Shattered Depths: Poetry

Michelle Rae was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She began writing journals and poetry at a young age, and her featured poem, ＂One Hot Day in July,＂ is a piece she wrote at the age of 16 that captures the heartfelt emotion of her brother’s near-death experience. She entered this poem in the Lazarus Award for Excellence in Writing poetry contest and received a Certificate of Recognition and Honorable Mention. After graduating from high school, Michelle attended Franklin University where she earned both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Forensics (study of white collar crimes) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. In August 2016, she was awarded her Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). Self-reflection pushed Michelle to come to terms with the limitations she placed upon herself to grow through difficult times. She discovered that the two constant factors that influenced her growth were constructive internal and external affirmations, both of which she needed to thrive and survive. After looking through her journals, she renamed them Scarlet Love Notes, ＂scarlet＂ representing the bleeding heart through which she poured and continues to pour out as ＂love notes＂ to herself, to those she loves, and to those who love her. Michelle Rae hopes that sharing her poetry and positive affirmations in the form of Scarlet Love Notes will inspire and encourage her readers to tap into their inner strength and rise above any restrictions and limitations they may have in their lives.