In “Trannys &the ‘Tism,” the lines between satire, social critique, and personal identity blur. This poem challenges misinformation, conspiracy theories, and prejudice surrounding trans people and autism, delivering a raw, unapologetic perspective. With biting humor and lyrical cadence, it confronts societal biases while affirming that marginalized identities persist despite ignorance and fear.
“Tranny’s &the ‘Tism”
An original poem by: Axton N.O. Mitchell
Tylenol made me a tranny. But, it… Didn’t make me a tyrant.
If I had my way migrants wouldn’t need let in.
Since borders are reliant On the color of your skin.
Didn’t you hear? Chem trails turned the frogs gay!
They want to destroy national parks. They don’t care about pollution or Corruption.
Release the Epstein Files!
Five mass shootings have been by people who are trans!
How many from those like you? There are bad seeds everywhere!
Does your wife know you Touch children down there? Down stairs?
Autism isn’t from a pill or vaccine
It is not a disease It is not something that can be eradicated
Trannys and the ‘tism: Are here to stay! As long as people Like me have got A Say!
“Trannys &the ‘Tism” leaves readers with a defiant affirmation: identities cannot be erased by misinformation, prejudice, or societal fear. Through sharp satire and fearless honesty, it demands recognition of trans and neurodiverse voices and reminds us that visibility, truth, and agency endure, no matter the resistance.
Introducing “The Best of Axton N. O. Mitchell” – A Curated Poetry Collection
I’m excited to share my latest creative project with you all. It is a carefully curated collection of my most powerful poems. It is now available online for your viewing. This collection shows some of my most personal work. It is thought-provoking and explores themes of identity, loss, and relationships. The human experience is also explored.
About the Collection
“The Best of Axton N. O. Mitchell” features five poems that hold special significance in my creative journey:
“Wheeling Roads: Mother’s Home”: A deeply personal exploration of grief and friendship. It also delves into the lingering questions we face when someone important leaves our lives.
“TDOV”: A powerful piece written for Trans Day of Visibility. It examines the intersection of identity, community, and the struggle for recognition in a world that often seeks to erase.
“Transitional”: This poem challenges societal constructs around gender, examining the journey from childhood expectations to authentic self-expression.
“They/Them”: A celebration of love, connection, and the beauty of relationships that transcend traditional boundaries.
“Hands-Off”: A bold statement on autonomy, identity, and the right to exist authentically without interference.
The Creative Vision
This collection is presented with a distinctive aesthetic. Powerful words are set against moody, grayscale landscapes. These elements enhance the emotional impact of each piece. The visual presentation complements the raw honesty of the poetry, creating an immersive experience for readers.
Each poem signifies a different facet of my voice as a writer, from intimate confessions to bold declarations. Together, they create a tapestry of experiences. I hope these experiences will resonate with readers who have walked similar paths. They also resonate with those who seek to understand different perspectives of their own.
Experience the Collection
I invite you to explore “The Best of Axton N. O. Mitchell” presented by Poeaxtry. The collection is designed to be experienced at your own pace, allowing each piece to be absorbed and reflected upon.
Are a longtime follower of my work? Or you are discovering it for the first time? I hope these poems speak to you in meaningful ways. Poetry has always been my way of making sense of the world. Sharing these pieces feels like extending a hand of connection.
What’s Next?
This collection shows just a part of my work, and I look ahead to sharing more in the future. If you connect with these poems, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
How does poetry help you process your experiences? Which poem in this collection resonates with you most?
Spell jars, also known as witch bottles, are powerful tools in witchcraft. They combine intention, symbolism, and natural elements. This combination is used to manifest desires. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, understanding the fundamentals of spell jars can enhance your magical practice.
🏺 How to Choose a Jar:
Selecting the right container is the first step in crafting your spell jar. The jar serves as the vessel for your intention and the ingredients that will empower your spell. Consider this next:
Material: Glass is commonly used due to its transparency and purity, allowing energy to flow freely.
