Publisher's Synopsis
Healing Shame is a thoughtful book of poetry filled with encouraging insights and heartbreaking truths about relationships. Using both free-verse and rhyme, these poems capture the desperation and hope we often feel when stuck in cycles of abuse, shame and denial with the people we love. Ultimately it's about facing pain, taking time to grieve and finding light in the darkness. This is a book for anyone trying to break free from generational trauma and embrace their inner strength. Topics include grief, trauma, love, heartbreak, narcissistic relationships, family, loneliness, nostalgia, longing and acceptance.
"i carried my mother's pain with pridelike she carried her mother's until she died
and it was fine with just us three
until my daughter looked at me
with my same eyes adoringly
and demanded that i set us free"
--------------------------------------------------
Poem Example 1
STILL STANDING:they call you lazy
but they'll never know
what you have
already overcome they cannot see
the strength it takes
just to keep standing
everyday you are a warrior
who was born fighting you deserve this rest Poem Example 2: THE DEATH OF A NARCISSIST:
i was also cold on the day you died
i hope you'll forgive my sin
i already grieved before the change
in the colour of your skin
i cannot tell whether i am numb
or finally at peace
now that you're gone
will the mourning start
or will it finally cease Poem Example 3: SCAPEGOAT CURRY
i have an idea
they said let's hide everything let's sweep life under a rug
pull the curtains nice and tight
never let sunlight touch our days
think up new ways to live in fear
never dare to be who we are let's serve shame for breakfast
lunch
dinner too don't forget to chew! let's weave humiliation into our garments
take our indignity on an evening stroll
and sing it to sleep at night
so that it's up bright and early
to start the day all over again let's use our shame to place the blame
on those too naive to know what to do hey
how about you? you were only 8 and never felt seen
so you took the plate and licked it clean
