Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hill Apartments!
This week, we will have no featured story or poem as it is Mother’s Day weekend. The writers and ladies of Valley Hills Apartments Series pray that you have a blessed and beautiful Mother’s Day.
Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hill Apartments!
A Poem for a Flower
Written by Tannika Nikeya
Hello, I am Rose. I moved to Valley Hills Apartments last year. In the middle of the night, I found myself hauling in bags of all I had managed to quietly take with me. And it wasn’t much at all.
Today, I sit here by my kitchen window, slowly sipping my hot chamomile tea. My eyes follow a cardinal, happily chirping along a tree, and then drift to a soft white flower sitting alone amidst the grass. I exhale a long sigh.
I wonder if the flower is lonely, like I had been.
I had once sat alone just as quiet as that little flower—but brokenhearted and lonely. I endured gaslighting and chaos, and felt every petal of my soul being stripped away until I became a shadow of myself.
But as I sit here in my kitchen, something shifts.
I begin to write a letter to a flower…
from the depths of my heart.
In the backyard all alone
Sitting in the mud and dirt
Among rocks and stone
Your leaves withered, withdrawn
Wishing you were placed
On a manicured lawn
The acknowledgments, the daily sustenance
You once received
Have dried up like your leaves
Your wardrobe is dull—renewal must begin within
You may not be the prettiest flower
Feeling like you are about to break, not just bend, in the wind
How long will you wait
For someone to water you to grow
To tell you to soar
To give you value
Just because they walked through nature’s door?
Stand tall—get up on your feet
Encourage yourself
Stretch in hope
You’ve got goals to meet
Air to breathe
Rooms to impact
You don’t have to shrink
Let the sunlight hit your face
And take your joy back
Your worth is not predicated
On what they say, see, or do
No one can validate
Or invalidate you
You’ve known seasons of hiding
Of feeling like you died
Until the true Lover of your soul
Breathed—and brought you back alive
You’ve lost hope
Wanted to run away
But you learned to be still
When noise and storms surrounded you
He quieted you and you began to heal
They said you had no value
Said you wouldn’t last long
Said other flowers were prettier
And although you felt weak, you remained strong
The trees whispered about you;
They gave you a different type of shade,
Shifted their leaves so the heat can make you weary and fade
But you are not doomed
Look up to heaven
Receive your true Lover’s grace to bloom
It’s not over
Life is just starting
He stays close
To the brokenhearted
Each day you rise—just walk
At your pace
Wipe your face
Rest… yield
Dance in the field
And brighten the day
Let the birds see your resilience in every way.
They may stop to admire you
Take in your view
But remember who you are
Deep within you
Some may try to pluck you
Or take you along
But stay rooted
Remain where you belong
Even when others walk away
Stand still; know you’re divine
Humble posture
Fearfully and wonderfully made
You are His design
Continue to grow in His perfect time
Sis, there is courage within you.
See yourself the way God does.
Your worth is not determined by others.
He deemed you worthy before He placed you in your mother’s womb.
So show up today… and begin to bloom.
Contributing Video: https://youtu.be/sJ5Us3_T7yU
Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hill Apartments!
The Diva pt 1
Written by Saneatra Polk
Jas Monroe closed her eyes and replayed the memory of her husband leaning in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. For a moment, she could smell his cologne, feel the warmth of him.
Then the water turned cold.
Reality snapped back fast. Jas stood alone in a shower that couldn’t even hold its heat, staring up at the same popcorn ceiling she used to pray her way out of. She had seen the world, lived in luxury and somehow landed right back at Valley Hills Apartments.
She cried, “God, why am I back?”
She wrapped her robe tight and stormed into the hallway.
“Excuse me, have you seen the maintenance man?”
The woman posting a flyer turned, studying her. Head tilted as she was trying to recall something. “Diva?”
Jas blinked. No one had called her that in years.
“I’m Tanya,” the woman said, smiling like she’d just solved a puzzle. “Saw you pull up—black car, big coat, all that hair. I said, yeah, she a diva. But you live here?”