Size: Choose a size that corresponds to your intention. Use a small jar for personal spells. Use a medium jar for household or family spells. Opt for a large jar for community or long-term spells.
Closure: A tight-sealing lid or cork ensures the energy remains contained. Some practitioners seal the jar with wax to lock in the intention.
🎨 Jar Colors & Their Meanings:
The color of your jar can amplify your intention. While the jar’s color isn’t as critical as the ingredients, it can still add a layer of symbolism:
Including a taglock personalizes the spell, making it more potent and specific.
🔒 When to Open, Keep, or Bury
The fate of your spell jar depends on your intention and the desired outcome:
Open the Jar: If the spell is to be shared, released, or allowed to grow freely.
Keep the Jar: Store it in a sacred space or carry it with you to maintain the energy.
Bury the Jar: Often used for banishing, grounding, or sealing the spell into the earth.
Always dispose of spell jars respectfully, considering the energy and intention they hold.
Hexes, Disposal, and Sustainable Spell work
When it comes to hexes or any spell you’re releasing into the world, how you handle them afterward matters. Many practitioners choose to bury them in the earth, allowing the ground to absorb and neutralize the energy. Ideal spots are safe, natural areas. These can be gardens, forests, or anywhere that feels energetically aligned. It’s important to select locations where the materials won’t harm the environment.
Sustainability can also guide your spell craft. Ordinary household items like toilet paper rolls or paper towels make excellent biodegradable bases for spells. They must be free from toxins or inks that are harmful to the soil. I collect these for my spells. They work beautifully for energy release. They also help in planting intentions directly into the earth.
If you’re creating spells for clients or friends, consider offering a “green choice.” Ask whether they’d prefer their spell jarred or released in a biodegradable, eco-conscious way. For jarred spells, you can offer options for the jar type. This choice lets them feel personally connected. It also supports sustainability in magical practice. Spell work doesn’t have to leave a negative footprint… it can be effective, intentional, and earth-friendly all at once.
Crafting a spell jar is a deeply personal and intentional act. Understand how to choose the right jar. Recognize the significance of colors. Master the art of layering ingredients, and learn the use of tag locks. Know the appropriate disposal techniques. By doing so, you can enhance your magical practice. Remember, the most important ingredient in any spell jar is your focused intention.
This poem, “A Thousand Times,” is a heartfelt reflection on personal growth, identity, and the journey of self-discovery. It explores the desire to reach back in time to encourage your younger self while celebrating the resilience and courage it takes to embrace who you truly are.
“A Thousand Times”
Brave girl, you have a beautiful soul… brave little girl
y o u
are worth far more than you know and oh, the places you will go
I have wished a thousand times for the ability to travel back in time
to let you know
that w e
Made it.
You just had to give life a try.
Oh,
And…
Realize that you’re a guy.
That,
was always enough.
A Thousand Times encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and resilience. It’s a reminder that embracing identity, learning to trust oneself, and recognizing your worth are victories worth celebrating. This poem is both an homage to the past and a celebration of the present, highlighting the strength it takes to grow and accept oneself fully.
I left Luna sleeping at home, heavy with regret, but the call of green canopies was stronger. The air was thick and warm, hinting that whatever we chased would carry moisture, shade, and quiet moments worth the distance. I climbed into Skylar’s car, phone in hand, and we set out.
Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk:
Our first stop was the new Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. This treetop walkway lifts you 40 feet above the forest floor, threading through maples, oaks, and hickories. Hammock nets, rope bridges, and treehouse zones turn the forest into a playground for anyone craving adventure.
From the top viewing platform, you can look out across the forest canopy. The day was hot, but the shade and soft green light cooled everything down. Pets aren’t allowed on the canopy walk, which is why Luna had to miss this adventure.
Hayden Falls — Dry but Still Haunting:
Next came Hayden Falls Nature Preserve. This pocket park usually offers a 30-foot waterfall tucked between suburban roads. This visit, though, the falls were dry.
