Poeaxtry's Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Tag: poeaxtry

  • Poem day 8/100: “Failing, Badly” – America the Blind- visceral poetry

    Poem day 8/100: “Failing, Badly” – America the Blind- visceral poetry

    This is my day 8 poem for the 100 poems in 100 days contest started on threads. Here I am exploring the intersections of political power, personal trauma, and societal complicity. “Failing, Badly” titled after the ending of the merry Christmas post on his social site truth social. This poem confronts the shocking realities of public figures’ actions and the collective silence that allows abuse to continue, using visceral imagery and direct language to provoke reflection and outrage. Content warning mention on CSA and Incest aligned thinking! Do not proceed if you are not comfortable being uncomfortable.

    “Failing,badly”

    I began to wonder

    seeing repeats of Donny’s

    “truth” on December 24.

    Radical leftists scum.

    Would if he’d stop

    riding our asses if we

    pretended not to care

    little girls make him cum.

    Visceral visual

    disgusting

    disturbing

    America the brave

    Where are they?

    Failing badly

    Or

    They transitioned to

    America the

    Blind.

    To trump voters the

    Mother’s and Father’s

    Of girls, who voted him in

    I have a

    Question

    How’d you vote for a man who

    publicly makes taboo statements

    About his own

    Kid?

    “if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her.”

    Admitting to reoccurring times of

    Bring up Incest adjacent

    Attraction

    on the tv screen

    Now cheer for your President.


    Did this make you wince, get pissed, or something more? Drop what feelings it stirred in you in the comments or even other things it reminded you about.

    Poet’s Note:

    I wrote this poem in response to the resurfacing of statements made by Americas first king that should disturb any human conscience. It’s intentionally loud, intentionally uncomfortable. The poem uses repetition, short lines, and stark imagery to mimic the emotional jolt of confronting truths that the people who could stop this, or care often ignore. I hope it sparks conversation, reflection, and a refusal to normalize abuse.

    “Failing, Badly” is a call to awareness and accountability. It is not enough to witness wrongdoing and look away. Poetry can amplify discomfort and force reflection. This I feel can be an essential step toward change. America must confront the failures of its leaders and the complicity of its change makers and citizens, before history writes another chapter of moral collapse. Notice each one is worse than the last as history progresses? We have got to do better!

    Share this poem if you please let it travel like wildfire and reach the ones who need to see it, feel it, or wrestle it. Poetry and truth deserve no quiet corners.

    All Poeaxtry Links

    Don’t forget subscribe to my WordPress updates & receive 20% off digital & 10% off physical subscriber only discount codes for use as you please!

  • Drici Amos James: The God of Poetry

    Drici Amos James: The God of Poetry

    Drici Amos James, DAJ2020, The God of Poetry.
    Drici Amos James, DAJ2020, The God of Poetry.

    THE GOD OF POETRY

    About Drici Amos James:

    Born and raised in the Pearl of Africa—Uganda, East Africa—Drici draws his strength from his indelibly rich, deep-rooted beginnings. His creativity is inspired by the slums of Africa.

    “Echo of the ghetto’s voice, embodying hope and belief for the world.”

    – DAJ2020

    DAJ2020 is an internationally published and widely read author. This multi-published author has been featured in various magazines. These include Figgi Magazine, Marika Magazine, and SSSIVANE Magazine. Additionally, Charisma Magazine, Loop Lite Magazine, The Style Cruze, and The Untold Magazine have also featured this poet.

    Self-Taught Creative Force

    “For Drici, art has always been a lifeline, a form of survival and redemption since childhood.”

    A self-taught creative powerhouse, Drici has established himself as a two-time self-published author, poet, model, artist, writer, and publisher. He is also the founder and CEO of DAJ Foods Africa.

    His dedication has earned him multiple awards. He has gained the distinguished reputation of being called the “God of Poetry.” He embraces this title with pride.

    Celebrated Works

    Among his most recognized pieces are the poems *Sex and Wine* and *Gates of Hell*. These were featured in *No Shortcut Magazine* and *Agora the Magazine*. Both received international acclaim.

