The Unfiltered Corner of a Poet’s Mind 🤯
Welcome to the mess I don’t clean up, or plan to ever.
Where I keep the rusted parts of me:
unusable, unhealed, bitter, and soaked in salt.
This part of me leaks rage soaked in grief, unfiltered and always bleeding.
The love that curdled and the hate I never apologized for.
Not tied up with a ribbon; Not made for comfort.
The truth that is sometimes too jagged to pretty up for poems.
Step inside if you dare, the unfiltered and filthy corner of my mind lay bare…
Unfiltered Journals & Unpolished Truths:
You were not meant to find this place…
Do not expect clarity or grace.
This is just me, fraying at my edges.
I will also log my dreams here from time to time.
The strange, half-formed worlds I wander through in my sleep.
I will leave behind bits of pretty things,
too fragile to hold a stanza or verse.
A Warning to Wanderers:
You have encroached on my diary do not blame me for what you see.
What you’ll find here:
- Unsent letters to people who shaped my story
- Trans experiences too raw for polished poetry
- Grief journals about loss and healing
- Witchy rituals and spiritual explorations
- Dream fragments and midnight thoughts
- Everything I couldn’t hold in.
- A Two Day Creative Reset and Soul Work Tarot Reading & ReflectionMy 2 day daily tarot pull journal and reflection. The 8 of pentacles reversed and the 3 of pentacles come together and guide my days.
- Banned Books to Read During Fascist Regimes: Why Orwell’s 1984 Still Matters in 2026Orwell’s 1984 isn’t just a dystopian classic, it’s a lens on today’s world where surveillance, digital data harvesting, and government enforcement echo Big Brother.
- Trans‑Masculine Pioneers Through History: Power, Purpose, and LegacyExplore historical trans men and transmasculine pioneers who shaped medicine, arts, activism, and global LGBTQ history with lasting positive impact.
- TDoR- A LGBTQ+ History LessonHonoring trans lives lost to violence, remembering history, and resisting erasure on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025.
- Northern Lights Central Ohio: Grief and GratitudeUnexpected northern lights over Central Ohio brought a bright moment during a day of grief and chaos, turned into a small victory.
- Zombie Dreams, Birthday Ghosts, and Losing the Only ConstantSleepless nights, vivid dreams, and the raw ache of losing my mom. A reflection on grief, memory, and finding strength through writing.
- Four Years Without Her: Grief, Growth, and Letting GoFour years since losing my mom, grief still reshapes my world. Some days I breathe easier. Others, I fall apart. But I keep creating—for her, for me.
- A Lesson in Indie Promotion: When Paying Doesn’t Guarantee PriorityA personal indie author experience: paying for promotion, miscommunication, delayed listings, and lessons on advocating for your work effectively.
- Respect Isn’t Optional: Transphobia, Cowardice, and the Workplace RealityI’m not asking for validation. I’m demanding honesty. If you can’t respect trans people at work, at least have the guts to say it to our faces instead of whispering
- Four-Year First Date Anniversary, Autumn Adventures, & cute creationsCelebrate our first date anniversary with a spooky gift basket, Canal Greenway hike, Dupler’s Pumpkin Land visit, and finish with handmade jewelry solo time.
- When Silence Speaks BackSilence is both thief and teacher — stealing connection and growth while able to give peace, fear, and the questions that make us human.
- The Scar on My Shin: A Middle School MemoryA scar from 2003 reminds me how chaos, laughter, and pain collided in one middle school gym in Elm Grove, WV, and how memory never really fades.
- Why I Called My Stepdad Dad 1 and My Biological Dad Dad 2My stepdad raised me, showed up for me, and earned the name Dad 1. Here’s why the naming mattered, and why I wrote a poem for him.
- The text message that almost scared me awayAlmost four years ago, Kelsey texted me, “Catch a vibe.” What seemed like a simple reply became a spark. A small moment at the start of our story together.
“This Is Where I Put the Shit No One asked for. Yet, I still needed to say.”
-Axton N.O. Mitchell
Questions for Fellow diary keepers:
- What truths do you keep hidden from your public writing?
- How do you process grief that feels too raw for sharing?
- Where do you put the words that don’t fit into neat categories
Follow Poeaxtry’s Prism for more unapologetic &
unfiltered content! Like and share if this resonates with your own fraying edges.