The overlook deck still gave us a view of rock walls and shaded cliffs, and the walk down the wooden boardwalk reminded me that nature doesn’t always perform on schedule. Even without flowing water, the cliffs and moss carried their own quiet weight.
Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails:
From there, we headed to Quarry Trails Metro Park to see Millikin Falls. The falls tumble about 25 feet into a quarry pool, and the limestone steps nearby make it easy to get close.
This is one of the few falls around Columbus where you can wade in knee-deep, and on a hot 90-degree day it felt like a gift. The park itself, carved from an old quarry, blends rugged cliffs with new trails, showing how land can be reclaimed, repurposed, or even reimagined.
Taken from in the water
Columbus Park of Roses:
We wandered into the Columbus Park of Roses next, within Whetstone Park. This garden spans 13 acres with more than 11,000 rose bushes. Even in mid-September, blooms lingered, their scent tangling with herbs and late summer air.
We strolled about a mile of pathways, breathing in color and calm. The rose garden felt like the punctuation mark on our day. With crafted beauty, balanced against the wildness of falls and quarry stone.
Greek Fries Finale:
We finished with a comfort stop: Greek fries at a small spot near Bryce Road. Crisp potatoes, tangy feta, and warm seasoning grounded the day after so much wandering. Plus I was near g starvation!
Reflections:
Even when waterfalls run dry, the land holds memory. Forest canopies remind you to shift perspective. Old quarries can transform into havens for trails and water. Roses offer the softest end to a long, hot day.
I missed Luna at every step, but sometimes the road calls you into spaces pets can’t go. Days like this remind me why I chase trails, gardens, and the little hidden corners of Columbus.
Ready to Explore Columbus for Yourself?
If you’re planning your own day of adventure around Columbus, don’t stop with the obvious. Wander off the path so to speak, discover the places between, and end your trip with a flavor you’ll remember. Share this post with friends and let them know where you’re heading next.
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?
Heritage shapes who we are, connecting us to the past and guiding how we see ourselves in the present. For me, my cultural background includes both Native American and Polish roots. I feel they each offer a unique perspective and sense of identity. Exploring these lineages has been a journey of pride, curiosity, and reflection, even when faced with challenges in learning about them.
Native American Heritage:
My Native American lineage comes from my father’s side, and it’s the part of my identity I feel deeply connected to, even though I’ve had limited access to family knowledge. My dad’s mother was fully Native American, but I don’t know the specific tribe or much about the traditions she may have practiced. She passed from liver related illness when my dad was very young. Also, if you didn’t notice, I don’t speak to my father, connecting with this side of my heritage has been a challenge.
Still, I’m proud of this lineage. I am fascinated by the culture, history, and values it represents. It inspires me to learn independently through research, books, and online resources, seeking to understand and honor the heritage that is uniquely mine.
Polish Heritage:
On my Polish side, I have a clearer connection. Both my great-grandmother and grandfather were fully Polish, and I had access to stories, traditions, and family memories that enrich my understanding of this heritage. I could speak fluent polish up until the age of 14. My “butchie” passed and for me that was unrealistically out of know where. I had not yet seen death. I think because of this I somehow repressed the majority of the language we spoke together.
Anyway. I am proud of the resilience, values, and cultural richness passed down through generations. From Polish customs to the shared family narratives, this helps me feel rooted and connected to a broader story beyond my immediate experience.
Reflections on Heritage and Family:
Exploring both lineages has highlighted how family dynamics can impact access to heritage. Some family members I know are not closely connected to older generations or to those who have passed, making certain knowledge difficult to retrieve.
Even with these limitations, I feel a sense of responsibility to honor both my Native American and Polish heritage. These experiences have taught me that heritage is not just about knowing every detail, it’s about curiosity, pride, and intentional exploration of the traditions, stories, and values that shape us.