    Upcoming Works

    – *The Naked Race*, poetry collection, released July 12, 2025

    – *Crowns*, poetry collection featuring mentor Dapharoah69, releasing June 26, 2026

    – Co-author in anthology *Bloodlines*, November 2025

    Creative Life & Inspirations

    “Through his work, he continues to share his light, inviting the world into his universe of authenticity, art, and pure vibes.”

    – The God of Poetry

    When not writing, Drici finds solace in reading, meditating, and listening to music—fueling his creativity.

    DAJ2020 Author photo

    – Follow the Poet:

    Threads Twitter IG Tiktok

    – Explore DAJ2020’s Work
    KO-Fi Emotions on Amazon

     Want to Be Featured?

    Are you a writer, artist, or creative with a story to tell?

    We’re always looking for voices to uplift and celebrate. Send your work, your book, or your creative journey to be considered for the next Spotlight feature. Email me directly poeaxtry@gmail.com with your spotlight information or send a form here.

    Poeaxtry is designing the blueprint for a future free of art behind performed paywalls.

    Poeaxtry’s Links Portfolio
    Ko-Fi

  • Respect Isn’t Optional: Transphobia, Cowardice, and the Workplace Reality

    Respect Isn’t Optional: Transphobia, Cowardice, and the Workplace Reality

    This isn’t a poem.

    It’s a truth that’s been festering too long.

    Just so you know it’s not hard to let transgender people exist. It’s not hard to let any minority exist. Especially at work, where the only thing anyone should care about is whether or not we’re doing our damn jobs.

    I’ve never once forced anyone to call me by my name or my pronouns. But Axton is my legal name. So if you wanna call me by my birth name, figure it out, babygirl. You’d still be too scared to say it to me. And I bet $100 bucks you couldn’t even pronounce it.

    I’ve never cornered someone, never demanded, never begged for respect. I don’t give a rat’s ass, honestly, but we’ll get to that. If you choose not to use my name or pronouns, that’s on you.

    But here’s the thing if you can’t show me common human decency, I don’t owe you any either. And when you’re a coward about it, I don’t get the same chance to return the disrespect, or the chance to be the bigger person and not act like an 8th grader who is in my at least third decade of life.

    It’s not even about the pronouns. It’s about the fake. The ones too scared to stand up and say it with their chest, who suddenly find courage the second they think it’s safe to be a little bigot bitch.

    They laugh with you, the “we’re cool” smiles melting into whispers as soon as you walk away. The stale energy when you walk in. The way they act like you can’t hear them. As if they aren’t obvious. Yet somehow, they never have the guts to be real about their transphobia when they’ve had every chance.

    I’m really not stupid.

    My ears don’t shut off when I leave the room. But your mouth sure seems to work better when I’m not around.

    You think I don’t know? Please. I was born at night, but it wasn’t last night.

    If you don’t respect me, fine. Be real about it. I’d have way more respect for the person who misgenders me to my face than the one who waits until my back is turned. Because that kind of cowardice? That’s lower than bigotry. That’s weakness.

    I’ve worked at a lot of nursing homes… some as agency, others as staff… and I’ve seen transphobia in every single one. It slides under the radar almost every time, even when you bring it to the right people. One place even had a specific anti-bigotry clause in their handbook.

    Yet when two aides started telling everyone I was a delusional woman who says she is a man yet “has a pussy,” HR never got back to me. I called weeks later and was told that “the problem” said everything was fine now. Sure it was. So I quit. I don’t have to deal with sexual harassment. Since when do we ask the problem if there’s still a problem?

    Someone always says, “Hey Axton, I heard this said about you…”

    Funny how nobody ever knows who said it though. Just a pile of whispers, recycled jokes, and other people discussing that I’m trans, calling me a tranny, or exclaiming “I did not know Axton was a woman!” As if they’re not just announcing my anatomy to the world.

    Let’s get one thing straight: you refusing to call me Axton or a man doesn’t change my LEGAL name or LEGAL gender. Just like saying trans people don’t exist doesn’t erase our existence.

