Storyteller: 100 Poem Letters

by Morgan Harper Nichols

The mountain where I climbed, The valley where I fell, You were there all along, That’s the story I’ll tell. You brought the pieces together and made me this storyteller, now I know it is well, it is well, that’s the story I’ll tell. –Storyteller [The Song] by Morgan Harper Nichols

Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide. Morgan Harper Nichols

When you start to feel like things should have been better this year, remember the mountains and valleys that got you here. They are not accidents, and those moments weren’t in vain. You are not the same. You have grown, and you are growing, you are breathing, you are living, you are wrapped in endless, boundless, grace. And things will get better. There is more to you than yesterday. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the highs and lows and moments between, mountains and valleys, rivers and streams, for where you are now and where you will go, for “I’ve always known,” and “I told you so," for “nothing is happening,” and “all has gone wrong,” it is all in this journey you will learn to be strong. And to get where you are headed, you are where you belong. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the lone tree next to the side of the house: I cannot tell you what will happen but I can tell you it will be different when the Light pours in. Morgan Harper Nichols

For “Courtney,” sixteen years old: Don’t be troubled by the mountain tops you have yet to touch. Like a tree, you will grow, not from the sky, but from the ground up. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the one anticipating what the rest of the year might bring: And if everything does not fall into place at the same time and pace, that does not mean the years you’ve waited have somehow been a waste. Keep planting, sowing, living, and knowing beautiful things take time… and that’s okay. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the open road: Why do we love the open road, yet simultaneously fear the unknown? Perhaps it is because the journey not yet taken makes the heart a little worried, but at the same exact time, we know we need it. We know there is only so far we can go unless we are willing to faithfully face what we do not yet know. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the one who is far too often left out: Adventure is not tied to who said you could come along. It is tied to the journey you’ve been on all along. Morgan Harper Nichols

For the one arriving at home after working overtime: If things didn't turn out like you hoped they would, I hope, even here, at sunset you can fall in love with the way light flickers through the blinds as it pushes through the most persistent of shadows. Graceful and intimidating movement in every corner of the room. Even here, I hope you will wake up tomorrow morning and unwrap each breath like the gift it is, and let no amount of worry take one breath away. Because in all of this, there is still more to you, and going through things you never thought you'd go through will only take you places you never thought you'd get to. Morgan Harper Nichols

who’s

Writing is a chance to speak to those who don’t feel spoken to, and put into words what the readers thought they were alone in thinking about. Morgan Harper Nichols

Sometimes the best way to get to know a city is to step out of its way. Stare tall at its cathedrals tucked in corners on narrow streets and say nothing. Feel the history in the languages coming from the bustling shops and taste the food as it floats through the morning air. Walk, talk, smell, see until you forget sometimes to take a photograph or to write it down because you were just too busy living. Morgan Harper Nichols

grace was the fire burning wild and unbridled in your tired heart.

More than she was known for her accomplishments, she was known for the way she loved. Morgan Harper Nichols

If you happen to feel small in this sea of rolling lights, this feeling is more than fear this feeling is alive, permission to be free, well traveled and well rested, to think a billion thoughts while at the same time speechless. Morgan Harper Nichols

Even if the wait carries on another year, I will not get where I am going without first learning to be here. Morgan Harper Nichols

Remember that time you smiled for no reason and laughed about something that happened forever ago? Keep doing that. Morgan Harper Nichols

Traveling the world is not limited to open roads and airport codes. There's a world inside the bounds of books far too often overlooked. Your library card is a passport too. Morgan Harper Nichols