Life is the daily privilege of new discoveries about who I am. I evolve into more roles as my life continues towards its inevitable end. Many admirable hats have been worn throughout my existence, and some have come to an end. I've been a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother, an aunt, a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, a paid worker in the capitalistic system in our world, a business person, and a volunteer for many worthy causes over the years. The current role of writer and author is hopefully not the last step in my journey that began as a blank slate. I'm currently residing in the middle of the United States, literally.
All we have is time between birth and death. As I mentioned to Paul, “time is everything yet only truly held one moment at a time, it can be fleeting or like an eternity and each experience is unique.” Do make good use of it.
I was touched to have Annabel reach out to me to read her poetry books – Journey into the Dark and the Light & Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine. Having never done a book review on my blog, it was an honor to do this for a fellow poet. Plus, getting out of my day-to-day routine to try something new is good for me. I felt up to it with my current schedule, and more importantly, enthusiastic in providing one for her.
The titles and prefaces of both books immediately set the tone; you know you are going on an emotional journey with Anna as she recounts and confronts the darkness in her childhood. While the subject matter is a difficult topic, her superb writing continually has you standing with her, however painful it might have been to deal with. The honesty reflected endears you to her with each piece, then championing her success in the latter chapters of each book. The first part recounts the aftermath of the abuse, while the second part speaks to recovery and hope. All of humanity can identify with tragic circumstances and having hope; that is life! In her words and art, these books reinforce the idea that we can all overcome our adversities. It may take some time, but clarity does come if we face it.
After finishing the first book and immediately devouring the second, it was plain to see that they are both about courage. Whether subconsciously through the artwork Anna immersed herself in or how she expressed her feelings, it was courage that enabled her to bring her past to the forefront. It pushed her to confront all the trauma endured during her most innocent of times. In these books, Anna shows us the necessary steps she took to understand what she ultimately came face to face with—being taken advantage of, misused, and abused in her childhood. No one should have to experience these things during this most vulnerable and innocent state, but she did, bravely. In doing so, she propelled herself toward a life relieved of the depression and the nagging lack of connection she had felt in her childhood and beyond. Annabel was filled with hope and a changed outlook. These books are a testament to what addressing the somber and horrific bits in our lives can do for our psyche. They share with us not only the possibility that things could get better but that we can thrive in an even happier and more stable future for having done so.
What is saddening is that in a society where this occurs too often, many readers will probably be able to identify with Annabel’s excruciatingly honest reflections, art, and thoughts, having gone through similar situations. But on the other hand, should these pages reach them, they will learn that hope is on the horizon if they can break through their trauma too. Possibly they will see their necessary healing tucked in these words and images. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful thought these books could have a pay-it-forward effect on a large segment of readers.
I’m thankful that Annabel asked me to read her books; they will stay in my thoughts for some time to come. I will likely review them often as the writing is direct, honest, and carries such depth. It’s a habit of mine to gravitate towards good writing.
I leave you with a sample of her exquisite writing. This piece is from the first book – Journey into the Dark and the Light.
Feeling Small and Lost
My inner child cries, “Help!” as my outer adult stands and watches, unable to move, unable to talk, unable to assist …
even unable to scream.
How will I find my way out of this dark labyrinth— what others call my mind— if I cannot move forward and help myself?
The road is long, and I am weary; I am cold, and I feel old.
What will be my salvation? Where will I find my asylum?
Surely not inside myself, for I feel I have meagre strength for such a hard journey into the depths of my soul.
our combustion a triumph of the senses you reveal your need i quiver with desire this is one way lovers communicate
with a sigh the moment fades the fire cracking no more an expansive breath is taken in
the curtains filter out the early sun as we recover from being undone i turn to you once more reach below for maybe one more go i want to feel the shimmering in my mind again
confessing answers mindsets still misunderstood searching afterlife
Love the One You’re With
embrace each moment yesterday has no regrets rain falls on the sun
Who to Believe
no stories heard here common sense bid its farewell truth lost to strangers
No Rest for the Weary
wandering wonders mother earth awaits true fate times without passion
Deadline Looming
the earth never sleeps sky gems tango til daybreak shadows intertwined
~~~
Eugenia enjoyed a dedicated career in the insurance industry for over 20 years being rewarded both professionally and personally. Now it’s time for Eugenia to follow her dreams by doing things she enjoys – spending time with family, learning, sharing, traveling, and writing poetry. Eugenia’s writing and creative endeavors can be found at her blog – Eugi’s Causerie. She was featured on The Short of It in 2020 and her work was published in the anthology – The Sound of Brilliance.
Submissions are now closed but if you’d like to be featured on The Short of It in the future, click here for the submissions guidelines.
As a poet, I prefer being a loner. I should say usually. Recently, however, I decided to step out of my comfort zone a bit and collaborate with David of The Skeptics Kaddish. What prompted me to was the beauty of ALL the pieces which have been posted to date. David is a wonderful poet who complements the original inspiration. The poetry he produces enhances them so beautifully!
I hope you enjoy this collaboration and please do visit his blog for more incredible writing!
Dormant with melancholy, defeated, I seek shelter like a wounded yeti; surround myself with simple memories; and hibernate. Depleted by drama, paws torn in frantic escape, I’m a pup– py, fearful, distrustful, fitful in sleep. Everywhere, even within me, foes lie, anticipating my imminent plea. Respite’s always brief. Would I had armor against the greed, gossip and media nonsense. Ultimately, I always bow in concession, perhaps the greatest cynic ever. That’s how I can stand to surface.
promises are like water to me for you they quench temporarily all that i fear for you and us like the thirst of the dying i can stop making promises that i won’t agonize over the shit disease insanity violence and utter hell that we both see we can compromise and believe that there will be promises of better life like we will plant flowers but they might not smell like roses as the smell of decay clings promises can be multi everything disciplinary lateral purpose conscience promises are sugar and wine rat poison one daft note fleeting in the wind a fart or love i can’t tell where we are going or how to get on this new road let’s not make promises anymore let’s just stay eye to eye let’s just see what i will do how i will move and act and love and lose i refuse to promise that i will not turn the other way if you don’t promise that you will make this inferno go away i will say that i can accept my heart broken and that when the camera flashes your way remember that humility diligence and hard work are the better red carpet accessory for you
i see our world as splitting up coming apart at the seams politics, pollution, people tragedies galore
i don’t know how much longer i can keep it together teetering on the top of the world looking down with grief
A funny take
I don’t know how much longer I can keep these two peaks together. My calf and thigh muscles are killing me! But I just can’t let the Earth split in two!
I Write Her 