📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 12/05/2024

This poem by Dudu Dudu caught my attention: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/the-christmas-bridge%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E It’s so spiritually real. And remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

good

Hi- I've been writing for vocal for 2 years and have read what I think is the work of a new shining star--well-written and full of suspense and a futuristic bleak reality. Highly recommend reading this. Marie McGrath Davis: Apocolypse Then https://todaysurvey.today/futurism/apocalypse-then-dp12ik0dr3%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E https://todaysurvey.today/futurism/apocalypse-then-dp12ik0dr3%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

I have been writing since I was 7. I love to write! Love Poems, articles about mental health and social justice, etc. https://todaysurvey.today/authors/sam-harty%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E So here are some stories I saved and believe me I rarely bookmark unless it really hits me. 1) A beautifully intense poem: Heather Hubler - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/a-subtle-dilution%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2) I could read their poetry all day long: River Joy & Celia in Underland - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/sense-5yx4a0ldn%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3) I must have read this 5 times, it was so beautiful: T. Licht - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/falling-together%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 4) I was honored to receive this poem from: Andrew C McDonald - He is a great writer and mega supportive of me! - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/heartlight%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 5) Thanks to Daphsam I now know how to write a Clerihews form! - Daphsam - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/holiday-clerihews%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

I prefer writing Fiction to practice the skills I have learned in courses. But I have been writing since I was a youngster. Up until now, here I have been waiting about all sorts of things. Sort of a personal challenge I started in 2022. But I think I should concentrate on fiction. Recently, I found Belle's Unofficial Challenge which inspired me to fuel up on Fiction writing. I haven't been able to become a Vocal Plus member, and thus unable to participate in Official challenges 😕 so I am really grateful there are members like her who inspires others to follow through. I am even considering creating my own but that would make me depart from my path as a writer, I guess my path is always full of dilemmas. https://todaysurvey.today/writers/dear-fictional-hero-an-unofficial-challenge%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Hello everyone! I'm excited to be part of this community and join the 📢 Raise Your Voice Thread. As a Vocal creator, I focus on sharing impactful and practical stories that resonate with diverse audiences. My recent articles delve into empowering topics such as unlocking income opportunities for Ethiopians through online surveys and microtasks, advocating for respectful maternity care for women, and exploring the best apps to earn money by watching videos. I’d like to highlight a story that deeply resonates with me: J. Jay’s 'Background Characters.' Their haiku captures the universal longing for recognition, and the accompanying art beautifully enriches the emotional impact. It’s a reminder of the importance of noticing and valuing those often overlooked. Here are my recent stories on Vocal that I’d love for you to check out and share your thoughts: 1. https://todaysurvey.today/motivation/online-surveys-and-microtasks-unlocking-income-opportunities-for-ethiopians%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2. https://todaysurvey.today/psyche/why-every-woman-deserves-respectful-maternity-care%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3. https://todaysurvey.today/motivation/the-best-apps-to-earn-money-watching-videos%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Let’s keep supporting one another by engaging, commenting, and uplifting the amazing content shared in this community. Looking forward to connecting!

I am Marie381Uk Poetry Influencer I write poetry and have done all my life. I love being here on vocal.media. Type in my name and read some of my work Marie381Uk here is the link to one of my poems https://todaysurvey.today/poets/first-footsteps-on-the-moon%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Hope you enjoys it if you do please like and follow me. It’s nice to make new like minded friends ❤️💕❤️🌹🏆🪶👌

