The Route.

The Route. | A photo by Melanie Jane | Wayanad, IndiaSubscribe now Chin grazes the neck Eyes scan the ground Head tilts upward A bridge before me is found. There is a route in which I see A route that seems engrained Rules and expectations there are known A defined future is arranged. Go to school by the age of five Learn the fundamentals of all things. Become a decent human Be involved and take the lead. Color within the lines Draw things that, to others, make sense Become an athlete or an a...

To Reach Equilibrium.

To Reach Equilibrium.

“This is for you.”

The Wildflowers Sway In The Breeze | A photo by Melanie Jane | Des Moines, Iowa, USASubscribe now Positioned by the pond Sat on the swing Writing in my journal Watching the wildflowers sway in the breeze.A trail not far Walkers pass by A child in a wagon pulled by his mom Says hi as his ride crosses my sight. Relaxed and enjoying Listening to the birds Observing the flow of the water Taking in the ambiance, seen and heard.He passes again Once more, a hi is received He smiles ear to ear Waves ...

A Message.

A photo by Melanie Jane | Spotted on the streets of Paris, FranceSubscribe now A moment A message Caught with the eyes.A pause An understanding Intentional grasp of the sight.Love Yourself A need Easier said than done.Free Yourself I am trying, though I stumble Am I the only one?Help Yourself A necessity I have learned to hold dear.How are the reminders that we encounter Helping us along our way as we are here? ON THE INSIDE is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support ...

The Mist.

The Mist | A sketch by Melanie Jane.Subscribe now A drop on the nose Dew forms on the cheek A heaviness surrounds As I walk alongside the street.Inhale; moisture Dense; thick The environment is blurry Not clear. Not easy to depict.Once up in the sky Today they are low The clouds are upon me As I walk. As I go.Have you ever experienced a moment A situation in time Where in one place it is rainy And nearby it is dry?Perhaps you were in your car Continuing on your way For some time it was chaoti...

Some May.

Some May | A photo by Melanie JaneSubscribe now Some may see dust Explain it as aged. Some may think Ew, what happened to you?Some may ask When last were you touched? Did you ever stand bare Was there always the rust?Some may be intrigued What is the story you hold? How did you get to where you are What moments stand bold?Some may see a fence Squares in form. A barrier or holder A glimpse of a greater being, A piece that has more.Some may see nothing of interest A scene you pass by. A photo t...

Up There.

Up There. | A photo by Melanie Jane | Freedom Bridge - Budapest, HungarySubscribe now The melody of the chirping birds Whistles heard from the passing air The clouds and their depictions It is magical up there. Seeing things from a different perspective Shifting the focus of my eye Looking up to see the world Taking in what passes by.Reflections from Budapest, Hungary.

Walking The Walk | One Year of On The Inside

Walking The Walk | A sketch by Melanie JaneA Note From Melanie Jane Hello! ✨ I want to take a moment to thank you for being here. It dawned on me this week that one year has gone by since I started sharing my creations on this site. So much has evolved and changed throughout that time in my life, but this space has remained a constant. It has brought me joy to write, draw, create and share. I appreciate you being here for that. For listening. For reading. For following along. I went back to t...

The Onion.

The Onion. | A photo by Melanie Jane. | Kolkata, India MarketSubscribe now Covered and closed Encased within.Bulb protected Settled in skin.Layer by layer Grown in form.Peeled apart With each leaf, a new story takes form.To the outside, one thing In one way perceived.Toward the center, do you know The reality of the?Will it be fresh and juicy Or sour and spoiled?Will it be what you thought Or will that thought be no more?As we walk in this world As we walk in this life Are we what they see Or...

Shining The Light.

Shining The Light | A sketch by Melanie JaneSubscribe now Inside she banters. Inside she sweats. Inside her veins pulsate from her toes to her chest. Inside she is uneasy. Inside she feels small. Inside her thoughts can barely crawl. Sometimes we are boxed in. Sometimes we cannot get out. Sometimes there is no space for expression, out loud. The world may say otherwise. The world may project different versions. Opposite. But the rules and expectations stand bold. Seen clearly, They are not mi...