    It doesn’t shave the beard off my face which, by the way, probably looks better than your man’s, your dad’s, and yours combined. Yes I see the hair on your face, bold of you to be transphobic with all that. (Body and facial hair on woman is awesome unless she is a bigot!)

    You don’t have that kind of power. You never did. Whose delusional?

    When you bring that childish energy into a workspace, that’s where I draw the line. We don’t have to be friends. We don’t even have to like each other. We are here to do nothing but our job. But it’s not hard to be a respectful person.

    And for the record, I’m no narc. I wouldn’t turn you in or start a fight if you said it to my face. I might buy you a drink and congratulate you for being the first one honest enough to do it.

    At least then, you’d be standing on your own bullshit instead of hiding behind a nervous laugh and a whisper.

    And that’s the real difference.

    I can handle a bigot.

    But a coward? That’s worse.

    Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about being liked.

    It’s about existing in peace while earning a paycheck.

    It’s about basic decency… something you’d think would be easy by now.

    So if you can’t respect me, fine.

    But don’t mistake your cowardice for morality.

    Because I’m still here.

    And your whisper will never be louder than that.

    I’ll be here waiting for you to say it to my face.

    Portfolio. Links. Coffee. Poem

  • Part 1 — National Coming Out Day Reflection

    Part 1 — National Coming Out Day Reflection

    The Beginning of Owning My Truth

    In eighth grade, I told my best friend at the time that I had to tell her something. Before I could even say it, she looked at me and said, “What, you like girls?”

    No duh, me too.

    That moment was my quiet entry into honesty. It was not a big speech, not a dramatic scene, just truth spoken aloud. I told a few other friends. Most didn’t care, one freaked out a little. You know, the classic “ew, we slept in the same bed!?” comment. In my usual fashion, I just told her, “Yeah, no shit. Doesn’t mean it was anything weird. Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I’m into all girls.”

    It wasn’t some grand parade or rainbow banner moment. I just stopped hiding it from all my homies.

    High School and Small Town Silence

    I grew up in small-ass Martins Ferry, Ohio. A tiny town, tight gossip circles, everyone knowing everyone’s business. I graduated in 2010, and there were maybe three out lesbians in my class. The rest were “straight in public” or “hush-hush about it.”

    I wasn’t loud about my sexuality in high school. But the moment I was no longer a student, I made my Facebook and MySpace say “interested in women.” No more hiding, no more pretending. Just existing.

    Family Reactions and Reality Checks

    My mom’s best friend was a lesbian who came out in the early 1980s, so she didn’t have much to say beyond not wanting it “broadcasted” to my little sisters. They were nine at the time. But my younger cousins told them. It wasn’t like they knew better.

    One sister said she didn’t care. The other said “ew,” but she got over it fast enough. Kids echo what they hear. And they learn what we show them.

    But there was one adult man, a friend of my mom’s. He was much older than me, always joking that he’d “take me on a date when I turned 18.” Everyone would laugh like it was harmless. I knew it wasn’t.

    Sure enough, once I turned 18, he messaged me on Facebook asking me out. I told him, “Dude, I’m with my girlfriend. I’m gay.”

    He flipped out, said I “lied” instead of just saying no. But I wasn’t lying. I was telling the truth, my truth. But he just couldn’t handle it.

    Looking Back on Coming Out

    Back then, coming out wasn’t about attention or pride flags. It was about not lying anymore. It was survival in small-town Ohio. And being honest even if nobody clapped for it.

    When I think about National Coming Out Day, I think about that moment in eighth grade. The one where I said, “Yeah, I like girls.” I think about every time after that when I had to say it again. Whether that was to friends, to family, to strangers who thought they had a say in it.

    This is Part 1 of my story… the first step in a much longer journey.

    Part 2 will come later today. It’s about when I came out again, not as a lesbian.

    Because coming out isn’t one moment. It’s a lifetime of moments: each one a little braver, a little louder, a little more you.

