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Working on Me

Poetry by Tunisia Nelson

I thought I was ready to face my biggest opponent yet 
Me. 
I walked into that room full of fervor knowing that there is nothing that anyone can tell me about 
me. 
I have done it all, lived this life, hurt, abused, molested, pain But I have made it right I went to 
school I got a degree...two of them actually and will probably get a third, I own a home, I got 
married, I have a cat, almost own a car, a career 
I 
Have
Made
It 
So why do I feel so unfulfilled 
What is missing, I followed the plan 
The goal, to not be a stereotype, to not be stuck, to be better... 
Yet when I strolled into that room full of confidence 
Not really remembering why I started this journey, but knowing I had encouraged several before me 
When she said Tunisia, why are you here?
It was at that moment I experienced fear
I could not answer
I could not recall I did not know 
I can admit I still don’t know but what I do know is to be better
I have to heal 
To be free 
I have to heal
To live
I have to heal
Existing is no longer acceptable.

About the writer
Picture
Tunisia Nelson was born in Los Angeles but raised in Bakersfield, CA. She is a Social Worker for Children and Families. She obtained her BA degree in Psychology and went on to obtain her MSW from Cal State Long Beach. She enjoys the ocean (despite her inability to swim), spending time outdoors, and enjoying and learning about all aspects of being a new home owner. She is an avid writer who has just begun to share the intimacy that is her pen. Her poem “Start Mourning” has been featured in the Eunoia Review. Her poems "Hunger" and "The Question" have been featured in Iō Literary Journal.

Instagram: @NewNappy27
Website: Rarewomenofficial.com
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  • Who we are
    • In Support of Black Lives and Voices: How You Can Help
    • Book Reviews
    • Love Yourshelf
    • Reading Night 2019
  • Submit
  • Issues
    • Volume 1
    • Volume 2 >
      • Featured Artist_Mia
    • Tales From Six Feet Apart >
      • Featured Artist_Ariane
    • Volume 3 >
      • Featured Artist_Jiesha
  • Online Publication
  • Editing Service
  • Store
  • Subscribe
  • More
    • Contact us