Write your own raw journal entry about the truths you keep hidden. Share it on your blog and link back here & let’s create a web of unfiltered honesty across WordPress. Follow Poeaxtry and the Prism & Poeaxtry_ for more content that gives you permission to be messy!
Trail Thoughts, Hiking Hopes, & emotional Elopes Trail Wild Wondering & Ridged Reflections
Overview:
These aren‘t your typical trail guides. Each entry combines several elements.
• Real, unfiltered experiences on the trails.
• Personal reflections on grief, mental health, and finding joy.
• Honest accounts of hiking with me.
• Rock hounding discoveries and fossil finds.
• Photography from multiple states (Ohio, Kentucky, WV, Indiana, Michigan, NC).
• The emotional journey alongside the physical one.
• Accessibility ratings, notes, or comments when available for those who don’t thrive on rugged hikes.
• Video footage, photography, & virtual hikes for those who can’t make it for whatever reason.
Click here & hike alongside me, explore the places I love, share your favorites, let’s swap photos and tales from the trails…
🏞 Hiking Journals
A quiet corner for trail thoughts and earthbound truths.
There’s a rhythm to walking. A stillness between footsteps.
These entries are raw, calm, and deeply rooted.
Each time I hike, I bring back more than stones. I bring reflections.
This page holds all my hiking journals, written from trails across central Ohio and beyond. Sometimes they’re poems. Sometimes full stories. Always honest.
Whether I’m wandering sunlit fields, sitting by a creek, or hiking under a thundercloud. I share the experience as it unfolds.
Beyond the Trail:
The rocks I collect aren’t just specimens. They’re anchors to moments when I felt alive, connected, or even broken. If you’ve ever used nature to process grief, you’ll relate to these stories. For those who used it for mental health or escaping noise, these journals offer familiar territory.
Have a trail suggestion? Contact me with your favorite hiking spots across the Midwest and Appalachian regions.
Share your Xp:
Have you hiked these trails? Found healing in nature?
Discovered amazing fossils? Drop a comment on any journal entry I’d love to hear your story!
Know a spot where the rocks tell stories or the silence speaks volumes?
Hiking Posts:
- Sunset at the Newark Earthworks Walk Along Hopewell EarthworksWe walked about a mile along the ancient Hopewell earthwork mound at the Heath/Newark Ohio border at sunset.
- Winter at Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail – Trip TwoIn December I hiked Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail, revisited after Cantwell Cliffs in January with Kelsey and Kylie. Though, icy steps meant sliding butt-first back out for Kelsey, winter magic in Hocking Hills.
- Winter at Cantwell Cliffs – can’t be done without SpikesFrozen steps at Cantwell Cliffs made me turnaround, returning Jan 23, I made it farther yet the icy trail won still. Cantwell can’t be done without ice spikes.
- Flint Ridge Trail, A Winter Walk Through Deep TimeA quiet January hike on Flint Ridge, just under two miles, where ancient quarry scars, winter woods, and creeks flowing turn walking into listening.
- Hiking Sustainably in 2026, Exploring OhioOhio: state parks, nature preserves, city parks, arboretums, hidden gems. Trips to NC, WV, PA, Mi, & more prioritizing nature over flights and heavy footprints.
- Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior & The Upper Peninsula in June 2024A five-day June escape to Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula… we camped under stars, hounded rocks, scattered my mom’s ashes, sipped local coffee, savored shore views, and wandered waterfalls.
- Piatt Gorge and Raven Rocks: Waterfalls and Heart RocksHidden Ohio Hiking Gems: Piatt Gorge and Raven Rocks. Why going with the flow sometimes is better than the plan.
- Quick Pit Stop at CVNP- A December Glimpse at Brandywine FallsA detour to Brandywine Falls in CVNP turned into a cascade of snow-melt, this 60-foot waterfall remains Ohio’s crown jewel, even if you have a moment spare.
- Winter Quiet at Conkle’s Hollow: Gorge Trail Snow-Covered HikeA slow December hike through Conkle’s Hollow gorge trail, icy cliffs, silent waters, and a quiet memory of upper rim. A winter calm in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
- Early morning snow, slow steps on Robert’s Ridge & ValleyEarly winter walk on Robert’s Ridge and Valley Trail in Granville, a quiet morning of snow, ice, slow steps, nearby trails and hidden local wonders.
- The September Trip: I forgot Falls & Castles in OhioExploring a Lake Erie waterfall and a historic castle ruin with Luna. Picking up handmade gifts, exploring, and hidden charm in a unforgettable Ohio day.
