Greetings! I began my writing career in 2015 following the death of my beloved mother. The lessons and world views she instilled during my life as I grew and developed maintain a strong thematic presence throughout much of what I write. Her emphasis on the importance of love, kindness, and concern for all is the primary influence behind my material focusing on occasionally uncomfortable topics like emotional vulnerability, abuse, and existentialism. It isn't all mopey, though - I do like to let the hair down and writing about the fun things in life. Like owning an adorable dog that has enormous, "I just saw a ghost" eyes, for instance. While I use this website predominantly for hosting poetry and/or thought pieces, my primary commercially-marketed project is a sci-fi/fantasy series of novels which I originally self-published. The first is titled Continuity and was published in 2016. A sequel, Continuity: Coalescence, was released two years later. I'm thankful to say both were recently picked up by a traditional publisher, Wild Ink Publishing that will be releasing one, consolidated version of both in December 2024. Announcements on this moving forward will also be posted here. As far as the rest, I'm an ex-Vanderbilt baseball player (c/o '09) with a degree in Economics & Corporate Strategy who is ironically trying to forging a career that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with either of those things. Before my scribbles began, I was an insurance agent for the better part of a decade. Other than that, I enjoy simple living along with my aforementioned co-author, Pip the Pekingese! Thank you for visiting the website. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I look forward to connecting with any and all. No matter who you are or what you believe, you are warmly welcome! M.E. Shao
Little dogs, they puzzle me They think they are so tough They say all day that “I don’t bark!” “No I don’t bark, I ruff!” Hmm, okay, if so you say I guess you sure are tough But when that German Shepherd howls I bet you’ve had enough “Yeah right! Watch this!” “I’ll out-bark him!” … More Little Dogs
I wish I may, I wish I might Find beauty in a star tonight One that glances, as it dances To my heart and heals its plight Shining, seeking all alone Eyes on skies, not on a phone I wish I may, I wish I might Hold onto her hand, tonight Visit here, take trips … More Laissez-Faire
Tardigrade tardigrade I wish I knew how you were made If I did I’d have a kid and mix it with your DNA You live in places fancy You live in places neat You live in cold conditions You even live in heat Tardigrade tardigrade Help me with this barricade I’ve made a lock so … More Tardigrade, Tardigrade
I know you’re having second thoughts about some things you thought you knew And that you maybe want a break because you need to think things through Understand I get it, love, but if you’ll grant me this one chance I’d like to try to ease your mind considering the circumstance Love in life worth … More Worry Not, We’ll Work it Out
********** Important Disclaimer This poem addresses depression, and more specifically, suicide. It is meant only as an expression of art, and should not be taken in any real-life context. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, there are many resources that can help. National Suicide Prevention # 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ********** Wish I wish I … More Wish
Majestic Mr Baxter He’s back, and don’t you know His paws, they hide in this car ride As he waits to steal the show See, we’ve discussed how we must trust This pup, for up is down And backwards god is dog, I say When written in this town Some may scoff, but they’re just … More I Heard That!
I pen through pain so much it seems, write on my regret I mull my mind for cheerful lines but sometimes these are all I get I see the light, it’s there I know; still slightly out of reach Forging forward on this path to practice what I preach Perhaps Pain is my jailer, yet … More Mindful Masochist
“Come see me,” said the mother To the daughter, on the phone “I will,” the daughter told the mother “It’s just the timings off, you know?” Two weeks later, ‘twas a man A drunkard in his car He hit the mother, going ninety With the daughter still afar A final image met Mom’s eye Trapped … More Tomorrow
Tiny little minnow, floating during day Tiny little minnow, wassat I hear you say? Tiny little minnow, soaking up the sun Tiny little minnow, having so much fun! I watch from high up in the sky, is it a her or is it him? I cannot tell, why? Oh well, I have not seen it … More Tiny Little –
Well, the short answer is probably that most folks who suggest such things get offed quicker than Princess Peach on Super Smash Brothers. But honestly, the dialogue does deserve some attention. See, human civilization has basically been one never-ending experiment. We tend to view the world from the lens in which we’ve been given, but … More Why Isn’t This Being Discussed More?
How the World Should Work 