The NaPoWriMo Mini Issue is special to us for numerous reasons. It’s the first time RTS has published a mini issue. Additionally, it is also our first issue with only poetry. We were absolutely overcome with joy upon seeing the several submissions that we received, that we decided to turn what was once supposed to be a feature, to a mini issue. And that is how the NaPoWriMo Mini Issue was born. In this feature, we would like to highlight the pieces published by giving you an insight into their behind-the-scenes. We asked our contributors what inspired them to write their poems, and how they hoped others would relate to it. We hope this helps you appreciate them more, and gives you some inspiration for your own writing! You can read the lovely poems themselves inside the mini issue.
Secrets
by Owl
Category of Poem: Tanka
More Information: A few days ago, Owl wrote some notes in her phone about being weighed down by family secrets and unable to grow up like a normal person. Thence came this poem. Her Chinese name means dawn, which inspired the line about her namesake. (Truth is, she's been waiting to use her name in her writing for a while.)
Instagram: @owl_writes
Bio: Owl is a writer born and raised in Hong Kong. When she is not reading or writing (or drowning in school work), she is either crocheting or getting bitten by her cat. One of her goals this year is to start writing poetry.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the references to the ocean and ships.
you don't know the fire
by A. Wheeler
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information:
Instagram: @absleigh.wabsleigh.w
Bio: A is renaissance person of sorts, holding a bachelors of science in neuroscience, having originated a role in a play called Prolog, and having been publicist, scientific consultant, and played Coroner Young in thepedersonproject.net short film. They also created, co-wrote, directed, co-edited, and starred in a podcast coming at the end of May called Carnivea: A Queer Gothic. They are passionate about queer storytelling and the horror genre, and more specifically the impact art can have on people. They want their art to touch people.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the idea of reexamining our preconceived notions that is carried through this poem. The line about fire is my favorite.
Whispers of Conquest
by Leen Abdulfatah
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
Instagram: @le06.nle06.n
Bio: Leen is a remarkable individual, adeptly juggling the demands of student life with their aspirations as a poet. Their innate talent for creative writing and passion for literature allow them to craft captivating stories and poignant poetry that deeply resonate with readers. A charismatic public speaker, Leen enchants audiences with their eloquence and literary prowess. Outside the realm of words, they find joy in music's harmonies, chess's strategic challenges, crocheting's meditative art, and the comforting world of Gilmore Girls. With a spirit as diverse as their interests, Leen continues to explore new horizons, enriching the literary landscape with their unique perspective.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the idea of an empire and having no symbolic power not being equal to having power or control is interesting
Sing Sweet Nightingale
by Kate Abrielle McCormick
Category of Poem: Line Countdown Poetry
More Information: TW: perhaps violence? I don't think it needs trigger warnings but just in case. There are some injury suggestions (but metaphorically if that makes sense). None of the injuries are real. I recently moved away from a very toxic, narcissistic ex friend. We had been sharing a flat (apartment) together for 2 years and she love bombed me until I was so blinded to the problems it didn't come up until I was already locked into the rental agreement. I finally get to escape and these are my emotions from that. It is heavily influenced by my favorite symbol across literature, the nightingale which often represents the passage of time, freedom, and creativity. And in the case of Oscar Wilde: a tragic hero. I believe other people will relate to this because not only will people come to leave their own toxic friendships/relationships/workplaces etc. But they will also come to feel these feelings. The relief of finally being free is a beautiful feeling and it deserved to be shown and related to. For people to say, hey that is me! I am free! Or perhaps to read it and realize they maybe ought to be free of their situation. I think this is a good fit because it was written throughout April. Each part I wrote as I came to grasp the fact that I was leaving little texts to myself and it was not written all in one go. It truly was a piece written through time, throughout April.
Instagram: @the_doctors_jenny_
Bio: Kate Abrielle McCormick is a Bachelor's student studying English with Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London. Following the Summer, she will be pursuing a Master's degree in Creative Writing. Kate is from PA and some of her works can be found either on Amazon, or in select stores within the state. She enjoys reading, writing anything from poetry to screenplays, and catching up on any of Neil Gaiman's new work!
Feedback from our Editors: The feeling of newfound freedom in this piece is powerful and uplifting. It has such a musical quality to it too.