- Beaches or Mountains: Why I Love Them BothBeaches or mountains, I love them bot for different reasons obviously. Hiking, ocean swims, and quiet moments in nature keep me grounded.
- Hiking Salt Fork: A Cave, A Summit, And a Quiet MindWe set out, climbed into Hosak’s Cave, caught the summit at Morgan’s Knob, and discovered how much of Salt Fork is more than just trails.
- A Saturday on the Upper Rim at Conkle’s Hollow: Celebrating Her Life, Finding New PeaksI tackled the Upper Rim at Conkle’s Hollow in Hocking Hills with my friend Kylie, celebrated my mom’s memory, laughed, paused for views—and topped my all‑time hike list.
My Hiking Approach:
• Phone (for photographing everything from fossils to ridiculous poses & alltrails)
• Bluetooth Tripod & selfie stick duo
• Hiking sack & First-Aid kit
• Smokeables & lighter
• Rockhounding tools (hammer, chisel, bags for specimens)
• Water & snacks (hiking hungry is hiking hangry)
• Friends when possible (for laughter, safety, and “paint me like your French girls” moments)
• An open heart (ready for both joy and grief)
What makes a trail Worth it:
• Geological features (especially fossil-rich areas)
• Water elements (falls, rivers, lakes for swimming)
• Unique formations (caves, ledges, overlooks)
• Places my mom would have loved
• Scenery & Overlook views
• A fire tower or large lookout to climb
• Haunted, spooky, or historical
Daily Thoughts, Prompted or not
Responses to Prompts & daily sparks: unflinching responses with a usually poetic twist
Not your typical prompt responses, they blend:
- Unfiltered & uncensored reflections on the prompt at hand.
- Not the average take: no typical boring responses.
- Creative experiments, poems, essays, prose, digital art, or photos
- First-hand insights into things like: parent-loss, grief, transgender identity, mental health, & much more
- There are ways to engage with writing prompts and with me. This begins from Day One through WordPress. It includes my own prompts and others I find along my way.
- Readers are always welcome to respond & continue the conversation in the comments. They can also make a blog post of their own and link back.
“Some Days the pen glides. Some Days it Limps. Both Count.”
— My pen is broken…
Axton N.O. Mitchell
Click here to write alongside me, explore my unique responses, share your own sparks of creativity if you wish
Welcome, stay awhile, & unpack some baggage
🖤 Each piece is a work in progress, some will land, some will miss. I welcome honest feedback: what connects, what falls short, and where it can be pushed further. Contact, Questions, Concerns?
Every insight, positive or critical, is valued.
Daily Sparks: 🧨
- How My Passions Connect in my Time of LeisureFrom Ohio trails and ancient stone to poetry, spirituality, gaming, and quiet smoke sessions, my leisure time is about connection, focus, and making meaning.
- The Stuff That Feels Like Life Slipping Right Back Into Methings that fill my soul hiking, rockhounding, witchcraft creation, making art from the earth, and chill Xbox nights. Why they matter to the way I live.
- Poeaxtry is where the people are – Practicing PaganismPagan once just meant “villager.” Discover the history of the heath, the truth about closed practices, and how Poeaxtry reclaims land-based magic.
- My Missions Creatively and Personally Embodying Change and DifferencesCreate and publish freely. Build community centered in care and inclusion. Breaking barriers in art, literature, and creative expression. Anti- capitalist
- Creative, Moral, and Queer Influences in my LifeFrom music that feels like poetry to queer elders, my mom, and hard lessons learned by watching who not to become, this is what shaped me.
- Political Views- And Changing As I Became An AdultI grew up pledging allegiance and believing war meant honor. Now I understand propaganda, queerness, power, and why my politics had to change.
- Poeaxtry creative expression: Poetry, Curated Collections, Freebies, Design, and Community CareExplore how Poeaxtry creates through poetry, digital magazines, short stories, visual design, systems, craft, rituals, blogging, community building, and more!
- Cozy Corners, Tent Retreats, and Hammock Escapes- Perfect Places for PoetryUltimate Poetry Places: cozy beanbag writing rooms, tent-camping nature retreats, and hammock escapes. For comfort, creativity, and focus. Bonus when quiet!
- Judging character? Exploring Intuition, Vibes, and Hidden IntentionsI trust my gut on people’s vibes and juju, but hidden intentions and context show that judging character is flawed, even when I try to read it.
