The beautiful thing about poetry is that you get to connect with other poets. Earlier this year, I got in contact with fellow poet Rena Joy through a poetry group. I got the possibility to be a test-reader for the collection “Almost Loved”, and it left a real impact on me.
The collection follows a former foster child’s search for love and healing and grapples with subjects such as loss, grief and mental health.
I found it moving to follow a life story through poetry, experiencing the feelings of being separated from one’s history. The emotional turmoil and desire for connection can lead to a deep sense of homelessness that can linger throughout life.
This journey takes you from childhood to adulthood, prompting reflections on important themes like heritage and identity. It encourages readers to think about what we carry from our childhood, the echoes of experiences that shape who we are and how we interact with our children. Additionally, it explores family dynamics, including sibling bonds and the complexities of parental relationships, highlighting their lasting effects on our adult lives. The poetry is filled with insights about love, showing how it can both heal and remind us of what we might have lost.
Here is a poem from the collection:
A Question I Keep Asking
Who am I
In a word that demands perfection?
I'm pitied, weighted down
with untold stories
wishing to be asked:
Will you tell me your story?
Your truth doesn't scare me.
The poem shows the struggle for identity and the desire to share personal stories in a world that values perfection. The strong feelings and openness in the lines connect with readers, encouraging them to think about their own experiences. It highlights the importance of connection and being heard in our stories.
I highly recommend you read the collection as a whole, it is a beautiful book.
You can order the book here.
Related post: Who I Am
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