Envolée Angélique
by W.E. Everhart
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This poem delves into themes of longing, loss, and seeking solace or redemption through spiritual or celestial imagery. I was inspired to do it when I was still out of my first ever serious relationship at that time. Because I changed so much during my relationship, I questioned myself, my beliefs, and my morals. I felt lost. I felt that I didn't belong in my own culture and society anymore. I lost who and what I was, so I wrote this poem. At that time, I struggled with my beliefs and religion. So if you take notice, this poem is like a piece written by two voices: one wants to believe and head to the divine, and one morons his loss and wants to get away from it. I hope people can relate is like a piece written by two voices: one wants to believe and head to the divine, and one morons his loss and wants to get away from it. I hope people can relate in a sense of being puzzled in and out of a belief society and culture you have been all your life.
Bio: Everhart is a young writer who studied philosophy, history, religion, and all things scientific in order to better understand and appreciate the beauty of our world. Through writing, he is able to paint beautiful pictures with words by creating poems and melodies that capture that beauty.
Feedback from our Editors: The celestial visuals are beautiful
pitiful skies
by Aiyanna D. Flores
Instagram: @his_Yannabearhis_Yannabear
Bio: Aiyanna is a published poet from Texas but currently located in California. They are passionate about writing and want to become an independent author. Alongside being a poet, Aiyanna is a writer for both TeenCoalition4Climate and The Empowerment Paper. Aiyanna is a published poet from Texas but currently located in California. They are passionate about writing and want to become an independent author. Alongside being a poet, Aiyanna is a writer for both TeenCoalition4Climate and The Empowerment Paper.
Feedback from our Editors: The sadness that comes with a necessary goodbye. I like the mood that it creates.
Retour a ta fleur (return to your flower))
by Simono
Category of Poem: Freestyle Poetry
More Information: It's a poem about a broken-hearted theater singer. She talks about how she sang songs about the one she loved, yet he left her for someone else. I believe my poem is a good fit because it kind of fits the 'tortured poets' theme.
Instagram: @Out_of_time_yasmin
Bio: Simono is an Egyptian writer who gets inspired by culture, music, and art.
Feedback from our Editors: I love how the piece is written like it is speaking to someone.
An Eulogy to Love
by Arabella
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This poem is one of those pieces which I didn't decide in advance I'd be writing. It just started with a bunch of scribbled lines, a messy and emotional rant of sorts in the middle of the night. It's about how much love can hurt if the circumstances around you do not allow you to pursue that love. It makes things hard, makes you feel like a criminal of sorts and drives you to an edge. It's the kind of pain where it's strong enough to make you feel helpless and yet it leaves you with the hope of being with this person despite all the odds, and you both agree to it. I titled it "A Eulogy to Love" because it's a sort of goodbye, a Eulogy to the love that you went through while being sort of stabbed by the thorns, be it pressure from your surroundings, or people looking down upon you, basically everything that happens in a conservative society. I think this poem is a good fit for the feature because it is a raw expression of my feelings and what I believe many people go through. I truly hope that there's other people who can understand my words and relate to them.
Instagram: @arabella_1003
Bio: Arabella is the pen name of the writer. She loves writing poetry as it is one of the few activities that give her the freedom of expression and individuality; something that is restricted to her due to various circumstances. It's not only an escape, but something she believes is a part of her being.
Feedback from our Editors: The imagery and metaphors in this poem are really beautiful. I love what is said in the last stanza, that wants to ignore the wrong in favor of feeling good.
copy paste
by Mary Antonette Riotocc
Category of Poem: Prose Poetry
Instagram: @worksby_toniriotoc
Bio: Mary Antonette Riotoc is a Filipino writer with the phrase, “This girl can.” She embraces language and its message: be human. Excerpts of her work are on Instagram @worksby_toniriotoc. She strives for change through poetry and won the Ink Bowl Master Award in Ink Bowl Publishing's Winter Competition.
Feedback from our Editors: The fact that the history makes the attraction and romance different is sweet and a powerful statement
Beating Art
by Maryam Majid
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: I wrote this poem in NaPoWriMo because I was thinking a lot about what poetry means to me during this month. It was inspired partially by a prompt for submission by @threadlitmag in the previous month titled "life as a creative". My submissions to this magazine were unsuccessful for this but I did read lots of poetry on the way we interact with our art. Also, as The Tortured Poets Department came out in April, the themes of turning our feelings into art also inspired me. Ultimately this poem explores how we can turn our pain into art and what that means for the people who read it in the future. Is the legacy of our ink only the pain swirled into it? What becomes of our pain once we imbue our poems with it - do we still feel it? I hope it is a concept that relates to many people in their poetry and art, and might find a home on this feature : )
Instagram: @maryammajick
Bio: Maryam Majid is a young writer who loves writing poetry and prose that feels like the lavender haze in her veins. Her work has been published in Last Leaves Magazine, Teen Ink Magazine, the Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine, the Malu Zine, the Expressionist Literary Magazine, and the Encephalon Journal. She also volunteers as a reader for the Expressionist and a prose editor for the Malu Zine. She hopes to continue honing her craft and be a published author one day.