    Today, on National Coming Out Day, I remember that younger version of me. Who was scared, quiet, and honest anyway. The one who chose quiet truth in small towns where everyone knew your name.

    I came out as a lesbian first. I came out as myself second. Both are chapters worth telling. Both matter.

    Because every story of coming out whether it’s whispered, shouted, or written down… reminds someone else they’re not alone.

    Stay tuned for Part 2: Coming Out as me.

    When Axton first came out socially as transgender female to male. The start of a era
  • The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    Vacation

    It’s been one hell of a few weeks. I picked up extra days at work to prepare for vacation. All while I am still trying to deal with some kind of collarbone or shoulder injury. I hope to eventually figure out which one. I just got back from a great vacation filled with hiking, climbing, and chasing waterfalls. We also swam a lot. Those steps at Frying Pan Tower are still burning my thighs. Of course, I am already missing my sister and all the good times we had. It definitely ended way too soon.

    My drive home wasn’t boring, either. I stopped at New River Gorge and Hawk’s Nest. I checked out Lover’s leap and Cathedral Falls. I was drenched by rain, but it was worth every damn drop. The photos and videos say it all. Damn, I love those views!


    Creativity

    On the creative side, I have a bunch of new poems. They include: “This Part of Me Is Sick,” “Not the Sun,” and “A Reminder.” I’m thinking about dropping some of those soon, so keep your damn eyes peeled. I honestly have loads more that haven’t made it here yet. If you know what’s up, you’ll stay tuned for more Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism madness.

    Oh, yea! I’m hiding interactive extras in my E-zines to differentiate them from an E-book! Some things will even be collectible from zine to zine! You’ll have to check them out to see!

    Around where I hike and roam, I’ll be hiding bookmarks that link to free digital downloads. One batch sends you to PayHip, the other to Gumroad. They will each have a one time use code! It’s just my way of keeping the community connected, offering freebies, and getting my work out there! Check hiking trails and free libraries near you!

    Speaking of zines, Tethered Fury is out now on Gumroad and PayHip for $9.99. I haven’t put it on Etsy. I am mostly trying to continue moving away from Etsy completely after the Alligator Alcatraz fiasco. Right now, I’m focusing on PayHip, Gumroad, and maybe Ko-fi for digital sales and freebies. What do you think? Are the cool kids still on Etsy? Has anything really changed? Let me know where you think I should be selling my physical products next.

    Free Zines?

    If you want to connect, or if you need a free copy of Tethered Fury, check out my Connections page. This is especially for those with BPD or another mental illness. You can also email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com. Just ask for the BPD Free Zine code. I’m also always happy to hook you up with freebies in exchange for honest reviews or other indie creations. DM me for details.

    Thanks for sticking with me through the mess. I’m back on the grind and keeping things moving on time, or at least closer to on time!

    Don’t forget my two community collaborations projects. They will feature art, essays, poems, and prose from minority voices. Check my projects page or email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com if you want in or want more info.

    Much love,

    Axton N.O. Mitchell

    @Poeaxtry_

    Form to get Tethered Fury for FREE!
    Free Digital Collections for honest reviews.
    Links

  • Who Is Poeaxtry_? Authentic Personal Brand, Advocacy & Creativity.

    Who Is Poeaxtry_? Authentic Personal Brand, Advocacy & Creativity.

    Interviewing Myself: Who Am I?

    Q: What are you about?

    I stand for empathy, kindness, and radical inclusion. I fight for the right to be different and believe every human deserves equality and respect. My morals are rooted in advocacy and dismantling discrimination in all its ugly forms. I was 7 years old. I first remember my mom explaining to me why I shouldn’t treat her clients differently. & from that moment on, I knew bullying was wrong. That is truly sad when you think about the time some of you learned this.

    Q: What hobbies and interests fuel you?

    Poetry, rock hounding, rock tumbling, spell crafting, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, and so much more. I thrive in creative flow and nature’s raw energy. I excel in the heat and dirt; when sweat is covering my hair and shirt.

    Q: Outside writing and creating, what excites you?

    Swim, kayak, hang out with my doggy and the kitties. Witchcraft, reading, and playing video games.