Learning about and celebrating my Native American and Polish roots has been a meaningful part of understanding my identity. Even when access to family history is limited, cultural heritage offers a path for self-discovery, connection, and pride. Whether through independent research, storytelling, or embracing family traditions, I am committed to honoring both lineages and sharing the lessons, values, and beauty they bring into my life.
Hidden in the dense woods of Vinton County, Ohio, the Moonville Tunnel stands as one of the state’s most iconic haunted sites. Built in the 1850s as part of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, the tunnel was once the only lifeline for the tiny, now-vanished mining town of Moonville.
Rail accidents, trestle mishaps, and tragic deaths fuel the legends here. Locals still tell stories of ghostly lantern lights, apparitions of railroad workers, and even the lingering spirit of a young girl killed on the tracks in front of the tunnel in 1986. Today, it draws ghost hunters, history buffs, and thrill-seekers alike.
But Moonville comes with rules: the Moonville Rail Trail and tunnel are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Anyone visiting after hours needs a special-use permit from the Vinton County Park District. And for good reason, after dark, vandalism, crime, and suspicious activity are more common here than ghost sightings.
Egypt Valley: Legends in the Rolling Hills:
Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County carries its own haunted weight. Unlike Moonville’s claustrophobic single tunnel, Egypt Valley sprawls across thousands of acres of wooded hills and forgotten roads.
Its most infamous story dates back to 1869: the brutal murder of Louiza Catherine Fox by Thomas Carr. That tragedy, and Carr’s execution, are etched into local lore, with claims of ghostly sightings near her grave and murder site. Add in legends of vanishing houses, hellhounds, and phantom hands, and you get one of Ohio’s most folklore-rich landscapes.
Unlike Moonville, Egypt Valley isn’t confined. You can roam, explore, and spread out, which changes the experience completely. The biggest real-world risks here are less about other people and more about the land itself: getting lost, losing daylight, or stumbling into abandoned buildings or steep terrain.
Exploring Alone vs. Exploring with a Group:
Alone After Dark-
Moonville: Not recommended. There’s one way in and out, limited cell service, and a reputation for people hanging around in vehicles after hours. Alone, you’re vulnerable, with no quick exit.
Egypt Valley: Still risky. The vast landscape means you could easily get turned around, and if something happens, no one will know where you are. While you’re less boxed in than at Moonville, you’re also less likely to bump into help.
With a Group After Dark-
Moonville: Safer than going alone, but still subject to rules. Your group still needs a permit to be there past 11 p.m. If you do it legally, stay together, bring reliable lights, and keep a sharp eye on the parking area.
Egypt Valley: Groups can explore more safely, spreading out without being trapped. Still, gear and preparation matter. You need flashlights, charged phones, and someone keeping track of where you parked and where you’re going.
The Rule That Matters: Trust Your Gut:
Whether you’re walking through a tunnel, hiking through haunted hills, or just stopping at a gas station at 2 a.m., the rule is simple: if your gut tells you something’s off, listen.
Maybe it’s a man sitting too still in his off- car at the trailhead. Maybe it’s the sudden shift of silence in the woods. Maybe it’s just your own unease when you’re about to step into darkness.
Your instincts are not superstition, but they’re survival. Leave when something feels wrong. Turn around. Drive home. Ghost stories are part of the adventure, but the living world is what you really have to watch.
Moonville Tunnel and Egypt Valley both hold haunted histories worth exploring, but they’re not the same. Moonville is confined, rule-bound, and prone to sketchy late-night activity. Egypt Valley is vast, legendary, and risky in a different way.
If you want to experience either after dark, bring friends, bring gear, and know the rules. Most importantly, let your instincts guide you. Whether you meet a ghost or a very real person who shouldn’t be there, your gut will often know before your mind catches up.
This is Volume 9 of The Spill, the newsletter where I gather up recent Poeaxtry_ news. What I have been pouring into lately: the projects, the gear, the hikes, the collabs, and the small but steady steps toward building something lasting.
