Performed by Val Cole

POEM:

I smoke to take the pain away
Hoping for better days
That I don’t have to stress
And just be blessed
What God blew my way

I run to take the pain away
Running just clears my brain away
Away of any negative thoughts
That I may have running through my mind at the time

Time is something we can’t get back
So why do I waste my time
Letting these negative thoughts run my mind

I write to take the pain away
Who cares what I write anyway
See, there you go
Negative thoughts running through my mind all the time

All the time like a sick rhyme
That you can’t get out of your head
These negative thoughts
They will keep you in bed

So, I smoke to take the pain away
Hoping for better days
That I can be blessed and live my days with no stress
See, I know that I am blessed
Because God has given me the best

I think it’s just time to put these negative thoughts to rest
I smoke to keep the pain away
Write to keep the pain away
Run to keep the pain away
I’ll stop hoping and I’ll start praying for better days
Stop smoking to keep the pain away
Just keep the things that cause you pain
Away
You won’t even need to pray for better days

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem is self-awareness and transformation.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

My daily struggles in life are what motivated me to write this poem. I struggled with substance abuse at one point in my life to cope with the pain I was dealing with while in a toxic relationship. It seemed like no matter what, I could never escape the pain until I called out to the Higher Power and put the bad habits to rest.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry since about 4th Grade. I almost feel like I was born to write.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

If I could have dinner with one person, I would sit down with Thales of Miletus. He was the first known Greek philosopher, scientist, and mathematician.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I have chosen to have my poem performed by a professional actor so that I can have an audience. I have always wanted to help others going through similar situations. I want to be heard and be able to heal the world, even if just a little smudge. Having my poetry on a platform where others can find me is all I need.

6) Do you write other works? Scripts? Short Stories? Etc..

Yes, I do write other works. I am currently a student at Full Sail University, studying for my bachelor’s degree in creative writing & communications. I have worked on many short stories and a few scripts. My assignment for this month requires me to create a comic book and script to go along with it. I have also created short films and commercial videos while taking these classes. Music is something that I turn to for a hobby and to feel good. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always written songs that helped express my emotions.

7) What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is to write. I write and read every single day. I love writing and creating ideas so much that I can’t see myself doing anything else aside from writing and touching the lives of others.