Steppin’ Out Stronger
After my third writing project
BURNIN’ FLAME (2023) we move
onto the next chapter: Steppin’ Out Stronger. This project follows straight on from where BURNIN’ FLAME ended.
On this project, I take everything I’ve learned so far on this creative journey and apply it here.
You’ll see me feeling more powerful than ever on this, feeling good in my skin,
but also opening up about a few things
I've been through (that I’m ready to talk about) and a lot more.
​
Only Human (first official piece) gives you a little taste of what you'll be getting on this project (this piece is one of the monologues on the project) there's a few more on the project, plus there will be poems, stories and some spoken word rap pieces as well (it will all flow together as they'll all include poetic language and other language devices).​
Body Talks (with Jack Norman) the first promotional piece gives you another layer of what you'll be getting on the project (this is one of the poems).
​
LIVIN’ IT UP (second official piece) this is one of the spoken word/rap pieces on the project. This piece was a surprise release as I also revealed the name of the project that day and felt that this piece fit well so decided to drop it as a surprise release. LIVIN’ IT UP is about living your best life and enjoying what you do. This piece has some cool wordplay throughout. I hope
you enjoy this fun one.
​
I’ll be dropping one more piece before the whole project drops this will be the second promotional piece, so keep an eye out. This project will be deep, uplifting, fun, joyful and so much more.
​
I hope you're excited and
ready to journey through this.
Only Human
I’m human
Just like you
I’m human.
I sit here on the spot thinking
While a
River of tears builds up in my eyes
Feeling nervous and uneasy
I try to speak, but
The words just
Don't seem to come out right
I decided to take a step back
As
Time drifts on so fast
My heart begins to pound rapidly
Like raindrops tapping
Away on a window
Gradually increasing in
Volume each time
As the noise levitates and
Continues to take charge.
Hearing what people had to say
My confidence began
Wearing and tearing, away
As the world around
Me started to wobble and sway.
From deep inside my mind
My thoughts, gather so fast
Circulating around till
All I could see was thick fog
​
My emotions rush about the place
Like a relay race,
As fear and confusion
Grow so quickly in pace.
I’m human
Just like you
I’m human.
What is this space
That I’m in
I can barely make out
Where I am
I start running, but stumble
I choke on my own breath
Echoes of memories
That are too piercing
Overpowering all other sounds
​
Everything is super loud
Too much is happening at once
​
I can't move
Can I move?
I can’t do this
Can I do this?
​
Maybe I should just stay where I am
Or should I try and get back up?
Feeling like
I don't know what to do next
Just waiting for something
Anything to happen.
​
I
Take a pause,
Close my eyes,
Take a moment to breathe
As this is happening
Something inside me soothes
The sharp ringing turns
To a faint and peaceful whisper
I stand up, feeling stronger
And get myself together
​
On days like these,
When I’m not doing too good
I look within and
Just be still
I have cried, failed,
Made mistakes & fallen so many times
But, it’s okay
As we’re human
And we learn a lot from it.
​
I realise that
Some roads
Can be louder, darker and more difficult
Than others,
Some corners carries challenges
That are waiting for us
And our direction
Can be knocked off course
Making life, not an easy path.
​
I’ve chosen to step forward and
Face the wind, head-on now
Even though I may fall and fail
I know I can get up and try again
I’m human
Just like you
I’m only human.
Body Talks
(with Jack Norman)
Your body;
The blank canvas it once was.
From stretch marks to muffin tops
Tattoos to piercings
Everything is so beautiful.
​
Sometimes you’re happy with it
But
Sometimes you’re not.
One thing is though,
This is your body
Your body for life
You can modify it, work on it
But the most important thing,
Is loving it
Easy for some, but not for others.
Your body is a work of art
And will take you to the grave
So
Enjoy that cake,
Get that tattoo and
Please don’t worry
​
Your body is
YOUR canvas
​
Painted with different
Colours
As it showcases how powerful it is.
Acknowledging the brain
Above our lips
Travelling right
Down to our hips.
These bodies have done us
Nothing but good
Feeling sad
For every time
We compare them to
Another,
But still, they wrap their arms
Around us gently
When everything else
In life feels distant.
Oh, body
You're so special
All those wonderful things
You can do
It’s magical to see
I want to
Fill you with decorations
Of kindness and peace
Letting in a bright and glowing light
That I’ll let shine out
Your body is your home so
Let’s
Treat it with love and respect.