Twitch Possibilities
The Twitch space is opening wide with possibilities. Think gaming sessions, live rock slicing, witchy streams with tarot readings, pendulum work, spell crafting, foraging rituals, and even virtual rockhounding trips. Poetry readings will land here too. This is a place where all the threads of Poeaxtry_ can weave into something more interactive.
Revolt & Multi-Platform Mission
The Revolt server (think Discord, but different) is live, and it’s part of the bigger mission: being present in multiple places so no one in the community is locked into an app they don’t like or use. Our hub is meant to be open and accessible wherever you feel most comfortable, not confined by corporate walls.
Discord Makeover
The Discord itself is getting a proper refresh: clearer names, straightforward descriptions, and more sections to come. No fluff, just an easier way to find what you need and connect with who you want.
Gear Upgrade
Content creation just got an upgrade with a new tripod that’s going to make stream and recordings cleaner across the board. It doubles as a SELFIE STICK! A “gym bag” I found has transitioned into my field pack. It is loaded with pockets, clip-on options, and even an expandable section. Add an inflatable camping mat to the list (a masons type resell bin score, green and sustainable), and yes shoes! I got new Chuck Taylors that’ll sneak their way into a hike or twenty.
Fossils & Rockhounding
Lately I’ve gotten fossils from Sylvia’s Fossil Park and in Richmond, Indiana. So I’ve been cleaning whole plates and full pieces. The finds out there are incredible: brachiopods, trilobites, corals, and other ancient remnants that remind me why rockhounding is so much more than collecting. It’s connection to time itself.
Collabs & Publishing
Both of my current collabs are still open! Kelso Volume 1 has officially been published! On top of that, I’m already working on another solo zine. The momentum doesn’t pause here.
Adventures & Trips
Last week had been packed: Blacklick Sky Canopy, Millikan Falls, and the Columbus Rose Garden all got their share of footsteps in the same day. This week, I’ll be heading to Conkle’s Hollow in Hocking Hills on Thursday, September 25 for another stretch of trail time and inspiration.
The Spill is always about what’s moving, what’s being built, and what’s on the horizon. Volume 9 marks another turn in the path, with community spaces growing, creative work expanding, and small joys. fossils to new gear… carrying forward.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what I need more of. And not in the material sense, but in the marrow of my days. The kind of “more” that fills, steadies, and fuels. The kind of “more” that shapes a life worth remembering. It’s not about excess, it’s about abundance in the things that matter most: trails, laughter, waterfalls, family, community, creation. These are the moments that root me, the pieces of life that remind me why I keep pushing forward.
I want more Ohio winding trails, through forests, hills, and hidden ridges that still call my name.
The backwoods bonfires, with sparks lifting like prayers into the dark.
Then of course more s’mores, sticky fingers and laughter mixed with smoke.
Relaxing trips to the lake, the sun reflecting on ripples like glass.
That leads to more camping trips, with the quiet hum of crickets and the steady breath of earth beneath me.
I’m a sucker for a waterfall, tumbling like time itself.
And I could use more kayaking, with my arms burning but spirit alive.
I’d love time with Kelso, their presence steady as a compass.
And time with my sisters, weaving memories out of ordinary afternoons.
I’ll always want time with my mom. May she rest in paradise. Though, I am carrying her in every quiet moment, every place where the wind sounds like her voice.
I want more of these moments because they are the anchors: where the noise quiets and the core of living rises up clear. Trails, rivers, bonfires, and late-night laughter don’t just fill time; they carve it into memory. They remind me I’m not just moving through life, I’m part of it… woven into the forests, the water, the people who walk beside me.
I want more because “more” isn’t greed, it’s gratitude. It’s choosing to multiply the things that heal instead of the things that drain. More connection, more earth beneath my boots, more stories written in smoke and stone. These are the things that make the days stretch wide and give me the energy to keep pushing, keep creating, keep fighting for the world I believe in.
