Tag: heart
Flushed
How’s everyone doing? Sometimes it’s odd to think that I’m sharing poem after poem with all of you beautiful people without really knowing you. The truth is, I want to know who you are and how your day is going. I want to know what brought you here and what you’re thinking about this Friday in early May. I want to meet you, to get coffee with you, and steal inspiration from your stories. Life’s better when we take the time to acknowledge one another. This is me acknowledging you, whether you’ve visited She’s in Prison before or whether this is your first time. Please don’t be afraid to say hello! I’m on Twitter too if that’s more your style!
Forgotten
Resilience
This poem is dedicated to my mom, Lori Ortbals. The title was her idea.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tuesday! Hit me up on Twitter or say hello in the comments below. 🙂
Inside Out
Protection
“Between Your Lines” is hands down my favorite Chunk! No, Captain Chunk song, so obviously, I had to write a poem inspired by it. I wrote this one awhile ago, but the time never felt right to publish it. Today seemed to fit for some reason.
Anyway, thanks for checking out my strings of words and taking a moment out of your busy life for a poetry break. Have a great rest of your weekend!
Trapped
I’ve admired the work of Kina Grannis for awhile now. I love the edge of her voice and let’s be honest, she’s totally gorgeous. Today’s poem is inspired by Kina’s new song “The Fire” from her upcoming album Elements. I’m stoked to hear more of her original music and of course see what new poems she inspires me to write. But until the release of the album, I implore you to check out some of her covers on YouTube and give a listen to “The Fire” as well.
As always, thank you for stopping by. I hope your weekend was magical! Come by next Sunday for more musically inspired poetry or drop by and say hi during the weekdays and on Twitter too.
Moving On
Steam
This poem would not be possible without the patience of the entire Frida’s staff. They put up with me taking up a table for hours at a time and constantly refill my water despite the fact that I don’t order any additional food…So to them, I say a big THANK YOU for accepting me week after week.
Happy Monday. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, leave a comment below, and party with me on Twitter for nonstop poetry and random Leanne tidbits.
In Return
When I started She’s in Prison almost a year ago, I promised myself that I’d be transparent in my writing. I vowed to share the tough stuff, even if it hurt or I felt exposed or uncomfortable. This is one of those poems, which may be a surprise because I recognize that the message is simple. I struggled in writing it, I admit. I don’t see the point in putting up a front that I’m uber confident in each and every one of my pieces. Truth is, I’m not, which I like even better. The words you see above are inspired by emotions I’m working through in this moment and I don’t feel I’ve been able to capture them fully. But as I was listening to “I Got You” by Leona Lewis, I knew I had to try.
Come back next Sunday for more poetry inspired by songs on my playlist. Also, don’t forget to hit the follow button on the left and hit me up on Twitter too!
Endless Remembering by Lori Ortbals
I know today’s guest poet well. She’s my mother and happens to be the most selfless person I’ve ever met. Let this poem be a reminder that love abounds in multiple forms: the love for yourself, the love for a partner, the love for a friend, the love for a parent, the love for a sibling, the love for a daughter, and the love for a memory glistened in tears of bittersweet heartache. Today as you eat your candy hearts, don’t forget to also love the one beating inside your chest.
My mom, Lori Ortbals, founded the Missouri Chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation in 2010 in memory of daughter Rebecca Lyn. Becky died of a congenital heart defect at 16 months old. Lori started the chapter with the hope that no other parent would have to feel the loss of burying their child from a CHD. All funds raised go directly towards research to develop new technologies and techniques to save lives like Becky’s.
When she’s not volunteering at a fundraising event or running board meetings, my mom enjoys spending time with our family, cherishing every moment to its fullest potential. She’s an avid reader, moviegoer, and superhero.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Reached
Oh Ms. Believer
Today’s poem is inspired by the title of the song “Oh Ms. Believer” by Twenty One Pilots as part of my ongoing Saturday series. If you have a second, check out the archives of my TOP inspired poetry and give a listen to their music below. Happy day!