- What I Know About 1991 the Year I Was BornBorn in 1991, I get a front‑row seat to the end of the Cold War, the rise of the World Wide Web, grunge flipping the world’s soundtrack (no wonder I love it)… and more that shaped the world I grew into.
- What Sparks My Admiration: Celebrating Talent, Courage, and KindnessI admire people who create, protect, and uplift. Individuals who are artistic, brave, patient, and quietly kind. Inspiration is everywhere.
- My Favorite Ways to Stay Active: Hiking, Swimming, Kayaking, and MoreDiscover my favorite physical activities: hiking, swimming, kayaking, and resistance training at home. Fun, healthy, and free from the gym stares.
- When History Repeats: The New Attack on Rights and Justice in AmericaWe once saw some history as a warning. Today, a convergence of policy shifts demands our urgent attention. This isn’t hyperbole. It’s happening.
- A Poet’s Reflection on Isolation, Freedom, and Staying Humanwho says I even want to go to The moon? No poetry, no land below my toes, no nature, no weed, no me. I’d rather stay grounded where I can breathe free
Prompts at random
Prompts from other places:
• Topics Covered: Social commentary, LGBTQ+ issues, personal reflection, media criticism, artistic explorations, transgender identity, politics, music, and more
Some truths only spill when summoned.
These pieces are born from prompts that called something unexpected out of me…
Questions I didn’t know I needed to answer.
Whether personal, political, or poetic, these writings are fragments of the prism I write through.
Feel free to read, think, or respond.
- Anonymous Aaron: A Short Story About Identity, Silence, and Forced Becoming
A literary short story exploring identity, bodily autonomy, and medical coercion, the first in a ten-part series released across multiple platforms.- Poeaxtry is where the people are – Practicing Paganism
Pagan once just meant “villager.” Discover the history of the heath, the truth about closed practices, and how Poeaxtry reclaims land-based magic.- One Selfless Wish: Imagining Equality and Freedom for All
A stranger offers one selfless wish. Here’s why I’d wish for equality, freedom, and equal rights for all humans worldwide.- Part Two- National Coming Out Day Reflection
Part 2 of my coming out story — discovering I was trans at 21, starting T, and living openly as myself on National Coming Out Day.- Part 1 — National Coming Out Day Reflection
On National Coming Out Day, I share my first story: coming out as a lesbian in small-town Ohio after graduating in 2010- Samhain: The Witch’s New Year — A Complete Resource
Explore the magic of Samhain, the Witches’ New Year. History, rituals, and sustainable ways to honor ancestors and celebrate the harvest.- Spell Jar Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting Intentional Magic
Learn the essentials of crafting spell jars: choosing jars, understanding colors, layering ingredients, using taglocks, and knowing when to open, keep, or bury.- What Do Angel Numbers Really Mean? Ancient Roots Revealed.
Are repeating numbers trying to tell you something? Learn how angel numbers like 111, 333, and 555 connect back to ancient numerology. Then learn how to read the messages meant just for you.- Witchy Moon Phases: Deep Dive + Free Printable Cheat Sheet
Learn the witchy meanings of every moon phase. Dive deep into lunar magic with a free printable cheat sheet made for your rituals, spells, and timing.- What am I currently growing?
Exploring the things I nurture in life from my witchy business to poetry and self-love. Growth comes in many forms.- What I’ve Outgrown: Shadow Work Reflections on Friendship and Healing
A raw reflection on what I’ve outgrown … from friendship and drugs to trauma patterns and self-deception. A shadow work journal about healing, weight loss, and reclaiming my mind.- Letter to the Sun, A Summer Gratitude and Request for Growth
A heartfelt letter to the sun thanking it for growth magic and long hiking days asking for strength and balance this summer season- When Do I Feel the Most Radiant?
Exploring where my glow lives…. in the water, on the trail, by the campfire, and in quiet moments writing with tea in hand. How nature and simple joys light my radiance.- Litha Sabbat Guide: Fire & Bloom Altar, Rituals, and Self-Love Spell Bag Recharge
Celebrate Litha with this complete witchy resource. Learn about its origins, altar setups, rituals, offerings, and how to recharge your self-love spell bag during the summer fire festival.
Want to explore more?
Visit Poeaxtry and the Prism’s Archive Cheat Sheet. Discover all post categories, with a blurb and link to full post archive for each. Then find every post in that category in chronological order.