    Q: What are you definitely not about?

    Bullies, especially adult ones. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, fascism. You know what, actually, fuck all phobias and ism bullshit and those who embody them. I can’t stand the cold; meaning the air and your tude.

    Q: What adjectives do not describe you?

    Quiet, boring, afraid. Just to name a few.

    Q: What don’t you want people to think about you?

    That I’m someone who tolerates inequality or doesn’t fight for the rights of everyone in humanity. I have always been one to know all humanity is equal and deserving I’d hate someone think the opposite.

    Q: What are your defining characteristics?

    Empathy, kindness, and the ability to include and uplift everyone. My loud ass mouth and my yellow ass attitude.

    Q: What do friends and family say about you?

    They call me hyper, loved, soft, a golden retriever, a good man, poetic, passionate, and an advocate. Someone who they can depend on.

    Q: What are your core values?

    Advocacy for policies that protect human rights, commitment to dismantling discrimination, activism, and honoring the diversity of human experience.

    Q: What causes matter most to you?

    Human rights, abortion access, marriage equality, healthcare justice, and the fight against harmful legislation as a whole. Ending the bullshit minorities are facing from Gaza to Ukraine and back to The USA.

    Q: Are these central to your brand and goals?

    Absolutely. I wouldn’t be me and my brand wouldn’t be by me if it weren’t. Would it?

    Q: What’s unique about you?

    I was a boy with boobies. I have a serious vitamin D deficiency. It makes me take a boatload of supplements. The creator forgot my other D too. So the struggle is real.

    Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals?

    Short-term: Keep creating new solo and collaborative projects, and grow my community.

    Long-term: Build a name and a publishing press that uplifts minorities and pays them fairly for their incredible work.

    Q: What are your strengths?

    I lead with empathy. While I hold space for grief, rage, softness, and transformation. I’m an advocate, especially for those who are silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. My creativity is wide-reaching and adaptable. I’m deeply intuitive. I connect dots most people miss. I build community in a way that makes people feel like they belong. I live my life with resilience, knowing I can be the storm or the calm sky. And more. Always more.

    Q: Is there one thing you do exceptionally well?

    Yeah. I take chaos and turn it into clarity. Whether it’s through a poem, a piece of handmade rock art, or helping someone feel seen. I try to take the raw, messy, painful stuff and turn it into something honest, haunting, and healing. And sometimes even beautiful.

    Q: What impact do you want to make?

    I want to foster real change. I want people to see me. I want them to realize, “Hey, I know someone trans.” There are more of us than you think, even if you don’t see us. Passing doesn’t matter, visibility does. Just because you don’t know every trans person is trans doesn’t make us exist any less.

    Q: Do your personal and business brands overlap?

    Completely. In more ways than one. I couldn’t think of business model names or my future platforms because I just incorporate all of me.

    Q: Why are you building a personal brand?

    To foster change, help others, and bring my authentic self and community together.

    Q: Are you breaking into the creator economy?

    Hell yes. I can only hope.

    Q: Are you building a business, a product, or a space?

    All of it of course. I have a business, products, and a space for connection and growth.

    Q: Are you creating a professional image to secure funding or partnerships?

    I hope so, but mostly to help and uplift others.

    Q: How will you create unique value for your audience?

    A: By blending literature, identity, and honesty into interactive work. My poetry, zines, e-books, and collaboration projects with meaning. I don’t just share; I connect. I create spaces where people feel seen, and remind them that their voice matters. While also giving them a place to share and a platform to publish on.

    links. portfolio. ko-fi. Payhip.

  • Top Surgery. Featured in Forever With Pride E-Magazine

    Top Surgery. Featured in Forever With Pride E-Magazine

    I know you’ve been patiently waiting to see what I submitted for my second-month feature in

    Forever With Pride E-Magazine 🌈

    And let’s be honest here

    me posting things on time? Rare. Mythical, even. Unless I pre-schedule (which happens once every solar eclipse or blue moon), expect delays. But the good stuff? Worth the wait. Or so they say.

