Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

The Life We’ve Yet to Live

today, I’m happy.
it’s sunny, but not too warm.
my coffee tastes strong,
and my clothes feel comfortable.
sometimes, it’s hard for me to find the joy in a simple day,
but right now, I feel good, and that’s enough.
because we should aim to live every day,
a little more in the light,
even when unexplained sadness feels all-consuming,
and a smile can’t seem to crest over my lips,
I’ll try to see the good,
try to find the magic,
remember it’s a wonderful thing,
to be valued and loved and curious,
to laugh and sing and drink in these moments,
to appreciate the days we’ve been given,
and the life we’ve yet to live.

 

Tatianna Salisbury is a writer and self-proclaimed force of nature based in Denver, Colorado. In June of 2023, Tatianna published her first book, Words My Heart Needed To Hear, a collection of poetry and short stories about her experiences of betrayal, longing, loss, and love. When she’s not writing, which is rare, Tatianna can be found hiking the mountains of Colorado with her Blue Heeler, Balto, and trying to master the perfect risotto recipe. She believes a person’s story is never finished, and the journey of a writer is a lifelong pursuit of humanity.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.