindred spirit who understood the transformative power of poetry.

David opened the door, his eyes crinkling with a warm smile as he welcomed Sarah inside. They settled in his cozy living room, surrounded by shelves lined with books and walls adorned with framed poems. The room seemed to radiate creativity and inspiration. David made them both a cup of tea and always had biscuits jus for visits like this.

As Sarah handed him her poem, she felt a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. She had poured her heart into those words, exposing her deepest fears and dreams. But she trusted David to understand and appreciate the essence of her emotions.

With care, David took the paper and read the poem. Sarah watched his face, searching for any sign of reaction. His brows furrowed, and his eyes sparkled with a mixture of admiration and understanding.

“Sarah, my dear,” David began, his voice filled with warmth. “Your words carry an extraordinary depth and vulnerability. I can feel the raw emotions woven into each line. Your ability to capture the essence of your experiences and express them through poetry is truly remarkable.”

Sarah’s heart swelled with a sense of validation. To hear such praise from someone she respected and admired meant the world to her. David continued, his voice resonating with encouragement.

“You have a gift, my young friend,” he said. “Poetry has a way of connecting us, of bridging the gaps between our individual experiences. Your words have the power to touch the hearts of others, just as they have touched mine. Don’t ever underestimate the impact your writing can have.”

A sense of purpose washed over Sarah, reigniting her passion for writing. David’s belief in her abilities fueled her determination to continue sharing her poems with the world. She realized that her words had the potential to bring solace, comfort, and a sense of understanding to those who may feel alone in their own struggles.

Sarah and David continued to exchange poems. He often offered feedback, and they encouraged each other to explore new depths within their writing. Their friendship blossomed through the language of poetry, providing a safe space where their words could thrive.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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