Dare My Soul to Sing

By Candis St. John

Candis' raw and unadulterated poetry brings attention to some of the more difficult issues that need to be discussed, but are typically hidden in shame. She believes in finding the purpose in your pain and healing through transparency. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. It is her hope that this collection of poetry will open your eyes to some of the harsh truths happening in the world around us and that it will also cause you to open your heart and be led to bring about a change for the better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candis St. John
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463918975

Candis St. John

Candis St. John was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to Grenadian and Jamaican parents. She was exposed to Caribbean poetry and folklore at an early age. Something about poetry always stuck out to her and it became her favorite genre of literature. Influenced by her love of poetry, she started writing her own at the age of 9. Candis was born with Sickle Cell Anemia. She has endured physical, mental and emotional pain throughout her life at the hands of this crippling disease and other unfortunate events in her life. Candis has been able to find healing and catharsis through writing poetry. She also hopes to touch the lives of those who may be going through their own pain, shining a light into dark places through words rooted in love and truth. Not only is she a healer through writing, but also by profession. Candis is an emergency room nurse, but has always cherished the arts. She is honored and proud to share her work with the world.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my family for teaching me the importance of speaking up for myself. To my therapist for helping me to find my voice. To my squad for allowing me a safe space to speak my truths.

INTRO

There are some things that need to be said.

But more importantly, some things that need to be heard.

It’s been troubling me.

Been weighing heavily on my heart.

One that breaks for a hurting world around me.

With each heartbeat, the pain, unbearable.

It weeps.

No more silent tears!

My aching heart dares my soul to sing!

I am but a voice crying out in the wilderness.

Screaming a message for those willing to hear.

Praying it doesn’t fall on deaf ears.

I am just a voice crying out.

Will you hear?

October 31, 2018

CAGED BIRDS

DARE MY SOUL TO SING

Do I dare to be me?

Have the audacity

To just be?

Different?

Unique?

Authentic?

Free?

These questions plague my mind

Constantly in motion

They take flight

These thoughts of mine

I let them drift away

Answers return in time

The abyss can be dark

But it’s a beautiful thing

I’m sometimes fearful of what the future will bring

I want to let my feelings out

But the words get choked in my mouth

So I dare my soul to sing

Do I dare to be?

Have the audacity to be free?

Different?

Unique?

Authentic?

Just be me?

I am a complex duality

I am shy, but I am a force

Silence reigns and wells run deep

Still waters and raging fire

Soul bright like a full moon on a sleepless night

Restless but deliberate

I am

My wounds have become my crown and glory

I swear you wouldn’t believe my story

A picture couldn’t tell my thousand words

And a thousand words couldn’t write my song

So, I dare my soul to sing

Do I dare to be?

Have the audacity to be free?

Different?

Unique?

Authentic?

Just to be me?

I was born for this

I’ve known it from the start

I’ve tried to hide from this

And break away

Even though it tears me apart

So, I dare to be!

Have the audacity to be free!

Different!

Unique!

Authentic!

Just to be me!

Believe me when I say that it tears me apart

Yet and still, I will open my heart

And dare my soul to sing

March 14, 2018

REMEMBER MY NAME

My mother told me to watch what I say

Be careful not to offend

Shock and awe is my first language

Insult is not my intent

I will not apologize for my words

For my presence

Or taking