A little late, but I am finally here, in no particular order: also thank you to everyone who has linked one of my stories, you guys are so kind 🤗♥️ 💖https://todaysurvey.today/poets/eclipse-of-shadows-and-significance%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E PAUL STEWART ((my comment: ‘How deep do you want to go Paul?’ Very deep said he, ‘ A time of change and evolution or devolution’ it makes me ask the question, what change am I willing to accept. To evolve or to devolve. I absolutely love how these words sound together ‘ lunar beau moves with danger’ it barely requires the mouth to open which makes this line sound soft and gentle. ‘reaction and even inaction, you are poised to make the biggest decision" I’ve had many days of inaction and that led to its own devastation. ‘Intimate and intense, I—"Intrigued…‘ this low key made me blush. 😳 ‘If you don't do anything different, you can only expect the same‘ I needed these words so much, thank you Paul. Loving the artworks here and this was deeply uplifting, it filled me up when my cup was half empty. So again, thank you very much Paul. A total masterpiece 👏🏽👌🏽🤗♥️ 💖https://todaysurvey.today/poets/life-s-dualities%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E MARYAM BATOOL my comment: See now this is the reason why I am so glad we found each other here on Vocal, because where would I read thought provoking pieces like these? I am sure there’s many more that I haven’t found yet, many besides komals and yours. But you bring your own unique voice to it, and that is what I enjoy very much. There is another person behind it, someone real, someone who understands, another spirit besides my own. Physics, although you said you are not very good at it. It made you a master at words relating to duality. Not only did you teach us some psychics, but you also uplifted us. You reassured us, you held our hands and told us in several ways that we are not alone, that it’s not wrong to ask for this constant line. I am blown away and when I am, there’s almost no end to my typing, but for the sake of commenting. THANK YOU!!! I would be that one annoying person wearing a shirt with these words on it, though that won’t honour your words enough 🤗👏🏽👌🏽 💖https://todaysurvey.today/psyche/cancer-fvarh045p%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E KOMAL ((my comment: Cursed with a blessing or blessed with a curse, I had to swallow my saliva with this one. Deep? Too deep but truly breathtaking. I wanted to ramble on to avoid this bit but… I get it, it hurts that I get it actually. Because that’s what I thought, if only I just get everything I dream of then I will be alright, but I am the same one crying in the corner two hours later. In the moment beyond being grateful for what I’ve got…I’m the one crying. I read your authors note and I am relieved this isn’t about you but aching for your friend, who it was about. You did a very nice thing for her, and that’s what we are here for as writers, putting things into words for others who feel they can’t. Thank you for giving her a voice, and for allowing us to watch you grow through your writing and experience what you are doing for others. I wish someone would stop chopping onions 👌🏽👏🏽🤗♥️ 💖https://todaysurvey.today/fiction/bloodstorm%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E SK PARIHAR I am indeed spoiled for choice, your cover photos are captivating. I had a hard time picking which to read first. For now, blood storm will do, what a dark title, I am intrigued. You make me want to touch bloodstorm even though I know it would burn. The way you described his body painted such a clear picture, it really added to the atmosphere of fantasy and the darkness within. Oh gosh, the misfortune has come upon them. No food, no way out. 😳 Shrinking? Now I am getting even more excited to see what happens next. Naira is such a pretty name. I am delighted that there’s marriage in the midst of all this chaos, it’s giving me little butterflies. I laughed out loud at the ‘laughed loudly’ bit why does reading the word laugh and hearing someone laugh, make us laugh? Oh what a mystery. No wait, WHAT?! she can’t be d- 😭😭😭😭😭Sk!! 💖https://todaysurvey.today/poets/i-love-you-i-love-you-i-love-you-hb2ma06nl?modal=open KANEENE PINEDA ((my comment: Wow, what a powerful opening, linking the parts that makes them who they are to the ocean and promising to swim that far, to explain the lengths in which you would go. What a show of true genuine love. My gosh, as I read to the end I realise your repetition of I love you I love you. I could feel the love, not just because of the words I love you, but because of where they come in. I love the rhythm in the words around your repetition, it brings this song alive and make goosebumps on my arms. How original are your words, they capture so much of what love is all about, in such a unique and pure way. I can't escape it's grasp and how it makes me imagine myself being in love. This was amazing Kaneene, and I am so glad I found this. You've got a new subscriber 👌👏🤗 💖 https://todaysurvey.today/confessions/a-silent-confession-forgive-us?modal=open NARLEY ((my comment: 'A love that’s steady and trusting, where peace isn’t a fleeting visitor but a constant'. ((( I love this line, it's such a great way to explain a lot in a little, it gives us a clear picture of what this relationship was like. You gave us a mini shock here)( 'To tell you the traumatizing moments like how I was taken advantage of.' )(But then you followed it up with how this pain is leading you to want the hurtful cycle you just came from, as a way to comfort yourself, but then you caught yourself in the act. This piece has so many layers, it shows us that if we open up the wounds (however uncomfortable that might be) it can and will enrich our writing. This was incredible Narley, it's a bit of a strange one, how hurtful things can improve our writing. And when things are going great, we have that dry spell of writers block. I do hope you're alright, you have a new subscriber 👌

Damn - I don't know why I can't get my times right for this. I cannot write poetry for toffee but I do love reading it - if you get chance, check out this awesome piece by Rachel Steinmetz. Her work is cracking. https://todaysurvey.today/poets/turn-their-backs%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Late ...sorry! Would also like to suggest Stephanie who has an awesome new unofficial challenge and would love to see what peeps come up with 💜 chttps://todaysurvey.today/writers/winter-folkloric-beings%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

