« Brooke Strickland » Birthday Bare—exposed to a Ruthless world Demanding the attention Of an affectionate being I breathe— Then release a wail Voicing the ache of Leaving a sheltered domain Severed cord—the world I once knew—no longer mine Hands enfold I’m wrapped in a mantle of warmth My undried eyes Capture the magnificence Of a new dwelling— A prelude to existence Brooke Strickland resides in Vancouver, Washington with her husband and their two pugs, Zeke and Scarlet. In her free time, she enjoys spending time reading fiction literature of all kinds, cooking and playing the piano. She has been writing since she was seven years old and just recently started writing poetry. She hopes to one day work as an editor.