A collection of my favorite poetry I've written throughout my life. A look into the mixed emotions of what it means to grow and evolve.

"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." ~Norman Cousins

Change is the only constant in life... even no decision is a decision that induces change. She was set to marry the Cheiftan's son... to rule her tribe as the High Priestess... to be the guiding light of all the lands... but a young girl's envisioned life never becomes a reality. Innocence is often lost long before its time and the cascade of consequences may lead to something far worse than death.

I remember that day all too well: the day everything burned to the ground and my entire soul was shattered; the day my best friend was suddenly my enemy; the day my tribe was reduced to a single entity- me. How do you fight when there is nothing to fight for? When you've become the thing you've been taught to fear your entire life? Do you cradle the monster or destroy it before it destroys you? How do you cope with the regret when the blame can fall no where else.

The only thing I know for sure is that this is hell. I never asked for this. I never asked for him. I never asked for power. I never asked for responsibility... or death.... or fear ... but this is real.

This is very real.

A note to the reader:

This story is a reboot of Cradled, a story that has long played out in my mind and weighed heavily on my heart. I started writing Cradled over a year ago, but life got in the way of my passion and it fizzled away. Looking back on it, the story still ignites the fires of suspense and keeps even me, its writer, hooked. It is because of this I will be giving that story another chance to come alive. It took years to manifest the characters, story, and plot, and it is far too good to just let it go. I will be leaving the original work up for anyone who is curious about changes I am making to the story, or if anyone wants to compare my writing styles.

From the bottom of my heart, I hope my world will speak to you, my characters will move you, and my plot will keep you hooked. But most of all, I hope you enjoy it.

"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." ~Norman Cousins

~ Zora

A girl, tormented by war, attempts to escape the excitement of life, only to be haunted by tragic events from her past, an unthinkable guilt, and a killer with an insatiable desire leading to an explosive ending in the Crescent City.​

DISCLAIMER: For mature audiences only.  This story may contain violence, sex, explosions, heartbreak, catastrophe, drugs, and at times may compel you to laugh, cry, hug a random stranger, or throw your reading device across the room.  You have been warned.

Recommended Soundtrack:

Prologue:  Fire Down BelowFire Down Below - Bob Segerhttp://youtu.be/eJNxlG-0ZDk

PART I

Chapter 1:  Blue Moon BayBlue in Green - Miles Davishttp://youtu.be/PoPL7BExSQU

Chapter 2:  Buried PleasureSixteen - The Heavyhttp://youtu.be/yfB_sT3mHHo

Chapter 3:  Three Tears of AbsintheTom Sawyer - Rushhttp://youtu.be/auLBLk4ibAk

Chapter 4:  Locus ObscuraHeaven on a Half Shell - Jeff Naideauhttp://youtu.be/AZo-isDzZow

Chapter 5:  Crescent City RainKilling Me Softly - The Fugeeshttp://youtu.be/69VrOmd7qNc

Chapter 6:  Between the Devil...Train Ride - Juzzie Smithhttp://youtu.be/4J23ysR3jXc

Chapter 7:  ...And the Deep Blue SeeBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea - XYLOhttp://youtu.be/xfaHZXWV0g8

Chapter 8:  Beneath the UnderdogSummer Solstice Blues - Beneath the Underdoghttp://youtu.be/36_ZToEfeQQ

PART II

Chapter 9:  Into the Fire (Remy)Walking on the Sun - Smashmouthhttp://youtu.be/LQj--Kjn0z8

Chapter 10:  Into the Dark (AO3 Vincent)Sail - AWOLNationhttp://youtu.be/tgIqecROs5M

Chapter 11:  Seven Steps to Heaven (Wren)Seven Steps to Heaven - Cassandra Wilsonhttp://youtu.be/L9KC0yu1lIw

Chapter 12:  TBD (Sage)The Kill - 30 Seconds to Marshttp://youtu.be/8yvGCAvOAfM

Chapter 13:  TBD (Malik)Soul Serenade - Aretha Franklinhttp://youtu.be/gMtgdemz-Lc

Chapter 14:  TBD (Detective Archar)Way Down We Go - Kaleohttp://youtu.be/0-7IHOXkiV8

Chapter 15:  TBD (Arya)Kill of the Night (Acoustic) - Gin Wigmorehttp://youtu.be/WwZkk3oLmho

Chapter 16:  Prelude to a Kiss (Tori)Love Child - Mongohttp://youtu.be/pDosYDZoks8