We both really enjoyed Paula Smith's first offering on Vocal https://todaysurvey.today/fiction/for-the-love-of-a-kiss%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Hey, I’m Komal! I write words that dance, sing, and sometimes make you laugh-cry (it’s a thing). From poetry to stories, it’s all about spreading the feels. Stick around—it’s always fun here Here’s some cheerful praise for these talented authors and their incredible pieces:😍✨ 1. Maryam Batool: ✨💖 She is such a sweetest soul I've ever met😍 Life’s Dualities is like a poetic hug and a thought-provoking wink at life’s ups and downs. Maryam, your words are absolute magic! ✨ Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/life-s-dualities%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2. Caitlin Charlton: 😊✨ Christmas with Mr. Frost feels like sitting by a warm fire on a snowy day. Caitlin, your festive vibes are simply chef’s kiss!💖 Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/families/christmas-with-mr-frost%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3. Tiffany Gordon: ✨💖 In the End, the Light Will Ultimately Win the Fight is like a spark of hope in poetic form. Tiffany, your words radiate pure joy and inspiration!✨😊 Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/in-the-end-the-light-will-ultimately-win-the-fight%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 4. Cindy Calder: 🤗✨ Child of Winter is winter magic wrapped in gorgeous poetry. Cindy, you make icy days feel so warm and cozy with your words!💖 Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/child-of-winter%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 5. Paul Stewart:✨😊 Last Christmas Message for Claus is wickedly clever and spine-tingling in the best way. Paul, your storytelling is next-level genius!✨ Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/horror/last-christmas-message-for-claus%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 6. Laura the Writer: 😍✨ A Taste of Germany is a delicious mix of culture and flavor. Laura, your writing makes me hungry and wanderlusty—what a combo!❤️ Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/feast/a-taste-of-germany-10-traditional-foods-you-must-try%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 7. Verse Voyager: ✨❤️ Goodbye, 2024 is like a poetic time capsule, full of bittersweet beauty. Amina, your words always take us on an amazing ride!🤗 Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/goodbye-2024-jo2vk102mc%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 8. Butterfly Nation: ✨ Dua is heartfelt poetry that soars straight to the soul. Butterfly Nation, your words feel like a prayer for the world—so powerful!💖 Read it here: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/dua-tf290xiw%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Y’all are insanely talented, and every piece is an absolute treasure—keep ‘em coming!✨😉

Hi, I'm Sara and on Vocal I create books, movies, songs, albums's reviews, I talk about tendences, I do poems etc. I recommend https://todaysurvey.today/authors/verse-voyager%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E, she writes interesting things.

Hello everyone! I’m a passionate writer with a love for both fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy experimenting with different storytelling styles, weaving narratives that resonate and provoke thought. Having read some truly inspiring works here on Vocal, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few pieces that, in my opinion, deserve more visibility: (The Mysterious Gate) Where Truth Was Just a Peek Away! By : Maryam Batool