Jas recognized the woman from decades ago. Tanya and her family lived in 3B. Same eyes. Same voice. Same building.
“Yeah,” Jas said, quieter this time.
Tanya handed her the flyer. “The landlord was the maintenance man and we haven’t seen or heard from him in months. The building is falling apart and we’re organizing.”
Jas took it, avoiding her gaze, and slipped back inside her apartment.
There were boxes everywhere. She opened one at random. It had her husband’s navy blue khakis and matching navy blue button up shirt in it. A man who built millions and lived simply. A man who would hate what this place had become and what she had done trying to outrun grief.
She didn’t come back to Valley Hills by choice.
But as she looked around, something shifted. The question wasn’t echoing anymore—it was answered.
Jas stood, gripping the flyer.
“Okay,” she said softly. “I understand.”
Tonight, she would tell them everything.
She wasn’t just back.
She was here to rebuild.
Sis, stay tuned for pt 2! If you are enjoying this series so far, please like, share, and subscribe.
Video Snippet: https://youtube.com/shorts/p10TD4nrark?si=lej0vJCTTd0BYXFV
Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hill Apartments!
Sleeping With My Sister’s Man
Written by Deandrea Moore
Her name was Carmen. She was beautiful on the outside and in–a homegirl to men and women. Men found her attractive and intriguing, but never knew what to do with her, so they always opted for the route of using her. They treated her like a shiny trophy, something to be won and placed on a shelf to collect dust. A thing that’s value was wrapped in bragging rights. Carmen had a habit of being picky while simultaneously being an expert in picking wrong. It was something she had down to a science. It was like they had a sixth sense that let them know that she didn’t really value herself or have high standards. Although, she was a master of ‘faking it til you make it.’
So here comes this guy showing interest in her and at first Carmen plays it cool, hard to get. She tries to ignore him and mind her own business. He’s persistent, cool, and collected. So he not only catches, but holds her attention. This was a big deal considering sometimes her attention span could be short. She decides to give him a chance. They start having more conversations which leads to them hanging out. After a few times of hanging out they eventually open the door to adult activities. Now she’s in what one would call a trance–a state of delusion if you will. It’s got her thinking she likes him more than she actually does. She’s ignoring red flags and not thinking clearly. The door they opened had different things waiting on the other side. For him it was the feeling of uninterest after getting what he wanted.
For her it was heartbreak, especially because he’ll give up on true pursuit and never get to know how truly special she is. So since he never had real intentions for her and her self-esteem was down by the river, he treats her like a secret. Lucky for him she can keep it. Mind you there’s nothing wrong with Carmen. She just didn’t value herself enough to make him commit and claim her. So she lets him get away with treating her like that.
Now this is where things get sticky. The whole time she’s sleeping with him she’s unaware that this man is actually her sister’s. Knowing her even if she knew it was her sister’s man her thought process would probably be: “What would you have me do? I was sleeping with him before I knew about you. I mean you’ve got eyes, you can see. You know what he looks like. Plus, I didn’t chase him, he chased me.” Silly logic, I know. It makes sense to someone though. It made sense to Carmen. She wouldn’t care that it was her sister’s man. Getting her needs met and having her ego stroked were much higher on her priority list. And you wouldn’t be able to tell her this man wasn’t hers–delusion had already settled in. Him leaving her with forehead kisses only sealed her delusion. What her sister didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her anyway.
I’ll let you in on one more thing: Carmen’s sister wasn’t related by way of biology. They didn’t share a parent of any sort. She was her sister-in-Christ. The same God died for both their sins, so that made them kin. Carmen’s ‘sister’ hadn’t even found the man yet. That didn’t matter though. God never intended for them to get together. That was somebody else’s husband. Her husband was out there somewhere, but God wanted her to wait and save herself for him. Many of us are out here moving like Carmen. We don’t value ourselves or our bodies, so we allow men access that wasn’t truly earned. Opening doors that are harder to close than we think. We are sleeping with our sister’s man and delaying the process of not only the man meant for us to find us, but of him finding our sister. Once Carmen understood this she could navigate dating with intention and think of herself as something precious–to be treasured and stewarded over.
