Southeastern students excel in many different realms of life, but Tamea Madison is taking over the world of poetry. She published her first poetry book titled “Sunflower Dreams and Wildflower Whispers” on June 16, 2025. 

Madison is a junior majoring in early childhood education, and she plans to teach kindergarten or first grade. Writing and digital media are only hobbies for Madison, but she wants to continue the creative projects on the side, especially during the summer. 

“Sunflower Dreams and Wildflower Whispers” is a collection of poems that cover a variety of topics with the overarching theme of a sunflower yearning to become a wildflower. The sunflower and wildflower are extended metaphors of a comparison to herself. 

Madison explained that a sunflower stands tall yet is stuck in one place, always reaching for the sun. But the wildflower, on the contrary, is open and free and adapts easily to change and obstacles in the way. 

“Both are beautiful in their own ways,” she said. 

She said her mom, Cynthia-Converse Madison, inspired and encouraged her to publish her book. The pair co-wrote another poetry collection called “Melancholy Journey.” Madison decided to share her poetry with her mother, ultimately motivated to publish a book, regardless of whether she thought it was good enough. 

Madison has always been involved in writing, including serving as a staff reporter for The Lion’s Roar. She said, “I have a special place in my heart for creative writing and poetry because it’s where I can truly express myself, and as a typically quiet and soft-spoken person, it’s a good outlet for me.”

Her poetry is where she has been most open about her emotions, which is unlike her academic writing. The poems in “Sunflower Dreams and Wildflower Whispers” range from lighthearted to melancholic, including mental health struggles, college mental breakdowns, and other challenges. 

By publishing her relatable poems, she aims to comfort her readers who share similar struggles and inspire them to share their words with others as she did. 

Madison said, “I know that I struggle to speak and verbalize my thoughts, and it always makes me feel a little better when I read something that someone wrote that expresses exactly what I’m feeling.” 

“Sunflower Dreams and Wildflower Whispers” is available on Amazon through this link. Those interested can also order the collection directly from Madison by emailing [email protected].