Silver here! Lately, a surreal poet, mostly a novelist. Anyway, these are the people and stories that I really loved this week! 1. Paul Stewart with "Frost's Grasp" which caught me and kept me. https://todaysurvey.today/poets/frost-s-grasp%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2. Alexander McEvoy's "Mannequin". Quick and simple but very thought-provoking! https://todaysurvey.today/poets/mannequin-bz1sw00u8%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3. Oneg in the Arctic's "to where the world leads". https://todaysurvey.today/poets/to-where-the-word-leads%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E which is just a masterclass in pretty writing. 4. Ellie Hoovs with "My Tears Are Always Frozen". This is one of those pieces that left me stunned by the creativity and the images she created. https://todaysurvey.today/poets/my-tears-are-always-frozen%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Not everyday I find myself humbled by something I read on this platform, but Matt did that and more: https://todaysurvey.today/motivation/you-re-going-to-see-a-lot-less-of-me%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Hi, I'm Maryam. I'm a poetess (At least that's what I like to call myself), and someone says that my poems would stay with you for a long time. You don't believe me? I don't either! Check 'em out to prove 'someone' wrong. 😆 * ***---If you're bored here, CHECK these people out:--*** 💖Komal: She is a writer, a poetess, a comedian, and a beautiful soul—an absolute slay. She is seriously so talented that it’s unfair to the rest of us 😆 jk. She is super sweet; Check her workout or you'll be late for work tomorrow! You wanna act like you're the boss; then read her new poem: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/it-s-damn-toxic%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * ❤ Sk Parihar: He's a young, talented boy. His stories are the ones that can stay with you. And I'm not even lying. You have to check him; Alright? Also, he's so lazy with his writing and he doesn't listen to me, Maybe ya'll can motivate him! New Story: https://todaysurvey.today/chapters/raw-thrill-before-the-end-z9141h02mc%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * ✨😃 Henry Theodore : He's a newbie. But his stories can take you on an emotional roller-coaster. Come on, you guys have to be a supporters, ok? Like good children, go check his work. His profile:https://todaysurvey.today/authors/henry-theodore%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * 🙌💕 Altaf Ali: I swear, he's the best POET I've known on Vocal. He is such an incredible writer. You wanna fall for poetry or for your love; He'd help you with both! If you love your dad, Check this out: His poem: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/ephemeral-testament%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * 🥰✨ Ema Salvi: She would make you feel alive through her words. Check her out! My fav: https://todaysurvey.today/poets/the-wolf-knows%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * 💕💕 Caitlin Charlton: She's love!! She dives deep to read your work and her words are ice-cream. Not just that; she is an outstanding writer. You'd regret if you don't check her work out. Her profile: https://todaysurvey.today/authors/caitlin-charlton-gv6f0u8f%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * ❤✨ Laura the writer: I know you all are growing old, but it's never too old for sweets and treats😆. If you wanna know about some of the most delicious sweets, check her article out: https://todaysurvey.today/feast/a-taste-of-germany-10-traditional-foods-you-must-try%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * ✨🤝 John Joseph (Aka Tales by JJ) Don't forget to read the tales of JJ to your kids before bed. If you don't have children, it's ok! You can read them too; 'cause he writes too well :-) 💖🥰 Dharrsheena, Mr. Paul Stewart, and Calvin London; You guys already are amazing and Lovely. (Check them out please, I know you know them already)

Hello you know me, here are my five recommendations for Top STories this week: A great poem from CZ https://todaysurvey.today/poets/crunch-e6ewr028i%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E A lovely set of words from Eugenette Morin https://todaysurvey.today/poets/the-thread-we-share%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E A winter fruit poem from Laura Pruet https://todaysurvey.today/poets/persimmons%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E And one from Katherine D. Graham https://todaysurvey.today/poets/the-beauty-of-imperfections%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E And finally a critique by Antoni De'Leon https://todaysurvey.today/critique/the-night-cafe-by-van-gogh%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

I highly recommend reading the stories of the following writers. 1.Sk. Parihar 2. Komal 3. Maryum Batool 4.Ema Salvi 5. DJ.Redall 6.Silver Daux

My third is this one from Ian Read A reminder of the importance of of support for each other, and the growth of his talent. https://todaysurvey.today/writers/look-how-far-we-ve-come-update-11-14-2024%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Next is this piece from Holly Pheni It took me back to those hectic snow days and every word resounded with truth https://todaysurvey.today/poets/welcome-jack-frost%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

I may have a few. The first is from a writer that consistently removes the filters and breaks my heart while encouraging me to dig deeper myself. The most recent is this post. Thank you Paul Stewart https://todaysurvey.today/beat/it-may-feel-bad-the-soundtrack-of-my-year%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">

Yo guys, classically trained pianist and Professor with a Masters in English and Bodily Functions, as well as habitual prankster and liar, Paul here. Seriously, I'm a dreamer who pretends to be a poet, an iconoclast who pretends to be a horror writer, a horror writer who pretends to...you get the picture. Here are my nominations: Compromised Revenge by Silver Daux, which is just a masterpiece, just just just yeah, read it if you haven't already - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/compromised-revenge%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E A Friendly squirrel? Ballad Narrative With a Shocking Twist by Caitlin Charlton, which is surreal as it is hiding some darker undertones IMHO - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/a-friendly-squirrel-ballad-narrative-with-a-shocking-twist%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Ghosts of the Mountains: Snow Leopards by Pamela Williams which is a villanelle that packs a weight, emotional punch - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/ghosts-of-the-mountains-snow-leopards%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Hereafter by JBaz is just a gorgeous gorgeous, real and genuine love poem, that avoids the saccherine shitola that normally puts me off love poetry. - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/ghosts-of-the-mountains-snow-leopards%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Leo in the Cold by Sam Spinelli is an intriguing and thought-provoking take on the Frosted Verse Challenge, which left me pondering on it for some time after reading it - https://todaysurvey.today/poets/leo-in-the-cold%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Bonus Level TS Awarding option - Royalty, Transformed by one Ruth Stewart (yep, totally my wife, so sue me), which is a beautiful take on the Frosted Verse Challenge. https://todaysurvey.today/poets/royality-transformed%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">