I am a 25 year old trainee lawyer from Rhyl; North Wales, currently living in Chester; England. I graduated from Bangor University in 2016 with my LLB Law Degree.
I am currently working for DWF Law in their Motor Fraud Department in Liverpool.
Reading and writing has been my number 1 hobby for years and I'm so grateful for the support from my friends, family and my partner; Daniel.
I am a massive lover of travel, tea, Disney and musical theatre! I hope one day to inspire as many young people as possible who are suffering with stress, depression and anxiety.
Currently working towards publishing my first collection of poetry and also in the middle of writing my first book!
What does poetry mean to you?
Poetry is a sort of escape for me. I suffer with extreme amounts of stress and unfortunately depression and anxiety - poetry is my way of being able to express those feelings and really speak out on the issues surrounding mental health, especially in young people. It's a way of reaching out to a community where everyone suffers and we listen to each other and support each other.
What inspires your poetry?
As mentioned above, I suffer with stress, depression and anxiety. The first thing that inspired me was when I was 18, I had horrendous nightmares when studying for my A-level exams and applying for university. My English teacher suggested I put it on paper. I then won the UK Poetry Library Rhyming Verse Competition 2013. I hadn't written anything since then, until I lost 2 grandparents in 1 week. That sparked a whole new wave of stress which inspired a lot of my poetry.
Which are most important to you: (1) joy, (2) peace, (3) patience, (4) kindness, (5) self-control, (6) faithfulness, (7) gentleness, (8) love, or (9) goodness? If you can, explain why.
Joy - because life is far too short. We need happiness in the world. We never know what's around the corner. We cannot afford to be angry.
Kindness - if we all put 50p worth of kindness out there, the world would be a much better place.
Love - there is too much negativity in the world. We need to show and spread as much love as possible. Build each other up. Not tear each other down.
What sort of things are you looking forward to improving this year?
I've recently moved house with my partner. I'm hoping to improve my mental health as well as his with this new beginning. More poetry will be coming out and hopefully I will finish my collection to be published on Amazon!
What is one big dream you have?
As a lawyer, my dream is to work in New York and also open a coffee shop/book store in Manhattan. You come in, drink tea or coffee, have a snack and read a book while you're at it! You can read in-store, buy or rent the books. I think I'd call it "Paper Trails"
Destruction
I don't know what to do,
I don't want to leave you.
Thoughts cloud my mind,
A disease waiting to unwind.
I sit staring into space,
Wondering about this place.
I stare into your eyes,
Trying to read your mind.
I stare at myself,
Don't reach for that shelf.
Destructive thoughts,
Leaves my stomach in knots.
Who will save me from this plague?
My pleas are not vague.
I don't know what to do,
I don't want to leave you.
A disease fills my mind,
Making me unravel and unwind.
A tight ship ready to sail,
Iceberg ahead. We've failed.
A cloud of deception and lies you are,
I begged. But you tore me apart.
I begged. I begged and I begged,
On my knees I begged!
Ignored.
Swallow the sword.
Raise the broken shield,
Against the sword, try not to yield.
I don't know what to do,
I don't want to leave you.
I've had enough of my own mind,
Keep that shelf out of sight.
I'll try one more time,
I beg again but will you listen?
Or will the eulogies be your final lesson?
Is it enough I'm begging on my knees?
Or do you ignore everyone's pleas?
Links:
Twitter: LeahvJones94
Instagram: lvj.poetry