Feedback from our Editors: Love the play on words in the title. This poem's take on pain becoming art is very interesting.
The Gift Of a Wilted Rose
by frey
Category of Poem: Freestyle Poetry
More Information: It was inspired by a past relationship within one of the two novels I’m writing now, although it will not be included in the novel nor will it be directly attached to it in any way — almost like a cut section or fan fiction. The main character in said book is Scarlet Tobin, a teenage girl who found herself waiting around for a boy to appreciate her and came to realise even after the fact that she was still somewhat attached to him.
Instagram: @freydelrey.x
Bio: An aspiring author currently writing two novels alongside bits of poetry!🤍
Feedback from our Editors: The agony and mistreatment is portrayed well, connecting both as ways of ‘romance’.
Redemption
by Ana Novik
Instagram: @coffeecookiebook
Bio: A writer from Switzerland who tries to put all that cannot be explained into words.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the way the poem can be broken down into couplets that each carry a piece of the message.
Melodies of Yesterday's
by Aakansha Jagga
Category of Poem: Nostalgia
Instagram: @aakanshajagga14
Bio: Aakansha Jagga is an environmental and tech enthusiast and is into sustainable development and renewable energy. As a high school student from India, she actively engages in initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges, particularly the energy crisis. With a keen interest in environmental conservation and social impact, Aakansha strives to make a positive difference in the world through her advocacy and activism.
Feedback from our Editors: The idea that the joy is in the past like it was an entirely different world, growing more vague has great detail.
Torture Does Not Always Mean Hurt and Haunt
by Chukwuma Henry
Instagram: @dancingpen_arts
Bio: Chukwuma Henry is a Nigerian pharmacist and budding poet. He likes to explore the themes of social justice and universal health coverage Chukwuma Henry is a Nigerian pharmacist and budding poet. He likes to explore the themes of social justice and universal health coverage
Feedback from our Editors: This poem feels almost like a short story which is very cool. Its use of language is very poetic.
i hate rainy days
by Chloe D.
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This is based on a fictional character I'm writing and really helped me to get a sense of them.
Instagram: @readlovewrite47
Bio: Chloe lives in New England, in her neck of the woods, and spends too much of her time reading and writing. She enjoys hiking and listening to underrated music. Visit her on Instagram @readlovewrite47
Feedback from our Editors: I love how the subject of the poem reveals itself as you get deeper into the poem. Things are rarely what people say they are.
after i rub out the candle on my forearm instead of blowing the weak flame out
by A. Deshmanee
Instagram: @aar.deshmaar.deshm
Bio: A. Deshmane is a queer poet from scorching Arizona. Their other work has been published by or is forthcoming in Stone of Madness Press, en*gendered lit, Catheartic Magazine, and Corporeal lit. In their spare time, they can be found wandering the desert on local hikes or wishing they owned a cat. Find them @aar.deshm on Instagram.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the glorification of feelings and moments.
The Smoke is Upon Us
by Isabel Grace
More Information: This poem was inspired by my curiosity about the impermanence of life and nature. I have attempted to set up an atmosphere that is rich in both, and then imagine how quickly it could be burned away. I think the poem is a good fit for this issue as it incorporates themes that are common in a lot of poetry (life, death, nature, loss, etc.) and may resonate with other young people who have questions about the wonder and purpose of life.
Instagram: @isabel_.grace
Bio: Isabel is a teenage writer, musician and art enthusiast looking to explore worldwide creative communities and find a meaningful space for her work.
Feedback from our Editors: The urgency that is established in just the first line is so fun. Also love the contrast between nature and violence/death.
suspended in air
by Shu J. Li
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
Instagram: @wlvshuu
Bio: Shu J. Liu (they/them) is a teen writer from Canada who loves poetic storytelling, dystopia, and science fiction. When they're not writing, they can be found doodling eyes, listening to music, or watching video essays. Their work has appeared in multiple literary magazines, such as Rewrite the Stars Review, Bottled Dreams Literary Magazine, and Mosaic Lit Journal. They're on Instagram @wlvshuu.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the action told and desperation in it.
