Poetry has always been my identity. Ask anyone what defines me, and they will tell you “She’s a writer.” I’ve been writing artistically since I was 8 years old. It started the way all tortured artists begin- privately, in leather bound journals, as a way to let some of the pain out so it didn’t consume me instead. Over time it grew, and I began to share my work with others through internet blogs, hidden behind the safety of screen names. I didn’t want to get famous, I just wanted someone to read what I was feeling and tell me I wasn’t as alone in those feelings as I felt. My poems became my cries for help, my plea for support. What I realized, though, is that the very people I was searching for kinship with were also feeling seen, understood, and validated by my words- some for the first time. That is why I give these poems to you. It is my hope and purpose to be a voice for those who have no outlet for their hurt and struggle, a voice that tells them they are not alone. 

I cannot express enough gratitude to the team at Poet’s Choice for giving me the opportunity to reach more readers by featuring me in their anthologies and compiling some of my most important pieces into their own book. Chrysalis is something I dreamed of, but always thought would be just out of reach. Thanks to Poet’s Choice, I am able to reach you today and I am in awe of how powerful that is. I hope this book speaks to you, and that you in turn share it with someone else who needs it. 

Your chrysalis might be dark, suffocating, and lonely-
but your butterfly will be so worth it.