Hold On To Hope

By Sierra James

Hope called, they said “wait a little longer”
I know it’s hard when the bad thoughts are getting stronger
But pause because I know you need to take a breath
I looked at your month of September and I know you must feel like death
For life may continue to hit us even when we’re down
And our instinct is to let the darkness come and watch us drown
But my friend, you are in control
Though right now, it may feel like you’re in this dark hole
So sit with me, take this moment, and think about what you have going for you
Close your eyes, only if it feels safe to do
You are here, alive, and existing with an inner fight
Anyone that has the pleasure of knowing you can see that you radiate with the brightest light
Though I know your light may be flickering with lots of inner and outer noise right now
Life can feel very loud and you deserve peace, which you are allowed
The thought of you being burdensome is actually impossible
For the amount of people that love you and care and want to help is very probable
I’m proud of you for surviving and staying alive
Because I know the energy mental illness can deprive
Hope stayed on the phone and said, “you still have time”
Even if emotional stability has been a bit of a reach and climb
It is never too late
For there is far too much greatness left in you to achieve and create

Sierra James Biography
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Sierra James (they/she) is a 26-year-old Black nonbinary lesbian poet, mental health advocate, and graduate student. They have been writing poetry since the age of 14 and regularly share their work at open mics as a way to foster connection and healing. Outside of writing, Sierra has spent the past several years working in the mental health and substance use field and is currently in their final year of graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counselling, with hopes of becoming a licensed professional counsellor. Living with their own mental health challenges has deeply shaped their passion for advocacy. Through both their poetry and social media platforms, Sierra speaks openly about mental illness, works to challenge stigma, and offers gentleness and support to others navigating similar experiences.