He is not her’s anymore
by Riddha Ritajna Bharali
Category of Poem: Prose Poetry
More Information: Insecurity of losing your loved ones
Instagram: @jstt_ridd
Bio: A teenager who loves to write poems
Feedback from our Editors: The mourning of a relationship combined with the confusion of what they still are is interesting.
Why Must I Change The World Already?
by Heetal
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: As a rising high school senior, college admissions is all that's on everyone's mind. Is my SAT score good enough? Are my grades top-tier? Do I have great activities that will impress colleges? This poem was born out my frustration and hopelessness, as I try to compete with millions of other students around the nation for a spot in universities. I don't feel like I have anything to offer to colleges, nothing special that would make them pick me. So, my poem questions this need to do something special, do something big, in order to get into a top-tier university. What about the people who haven't done something big yet, like me? What do we do, when others' applications blow us out of the water?
I think other people might relate to this because my experience with college admissions isn't unique, by a long shot. There are millions of students struggling to impress admissions officers all around the world. College admissions is a long, frustrating process, and I hope that other teens going through it can find solace in the fact that they're not alone in how they're feeling - that there are others who are struggling too, others who are not nationally-recognized athletes or child geniuses or inventors of a revolutionary vaccine or whatever, who are feeling the exact same way. And I hope that people reading this can also remember that even if they don't make it into the best colleges, they will never be not good enough.
Instagram: @heetalofalltrades
Bio: Heetal is an artist, musician, and creative writer who lives in Texas, USA. When she's not in school, doing homework, playing her flute, making art, or writing, she usually reads books, bakes, or spends time with her friends. She also has a passion for science, especially chemistry, astronomy, and psychology. In her creative works, she enjoys expressing the ups and downs of being a teenager in today's world.
Feedback from our Editors: The subject matter is so relatable for teens! The panic that comes with being young but feeling the need to be and have done more.
Flowers wrapped all around
by Ellen Alfredson
Category of Poem: Prose Poetry
More Information: This poem is about the process of coming out, about the fear of judgment and the doubt that comes with it. It’s about homophobia and acceptance of yourself. I think about any queer person can relate to this on some level. It’s really deeply personal to me, but I’m sharing it because I think it’s important and so real.
Instagram: @elle.alfredson
Bio: Ellen Alfredson is a fifteen year old writer from Sweden who writes poetry and fiction. She is currently working on a book. She believes that writing is her passion, and Virginia Woolf is one of her big inspirations. She is just starting to get her work out into the world and is published in two issues of Rewrite The Stars Review, but also in The Fig Tree, The Malu Zine and more.
Feedback from our Editors: The profoundness and intensity of this piece is great, especially when you compare the words with the flowers.
Scars on my skin
by Solandis
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: I wrote this poem, when someone toxic was a major part of my life and I would do anything to keep the person with me as I was too scared to be lonely. After I finally let the person go, I wrote this poem thinking about my past. As I mentioned before, when I can't let something of my mind, I write about it. This poem is also a part of my history and the pain. It talks about love, pain, and sacrifice. It's about people willing to do anything for love, even hurting themselves. Teenagers like me, can relate because we often feel intense emotions and sometimes do things we wouldn't normally do and shouldn't do all in the name of love.The poem shows how love can make people feel like tearing themselves apart for others but also how we want to rebuild themselves to be loved. It talks about scars from love and how they can be seen as beautiful. Teens might relate because they've felt the pain of love and the desire to be loved deeply.
Instagram: @delicatelydarkly
Bio: Solandis, a 17-year-old poetess hailing from India, has been weaving words into verse since the tender age of 13. For her, poetry serves as both an escape and a mode of expression; when words fail, her pen unfailingly articulates the unsaid. As Virginia Woolf once mused, "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind." With each stanza penned, Solandis unlocks the gates of her imagination, inviting readers to explore the realms of her poetic prowess.
Feedback from our Editors: The strength in this narrator's devotion, however harmful it may be to them, makes this poem very compelling. The sentiment behind it is very relatable to people in toxic relationships.
moment of memory
by Bethany H. Watson
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This poem was inspired by the Escapril prompt "childhood memory." It's about a rather mundane but concrete memory I have from my childhood. While the poem includes the specific details I remember of it, I think it's the general feeling of childhood freedom, joy, and safety instilled in those details that are why it's stuck with me all these years. I think others will be able to relate to this feeling of intense nostalgia instilled by a partial memory.