The list Continues:
All this make me want More sunrises on trailheads.
And then sunsets bleeding across horizons too wide for words.
I wish for journals filled, ink poured like rivers of thought.
I’d love a good rockhounding trip, uncovering pieces of the earth’s hidden heart. UP MICHIGAN is always on my list!
I want advocacy, protests, standing up when silence would be easier.
And More poetry read aloud, words stitched into air.
With this I need more community built, where every voice finds its place.
I love more time with my dog. The walks, snuggles, the simple grounding presence only she can give.
And time with my cats, their quiet purrs stitching calm into my days.
Who wouldn’t love more time gaming? We know play matters too, and escape can be just as healing as creation.
I would die for more time making physical products for my shop: witchy items, jewelry, keychains, and more. The tangible art that keeps my hands moving and my spirit rooted.
And more time on writing retreats, they don’t need to be fancy! I just need the only noise to be pen to paper and the only task is to let words flow free.
Spending time connecting with other poets and creators, trading sparks and building bonfires out of shared voices.
More more more ! Give me more! experiments, more mistakes, more chances to grow without apology.
Why?
Because if I’m honest, FOMO: the fear of missing out, lurks in the background. Not about the shiny, curated things the world flaunts online, but about missing the marrow of my own life. Missing the trails I haven’t hiked yet, the poems I haven’t written, the moments with the people and creatures I love most. Fear of missing the work that matters, the fire that only comes alive when I’m fully in it.
So this is my reminder to myself: don’t let fear decide. Let more decide. More moments, more presence, more joy stacked up like stones marking a trail forward.
Because life isn’t about less. It’s about leaning into more, the kind of more that fills you up without emptying the world.
Wanting more doesn’t make me restless, it makes me aware. Aware that life is short, that moments slip by, that time with people I love and places that restore me cannot be taken for granted. So I’m choosing more. More presence, more connection, more experiences that outlast the scroll of a screen.
Your turn:
What would you want more of? Where do you feel time calling you? Share it with me, and let’s hold each other accountable to seek more of what matters, and to build lives overflowing with meaning, not scarcity.
Energy is slippery for me. With ADHD, I don’t always wake up with a neat little battery icon at 100 percent. Instead, it’s closer to an energy reserve that ebbs and flows. And sometimes that spark is bright and fast. While other times it’s dwindling with little to no warning. I’ve had to learn that energy isn’t just about sleep or food for me, and it’s more about where my spirit plugs in.
Nature:
Nature is my primary resource. Hiking trails, creeks running wild, sandstone ridges shaped by centuries of wind, and a roaring waterfall at the end of a sweat soaked trail. There is where energy is recharged for me. In those places I refill in ways caffeine never could.
The Red River Gorge or a simple forest path near home becomes a charging station for my mind and body. It’s like a Tesla charging station I didn’t need Elon Musk to build. The rhythm of my tennis shoes against dirt, the press of cool rock in my palm, the sudden flash of a butterflies wings are all part of what fuels me.
Out there, my ADHD mind isn’t too much; it’s just right. It matches the chaos of leaves, the unpredictability of weather, the endless possibility around each bend in the trail.
Advocacy:
Advocacy also gives me energy, though it comes from a different kind of spark. Speaking up, protecting minority community voices, making space for marginalized creators. This is the kind of work that costs energy and yet somehow returns it at the same time. Fighting for change isn’t easy, but it is necessary. And every time I see someone feel heard, every time a voice long silenced finally resonates, I feel that flicker of fire in my chest. That fire is renewable.
Energy:
So, what gives me energy? It’s a perfect mix curated by and for me. The rush of ADHD hyperfocus when I’m passionate. The grounding pulse of nature that steadies my racing thoughts. The charge of advocacy that reminds me I’m not just one voice, and I’m part of something larger: a collective heartbeat that refuses to be quiet. My energy isn’t always predictable, but it is powerful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
