From a dark mind to a light heart, a poetical journey of emotional and spiritual self-discovery through the years.
Poison Pen Letters to Myself chronicles a very personal journey through the years overcoming severe bouts of depression and consequently creating a more holistic and spiritual lifestyle. The chapters Red Letters, Return to Sender and Addressee Unknown reveal periods of depression and anxiety; anger and healing; and acceptance and spiritual growth. The words in these pages were not written for mass consumption. They were not artfully crafted for reading aloud in dim rooms to a soundtrack of clicking fingers and Parisian style applause. They were not intended as political statements or a way of reaching other wayward wandering souls. Over the last two decades they were poured, purged, scribbled and spat onto scraps of paper, napkins, backs of hands, into empty pages and blank spaces of other books. At times of sorrow, frustration, confusion, acceptance and joy these words made sense of the minds muddled meanderings. Within these pages you will find heart-breaking, heart-healing honesty that crosses the divide and touches the souls of others.
Although these poems were never intended for the eyes and ears of others they still strike a chord with each individual and seem to speak directly to that part of ourselves which craves a soul deep connection.
As a debut publication this book works wonderfully as a taster for the great things to come from Romany in the future and I eagerly await her next book so that I may again delight in the beauty of the magick of her words.
In a nutshell … this is a lovely collection of poetry written in no uncertain terms. It is all about life … what life does to us, and what we do to life. It is a collection developed over a twenty year time period, written on any material available, to get the author’s thoughts down. They reflect the times of the author, and that is all they need to do.
Each poem is a life event held in time … like the Red Letter (I am sure that many of us have dealt at least once with these crazy red letters!). On the Outside Looking In … we have all lived that one. On “remote suicide” (a slow death due to the actions of another). What does life really mean?
“Return To Sender” begins by talking about occupying the same space as a previous self. How prescient is this! “Moral Masquerade” speaks of government, killing, and our lack of voice in the process. “On Reflection” asks for a clear mirror so that she can see who she truly is.
“Addressee Unknown” … all about moving on, and burning bridges. “Dedication” talks about walking the Goddess path, while “Universal Self” talks about that which is left to be achieved. “Sleep Deep” speaks of the loss of a child, before that child can even make a mark on life (although it makes its mark on those who love it).
These poems are somewhat of an autobiographical journey through the author’s life, describing the good times and the bad, including issues with depression. Read from beginning to end, they show the growth of a very talented individual.
The author speaks of the truth of her life … a truth that as readers we will often see mirrored in our own lives.
I have truly enjoyed what I have read so far of Poison Pen Letters to Myself by Romany Rivers.
Romany River’s words are so well crafted, raw, simultaneously simple yet complex, some have indeed been thought provoking for me, especially Return to Sender. Today, I particularly like: Musings; Unconscious Creativity; and The Light. I look forward to Romany’s next creation.
Beautiful, difficult, sometimes painful poetry, much to empathise with, much scope for insight and catharsis. There are no magic answers here, no rabbit out of hat solutions for human distress, but you can follow the author on her journey, and see what you find along the way. In a dark place, that might help considerably.
Excellent, short volume of poetry with some prose. Powerfully spoken from the Author's heart. I found it really moving particularly the last one, my Faith, which neatly sums up the power of now.