Instagram: @sparrowhawke_writes
Bio: Bethany H. Watson is a young writer and poet from Southern California. She draws poetic inspiration from song lyrics, classical mythology, and the yearning infused in a warm breeze. You can follow her on Instagram at @sparrowhawke_writes and find more of her poetry and musings on life at surfacingpurpose.substack.com.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the relevation being made of the memory.
thoughts of a daughter
by Ray Shubert
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: It was inspired by a past relationship within one of the two novels I’m writing now, although it will not be included in the novel nor will it be directly attached to it in any way — almost like a cut section or fan fiction. The main character in said book is Scarlet Tobin, a teenage girl who found herself waiting around for a boy to appreciate her and came to realise even after the fact that she was still somewhat attached to him.
Instagram: @down_the._.rabbit_hole
Bio: Ray Shubert is a teen writer from Utah. She is very inspired by gothic literature and loves nothing more than writing and a good book.
Feedback from our Editors: It's a really lovely tribute to/examination of mother-daughter relationships.
Spiral
by Callisto Arabell
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This poem was inspired by the prompt “spiral” and is based on a women who is facing depression but is still hung over her breakup
Instagram: @callisto_arabell
Bio: Callisto Arabell is a sixteen year old poet and writer. She started writing poetry from the age of 12 and started writing from a very young age. Callisto is also very passionate about music and reading.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the slight bitterness that comes through at the end, the narrator has other things to worry about but can't help but be overtaken by the subject.
More
by B. McKenzie
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: I was inspired to write this poem at 4AM during finals week. I was burnt out from so many different creative projects and struggling with insomnia. I decided to journal my feelings of creative frustration and turned it into a poem.
Instagram: @bmckenziewrites @bmckenziephoto
Bio: B. Mckenzie is a writer, photographer, and autism advocate. When she is not writing scripts and poems or taking photos, she enjoys cosplay, drawing, and petting her pet cat Ivy. She is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Digital Media and Film Studies.
Feedback from our Editors: A powerful message in such few lines and the repeating is a nice touch.
Spiral
by Callisto Arabell
Category of Poem: Free Verse Poetry
More Information: This poem was inspired by the prompt “spiral” and is based on a women who is facing depression but is still hung over her breakup
Instagram: @callisto_arabell
Bio: Callisto Arabell is a sixteen year old poet and writer. She started writing poetry from the age of 12 and started writing from a very young age. Callisto is also very passionate about music and reading.
Feedback from our Editors: I love the slight bitterness that comes through at the end, the narrator has other things to worry about but can't help but be overtaken by the subject.
the necklace
by Sasi Kondru
Category of Poem: Rhyming Couplet
More Information: This poem is about a necklace that has now worn out and is no longer used. I feel like lots of people take lots of things for granted (like necklaces) instead of looking at their memories, and they easily replace these objects even if they have some sentimental value. What inspired me to write is was when I was helping clean my house for a party and lots of things with value to me that I had memories with were being thrown out. I believe it's a good fit because it's a recent piece based on a recent event! Thank you so much for considering it!
Instagram: @aid4need_4
Bio: Sasi is a junior who loves to write short stories and even shorter poems! She aims to write about her current feelings and general life! She has been published in several magazines, including Evanescent Magazine, Petrichor Gazette, and Catheartice Magazine! In her free time, she likes to take long walks and play video games!
Feedback from our Editors: The line ‘what used to gather memories now gathers dust’ is beautiful.
The night sky is a library
by Kaidence Moss
Instagram: @draculalax
Bio: Kaidence Moss is a young poet who loves fairytales and mythology.
Feedback from our Editors: Simple but sweet! It creates some lovely visuals and is a love letter to poetry.
Follow these writers for more and read their writing here!
Writing is an art that would never die, no matter that the words tumble in the same lines. The different insights shared in the issue are all diverse and authentic.
Wow! Congrats to all the people who got in! Love the poems that I read in the magazine. I found 'i hate the rain', 'scars on my skin', 'the night sky is a library', and 'melodies of yesterday' some of my favorites, it was so hard to choose at all though, because I absolutely loved them all and if I hadn't stopped myself from continuing to list, I'd be putting all of the poems down here. Wonderful job you guys!