Sis, navigate dating with intention and remember that you are precious. Trust that you are not meant to be hidden, borrowed, or confused with someone else’s place. What God has for you will be clear, covered, and committed.
Video Snippet: https://youtube.com/shorts/FiYDaiiW-h4?si=o3RPEfjSfDhAgtrc
Sometimes, the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills. Welcome to our new series: Valley Hills Apartments!
Come See About Me
Written by Tannika Nikeya
“I’ve been crying
‘Cause I’m lonely (For you)
Smiles have all turned to tears
But tears won’t wash away the fears
That you’re never ever gonna return
To ease the fire that within me burns…”
“Come see about me”
My name is Amani and I just moved into Valley Hill Apartments. My mother used to play music every Saturday. It motivated her through mopping the floors, washing our laundry, and cooking Sunday dinner. But the song she sang along to the loudest was “Come See About Me” by the Supremes. I often wondered if she reminisced about good times with my dad, but the times I witnessed were not so good.
Today, that song popped up in my mind and I began to sing it just as loud as she once did. I sat in my oversized lounge chair with my cup of tea looking out of the window of my small apartment with unpacked boxes.
I find myself in a new place, in a new city, but I am still lost. I am tired. I am carrying mountains of debt. I owe myself exponentially. I am stressed. I have health issues for which my doctor apathetically prescribed pills I can’t even pronounce. And in fact, I need more medicine, the kind that only one doctor can prescribe. I sip my tea, breathing heavily through my nostrils reflecting on how no one wants to help me or even let me rest on their shoulders. But after all, no one knew I was hurting, mad, disappointed, in need. I always keep my mouth shut and regurgitate, “I’m fine.”
I made myself invisible so others could be seen, time after time. After all, I am to be seen and not heard, but somehow my toxic trait said, “go a little deeper and not be seen at all.” After all, you don’t want to be perceived as prideful. So, I refused help—thinking they would like me more.
I live in purpose and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I realized some of my achievements were starting to adorn my worth like a heavy gold chain around my neck. Then, one day, an old lady reminded me that my worth isn’t predicated upon what I do or the titles I bear. She reminded me that I am already valuable–fearfully and wonderfully made. I inhale, then I exhale.
I glance once more around my apartment. I may not have it all figured out. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and tired because I keep trying to lift loads all on my own, without wisdom and in my own strength. And sometimes I think I have to keep moving without resting, feeling and being. I instinctively pick up my cell phone. “Call Lina,” I command. I need to check on my sister.
“Are you okay?” I ask. We end our conversation with a plan to meet up for lunch at a restaurant with our favorite food we enjoyed as little girls. I hang up the phone and tap the reverse button in the camera, flipping it to face me.
And I can hear the woman clearly as she stares back at me through the lens.
“Come see about me,” she sings with all her heart, trying her best to imitate the pitch of the lead singer of the song.
“I hear you just as clear as I hear the rain tapping on my window,” I compassionately inform her.
With hope and with clarity, I respond further: “I see you. I will love you as I love others. I will not neglect you. This next season is yours.”
Sis, stop trying to pour from an empty cup. It’s okay to see about you too. When you do, you show up to your God-given arenas more authentic, more capable, more grateful, and fully present.
Video Snippet: https://youtube.com/shorts/3-L3b65pdIQ?si=xsRQNJqjhaO4057w
Thank you for coming along this new series and stay tuned for next week’s story or poem!
Hey Loves,
Here is a new series for a new season!
In this new series, the ladies of Valley Hills Apartments share pieces of their lives through short stories, prose, and poetry.
Some moments may make you laugh.
Some may make you pause and reflect.
