We are happy to share two of her wonderful poems below, “Because I have you, I can be me” and “The Sidelines.” Danielle recently participated in workshops with #MEAction Network, and her first poem was inspired by those sessions. The photo is her with WGI Mentor TD Mitchell in Washington D.C.!

Because I Have You, I Can Be Me

This experience needs a place to go;
To free me from the silence we all know

There isn’t a butt or because that is needed. Our bodies, our lives, our words continue to be repeated

This is our speakeasy, a hidden place to be seen. We sit together in our darkness radiating what it’s like to feel free.

Feeling free of the obligation of productivity… it’s that what defines my purpose or who I’m supposed to be.

To be is the question will I ever be enough? The answer is yes, even though our life is tough.

I can be me because I have this place to go, not needing the validation of what the world thinks they know

They will never know me or even see you. I will never need them sad but it is true.

I can be me because I have you.

The Sidelines

I’m sitting on the sidelines. I can no longer shout or Coach. I watch with quiet anticipation as you dribble, pass, and shoot.—-, suppressing my emotions that might trigger a flare. I don’t want you to notice. I’m just happy to be there.

I failed to hide my exhaustion. You see my posture change— curling up, hunching over— unable to mask the pain. I’m sorry.

My excitement is always mistaken for strain. I hope I’m not a distraction in the middle of your game. You never make me feel like I’m a burden to overcome.  

Our wins— are not on the scoreboard..

Our memories… mean so much more. 

I’m not the mom I used to be sitting on the sidelines, my silence speaks for me.  I’m sorry— the silence has grown so loud only you can hear it above the roar of the crowd.

I wish I could give you what I gave your brother. I hope you know my pride is my strength. 

Your silent sidelined mother. 

Danielle with her son, Timmy.