There have been a lot of dog food recalls lately, and a lot of dogs getting sick and dying. I know that what I see in news stories looks worse than it is. Most dogs are fine with commercial dog food. They thrive even. My own dog has been fine…

When my grandson was born, I weaned off my medication. I moved from Minnesota to North Dakota for a year and lost my health insurance. I was helping my daughter while she was in school and the Adderall I was taking for my ADHD was making me feel irritable and…

In all of 2020, I made exactly $33, and I joined in 2019. I’ve written about 2020 going down the tubes for me. I was trying to survive. I am glad to say 2021 has been a bit kinder. I am not getting rich, but it is still good to…

You spread your arms out
Lean back and fall
And I catch you
Over and over
Each time you sail
Less hesitant, less resistant
To gravity and all its force

Sometimes it takes more than trust
to make the catch

And I learn this
as my arms go numb
and my…

Like many other people, I didn’t start watching Schitt’s Creek until after the final episode aired. The show took home nine Emmy awards in 2020, which included Annie Murphy’s prize for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Alexis Rose, a socialite stripped of her money…

Joy rumbles like thunder
Off my skin
Through my veins and capillaries
My air passages
And all that makes me alive

After the heatwave
Paralyzed by the sun turned enemy
I welcome the storm

I could hear the thunder in the distance
Even before the first drops of rain
Sits suspended in…

I don’t always have HBO, but I had a slight case of FOMO, so I decided to get it for a couple of months. Among the supposed “must-see” shows was the highly anticipated “Friends Reunion Special” hosted by James Corbin. …

There is no sword as sharp as silence
The serrated blade twists
Inches from my heart
And will not let me let go

Every scrape stings
Like vinegar on an open wound
And will never heal

All I hear is your laughter
Maniacal giggles
Singsong gotchas
As I swallow my tears
And my screams

for more of the dark side try

Gretchen Lee Bourquin obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature/Creative Writing in another life. She worked in disability care, customer service, and education administration — and as a single mom of two, now grown, kids- before delving into freelancing as a content writer. She’s enjoying the opportunity that Medium provides to get a little more personal and put the creativity back in her writing. Follow me on my Facebook Writing Page, Twitter, or my blog.