Paint the pieces of your soul onto the beige-washed walls that represent a classroom but are like a palace stripped from reflections

^^^ stunning metaphor...seriously Maryanne that just caught my eye and triggered my interest even more.

I think reading aloud gives poetry so much more power and I also think if you were reading in front of a group, it makes them appreciate us writers more....your tone can be noticed, your emotion can be felt deeper, its just so much more real than reading it to yourself....

I loved the throat tightening, yet you don't have to worry because its as if your heart is speaking for you...I've been there, not only in poetry but in prayer.

This is beautiful.

Well done.