    This month marks my second feature in what will be a year-long creative partnership with Forever With Pride, an incredible UK-based e-magazine that uplifts LGBTQ+ voices from around the world. The magazine is packed with queer art, poetry, interviews, affirmations, and stories that remind us we’re not alone—ever.

    🖤 You can read the full July issue here:

    Forever with Pride E-Magazine

    💌 While you’re there, add your email to the mailing list and get the next issue dropped right in your inbox every month.

    As for this month’s contribution…

    Make sure to flip to page 9 to find my new poem:

    “Top Surgery” – written in June 2025.

    This one’s intimate. Honest. Carved from real memory and reclaimed power.

    It’s about transition, relief, and remembering.

    These kinds of features mean the world to me but, not just because I get to share my words,

    but because trans stories belong in print.

    Trans stories deserve celebration, not just survival.

    And I’m honored to be one voice among many in a publication doing just that.

    Aside from that my core values always go back to simply sharing the voices of minority communities and giving everyone room to be their own voice.

    Let me know what you think, and maybe share it with someone who needs to read it or who would enjoy a queer focused e magazine

    – Axton // @poeaxtry_

    Links

    Poem

    Prompt

  • “Yesterday” Poem of the Past and Memory by Axton N. O. Mitchell

    “Yesterday” Poem of the Past and Memory by Axton N. O. Mitchell

    “Yesterday”

    A 2025 Original poem by Axton N.O. Mitchell

    I found my old notebook yesterday

    man I knew I should have throw it away.

    reading over the words I’d only written and never say

    somethings they never change

    a gut punch from the past hitting me full blast

    each and every emotion

    I feel as if the day I wrote them was

    yesterday

    thinking about the fact that I know not one of these people anymore

    is so surreal it brings me

    chills

    it is a different thrill

    I’m sure you don’t get this but

    those who know will

    and the guardian does

    Memo from the Author:

    Stay tethered.

    More stories and voices will come.

    This is only the beginning.

    Axton Mitchell's poem yesterday on a ripped tan background written in black and red text

    Links

  • I Am the Echo: A Transgender Memorial Poem by Axton N. O. Mitchell

    I Am the Echo: A Transgender Memorial Poem by Axton N. O. Mitchell

    “I am the Echo”
    An Original Poem by Axton N.O. Mitchell

    I am not the scream,

    not even the shout.

    I am the echo no one warned you about.

    You hear the bang, then the boom.

    You think it’s over much too soon.

    I am the echo

    of dead transgender men,

    laid to rest beneath markers

    that never quite said who they were.

    Erased at every turn,

    even in death.

    I am the echo that won’t let you forget

    names like:

    Sam Nordquist,

    Brandon Teena,

    Codii Lawrence,

    Arlo Huber,

    Nex Benedict,

    and so many others

    we’ve buried far too early.

    I am not their scream,

    I am not their shout, 

    those belong to them alone.

    But their echo lives on in my existence.

    In every breath I take,

    I speak their piece.

    Black background wrinkled with trans color font & trans symbol

    Links portfolio Hike
    Buy me a Coffee?

  • Free Printable Spell Template – Black & Gold Page for Beginner Witches

    Free Printable Spell Template – Black & Gold Page for Beginner Witches

    🖤✨ Downloadable or Printable: Blank Spell Template


    I made a clean, black-and-gold spell page for anyone who wants to write their own magick.

    You get the space. you bring the power.

    Use this in your grimoire, BOS, altar journal, or spell book.

    Free for all who need it.

    Posted at 3:33, for the curious and the creative.

    Axton N. O. Mitchell
    @poeaxtry_

    Black & gold accent Spell Template to use in digital or physical book of spells
    Free use spell template

    Check out my Etsy for specialty poetry and witchcraft needs.

    PayHip Free Download/Print GumRode Free Download/Print

    Be seen, celebrated, and connected! All Free! Submit to Poeaxtry Spotlights today. By form or email Poeaxtry@gmail.com

    Links Contact, Questions? Concerns? Google Review?