MANNY & Jack Norman
LIVIN' IT UP
I'm livin' it up
Livin' it up
​
Livin' my best life
I'm livin'
Livin' my best life
​
Livin' it up
And don't give it up
​
Livin' our best life
We're livin'
Livin' our best life
​
I’m feelin’ fierce
As I enter
Standin’ tall
In the centre
Celebratin’
Down my lane
Kartin’ around like Mario
On Rainbow Road
Findin’ power-ups,
Dodgin’ obstacles with ease
The warm sunshine guides my
Path to success and peace
Mistakes, I owned ‘em
Haters, I’ve outgrown them
​
There's a whole lot in me
As you can see
Spread out my wings
Yeah,
I’m feelin’ so free
​
My creative mind,
A canvas so wide
Paintin’ masterpieces,
As my story unfolds,
Time to shine,
To let my talents be known,
While I’m livin’ life,
At its highest tone.
Tropical breeze as I bop through,
Yeah, this feels so cool.
I’m on fire baby,
Yeah you can call me ignite.
Been through some down days
Now you’ll
See my might
While
I’m
Livin’ it up
Livin’ it up
Livin’ my best life
I’m livin’
Livin’ my best life
Livin’ it up
And don't give it up,
Livin’ our best life
We’re livin’
Livin’ our best life.
It’s M to the Y
And
I’m bringing the flames
Now people are knowin’ my name
My face card is makin’
You feel some sort of way
You can just soak this all up
While I’m levellin’ up and in my zone
Bad energy please leave me alone
I’m like darts in the dark
Flowin’ at fast speed
Like Sonic
People can’t see the strike
Good energy and good vibes
That’s what I like
I’m chasin’ my goals
With determination indeed,
Stackin’ wins like Tetris,
While
I’m collectin’ my golden rings
I’m enjoying
This special wave
And keepin’ it real
No need to pretend
The spice the floor man
Yeah
I’m back again while
I push my pen
Time for you to give
People their tens
Time for me to show you
What I can do and speak my truth
Bars so fire, they’re lightin’ up the booth
Find me, catchin’ the vibes,
Flippin’ the script
While I’m on my
Nintendo Switch
Joy-con in my grip
I’m on that grind,
Seekin’ out Pokémon,
Gotta catch ‘em all
It’s time
​
While
I’m
Livin’ it up
Livin’ it up
Livin’ my best life
I’m livin’
Livin’ my best life
Livin’ it up
And don't give it up,
Livin’ our best life
We’re livin’
Livin’ our best life.
If people want to
Bring you bad vibes
Tell them bye, bye
Tell them bye, bye
Even though they might be
Cute, handsome,
Beautiful and so sexy
Still
Tell them bye,bye
Tell them bye, bye
If they want to gas up your space
Well
That is a waste of our time
Tell them bye, bye
Tell them bye, bye
Bye, bye
Bye, bye
Bye
While
I’m
Livin’ it up
Livin’ it up
Livin’ my best life
I’m livin’
Livin’ my best life
Livin’ it up
And don't give it up,
Livin’ our best life
We’re livin’
Livin’ our best life.
It’s Okay to Cry
It's okay to cry
When you're going
Through a lot
When it gets too
Much on the inside
And the weight
Of the world is so
Heavy on our shoulders
Let it flow,
Let it all go,
Let it pour out,
Just let it flow
Tears that fall
Like gentle rain
When you’re in pain
When the heart aches,
And a river of emotions streams
Down the sides of our face
Let them dance,
So gracefully
As they hit the ground
It's okay to cry also
When you're happy,
Celebrating all those
Achievements,
You deserve good things
Yes, you deserve it
Tiny drops of water
Coming from your eyes,
As you smile,
I’m so proud of you!
Let it flow,
Let it all go,
Let it pour out,
Just let it flow
​
I’ve been told
I shouldn't share how
I’m feeling
It’ll make you look weak,
Just hide it away,
Don’t cry
You're not a real man if you do
Just stand up high,
Forget about it
You'll be just fine
Just lock it up, don’t let it show
But I say to everyone
Show them that you can,
Let go of your storm,
Embrace your
Vulnerable feelings,
There’s so much
Power and beauty in that
If eyes did not shed tears,
The soul
Would never
Notice a glistening rainbow
​
So when you feel,
Like you can’t bear,
Remember the moments,
You’re not alone there
From joy to sadness,
It’s all part of life,
Each tear tells it’s own story,
A warrior's strife.
​
Let’s lift each other up,
In this grand parade,
Breakin’ those chains,
Society’s mould,
With every drop,
Watch it shine
Like a sparkling waterfall's might
​
Let it flow,
Let it all go,
Let it pour out,
Just let it flow
​
It’s okay to cry
It’s okay to cry
Let me repeat
That again
It’s okay to cry.
Steppin' Out Stronger: Out 25/07/25
I hope you're ready to journey through this one. This project is powerful, joyful, deep, uplifting, fun, sexy and so much more.
I'll also be doing a launch for the project at
The LGBTQ+ Community Centre (this is my first ever launch) on
the 27th of July 2025 tickets are available now
I hope you're enjoying Only Human, Body Talks (with Jack Norman)
LIVIN' IT UP & It's Okay to Cry, more to come on the project
?Are you ready