In the third grade, our teacher read us poetry from a book called “Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein as a sort of “treat” to keep us interested in reading and writing. Being dyslexic and having difficulty processing most literature, the rhythm and rhyming of poetry provided a flow that resonated with me like nothing else had before. Well maybe, except for music. I think that is where my fascination with it began.

Two years later, my life had turned into chaos and instability, which I will discuss in more detail later. This not only disrupted my home life but also my education. Consequently, I rarely wrote poetry during this time. During middle school, we moved around a lot, which made it difficult for me to keep up with my studies. I struggled with significant social anxiety and often avoided going to class. Fortunately, I was able to transfer to a school that allowed me more flexibility in completing my schoolwork. As a result, I achieved high marks in my freshman and sophomore years. However, chaos, neglect, and instability resurfaced later on. When I was 16 years old, I moved away from home. A few years later, I obtained my GED and attended one semester of college, but due to my dyslexia, I couldn't keep up with the workload.

In 2019, I rekindled my love for poetry. It became a channel to express my fascination with spirituality, metaphysics, philosophy, and psychology.

Poetry has been instrumental in helping me to express the impact of both positive and negative duality in my life. Through shadow work, a self-reflective process that addresses trauma, insecurities, and pain with mindfulness and spirituality, I have come to embrace all aspects of myself. Dark Horse Poetry encompasses both beauty and love while also drawing attention to the harsh realities of humanity and feelings of sadness and isolation. For me, it's about being transparent and unapologetic about who I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

To my readers: It's important to embrace every part of yourself. It's okay to courageously confront the pain you've pushed aside and seek positive ways to heal. While we often discuss the power of focus and manifestation, it's crucial to acknowledge and address deep-seated issues that can shape our lives. I have faith in you and genuinely hope that my words resonate.

Tricha Sauce