Author's note. PAPER VOICES is a series of books of poems that I hope can help calm a mind to quiet while taking thoughts to places feared to travel. I've written these books from different moments in my emotions. I've had my days of mood swing and those days gave different writing emotions. We all have something we can't explain to others to their full understanding but to the paper we can say anything, pour our hearts out without fear of criticism. We can Express with our pens to all the world without fear of not being understood and we can Speak with the paper louder than yelling, using a quiet voice once we know exactly what we want others to know. We can give advice without fear of unwanted and seek advice without fear of being judged. We can express our faith, explore our sensuality and escape into love. Poetry has it all covered. Enjoy your calm. DEPRESSION =========== My heart has only a crack It hasn't crumbled yet Not falling to pieces or carried on my back But is championing all that's unsettled, you bet === Then, Perspiration dripped from the core of anger Dehydrating my mind set, but I'm so much stronger Tired Walked inside my being. Depleting too many good thoughts Taking my mind key, claiming to be my new boss What balls Watching to see me run when it calls But I have no time to take a make-over, no test Making Crazy manoeuvre me to be driven over at best All I take from life is, that what's mine So Mad can quit trying to make Crazy shine Now I've got control, took over the steering wheel My Sane is wrapped with steel that none can unseal So As I step to the next page of life's session, a mission I won't take baby steps, I'll just walk over any Depression ========== PAST ****** Past I don't want to talk to you You taught many lessons...and I have work to do You've lifted me up and also put me down You've cushioned me from harm But sometimes stomped on my crown ***** The good time were good when you wanted room But the bad, my heart got thrown, fragile, caught with a spoon So past stay walking behind me And let my memories blow free Past, There were times you brought me down But it didn't last cause I picked up my frown You won't be able because I won't let you rule me 'Cause I have too much future that I plan to see Past my memories of you I don't see as wrong You're free to find me but don't get me wrong For those times when I feel you want me weak Strong it always what I'll go seek Past walk behind me for that's your place Give me the room to breathe, leave my space You were only meant to be my teacher And at this point I can be a lesson preacher The good time were good though But the bad, my heart got thrown So past walk behind me I want memories of you to just push me Past, some memories of you are gone; shun But so many more I just want to forget, be done So you haunting ones hiding to make your return Don't. Leave me alone. You're wasting time where I'm concern