Author Archives: Vivienne N.

I Am Offering My Love (Inspired by Jimmy Santiago Baca’s “I Am Offering This Poem”)

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Growing up, it was hard for me to express my emotions, especially with my family. I was highly inspired by Jimmy Santiago Baca’s “I Am Offering This Poem” and wrote my own version of it, called I Am Offering My Love, as a way to convey my feelings.


I don’t have much to give, maybe I don’t have anything at all.

I don’t have the money to buy you anything.

I can’t wrestle with God to claim the Earth for you.

However, I have my love, and I hope it can reach you through this poem.

Thank you

You were the one who brought me into this world.

A world that has given me happiness,  

a world with you.

Would you keep this?

After I’ve thrived, after I’ve soared to new heights and left you, would you keep this?

Thank you

For so long, you were my lifeline.

I couldn’t do anything without you, and you stayed with me the whole time.

Because of you, I am where I am today.

Thank you

You are like the sun, lighting the way for me.

You are like a pillar, supporting me and always making sure I’m still standing.

Like a book, always having an interesting story to tell me.

And I am always willing to listen.

Thank you

On a rainy day, I remember the times we had together, and it suddenly feels like it was sunny all week.

I would remember all the times we would go to the park and eat ice cream.

I would remember all the times we went shopping when there were sales.

I would remember all the times you made me laugh.

Hopefully, you remember those times too.

Those moments with you kept me going during difficult times.

I know we will make a million more memories, because you’ll always be by my side.

So thank you, for everything 

Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edogawa Rampo

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Japanese Tales of Mystery and Imagination is a collection of nine mystery and psychological horror short stories, such as “The Caterpillar” and “The Red Chamber”. I’ve read this again and again and never managed to get sick of it.

Each short story managed to scare and surprise me. Edogawa added an unexpected twist to each of them that I could not have predicted. Every story didn’t disappoint; they were spine-chilling page-turners.

Of the nine short stories, “The Human Chair” was the most memorable. It left me with the feelings of disgust and horror at once. I remember hearing my heart in my ears and being so engrossed with the story that I had refused to do anything until I finished it.

With his imagination and straight-forward writing, Edogawa wrote excellent, disturbing worlds driven by corrupted human motives. What really disturbed me was how realistic these stories seemed. If someone had read to me any of those stories and told me it was a true story, I would’ve believed them. That’s where the feeling of horror comes from.

For most, the stories in Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination aren’t very high on the horror spectrum. I would highly recommend this book to readers that are just starting to get into horror stories, but don’t want to start off with a book that’s overwhelming. However, I think all readers could be able to enjoy this book just as much. Overall, it’s a fun read and is deserving of your time.