And each piece will leave you with a little encouragement.
Because sometimes the best wisdom comes from women who have walked through the valley and are still learning to keep their eyes on the hills.
Come on in and meet the ladies of Valley Hills Apartments!
Disclaimer: These short stories and poems are works of creative expression, written by writers, Tannika Nikeya, Deandrea Moore, and Saneatra Polk, and are intended to inspire and encourage young ladies and women. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.
Additionally, this series includes AI-generated visuals used for presentation, created by Tannika Nikeya, Saneatra Polk, and Deandrea Moore.
What is one word that describes you?
Persevering
Endearing
A take-it-one-day-at-a-time kind of gal
Loving and accepting,
But I take no nonsense, pal
I’m imperfectly human,
Yet faithful, and my heart is sincere
On a mission to live from a healed version of me
More and more each year
I am not strong,
But God’s grace helps me endure
The world is chaotic,
But my heart still cradles hope
It allows me to embrace each new day
And intentionally cope
I am resilient,
Like a flower coming back to life in the spring
I am awakening,
Excited for what God in these next seasons will bring
Persevering,
Yet learning when to be still
To trust God
And allow my nervous system to be steady and chill
To rest,
To thrive,
And not just survive
To rise again each day
And surrender to God’s will and way
To take it one day at a time
To learn, to be present,
To stop and smell nature’s perfume in the air, hear the cheerful birds,
see life all around, and feel God’s care
Persevering is one word to describe me—
Even after seasons of deafening despair and fear
Each day,
No matter what,
I choose to be here
Yesterday, I received a call that alerted me to some upcoming job-related uncertainty I would have to face. As I spoke with my colleague, I reminded him, as well as myself, that God is concerned with everything that concerns us and that He will meet our needs.
After much intercession, my colleague called back and said, “Keep praying,” because one area of uncertainty had already shifted into clarity—an answered prayer. God heard, and God answered.
And there are still some prayers we (yes, I’m talking to you and me) are waiting on—whether for God to answer or to give us the grace to receive His answer.
Uncertainty can bring fear, doubt, stress, and even cause us to freeze. But in this season, I am learning to trust God and His plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.
Life is not linear, and life on this side of heaven can feel chaotic and full of storms. But God still cares for us. He desires for us to grow, to thrive, and to receive His love and care.
Our resources may feel shaky at times—less secure than we thought—but as a pastor once said, “God is the source of our resources.” And he was right.
God cannot fail, He does not lie, and He is stable and secure. We can rest in Him because He is always working on our behalf.
So today, during my devotion time, God reminded me again. As I read the Word, both comfort and correction stood out to me—especially in these times of uncertainty in the world and in my own life. God is with us, and He calls us to seek Him.
He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is a present help in times of trouble. And when everything around us feels like it’s shaking and falling apart, He is the One holding us together—preparing us for what cannot be shaken.
Today’s Scriptures:
Acts of the Apostles 2:25 (NLT)
“I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
[14] Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Hebrews 12:27-28 NLT
[27] This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. [28] Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Reflection
P’OSIES Cafe Series is a collaborative work by Tannika Nikeya and Saneatra Polk — two writers who believe in the quiet power of words, reflection, and creative connection.
This book is an invitation to pause, breathe, and linger a little longer with language and creativity.
We’re honored to finally share it with you in print!!!!
We’d love to know — are you a poetry lover, a cozy reader, a fiction fan, or drawn to suspense or reflective writing? 📖☕️
Hey Loves 💜
As promised, our sweet surprise is here!!!! ☕📖🎉
P’OSIES Cafe Series is officially available as a book.
What began as an online series has now been thoughtfully gathered into print — grown through collaboration, consistency, and care.
There’s something special about holding words in your hands that once lived on a screen — born from a writer’s heart and imagination.
Available now at Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/posies-cafe-series-tannika-nikeya/1149052321?ean=9798279608850
📖☕️ P’OSIES Café Series
Tannika Nikeya 