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Sleeping with Ghosts: Poems & Musings
182 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 3, 2024
Sleeping with Ghosts takes us on a journey through past loves, family ties, and those little moments that somehow stay with us. And what’s working really well in the collection is how the speaker doesn't shy away from vulnerability.
A good example of this is “Kintsugi,” the first poem, where the speaker invites us to trace the “golden trail” along the cracks of her experiences. It’s a beautiful metaphor for embracing scars as part of our stories. I found myself thinking about my own life’s “kintsugi,” and I think that’s part of what makes this collection special—it asks us to look at our own ghosts with a bit more compassion.
The book is filled with moments that feel so real and relatable. For instance, in the last poem, “Did You Love?,” the speaker reflects on childhood innocence and curiosity, asking if that openness managed to survive life’s hardships. It’s one of those poems that reaches out and reminds you to reconnect with the wonder you might’ve forgotten along the way.
Each section of the book is like a different chapter of memory, with its own “ghost” or theme. And each poem contributes to the building undercurrent of emotion and understanding of the character and their life. For example, in “Alice Falling,” we get a sense of surrender and adventure, with the speaker plunging down the rabbit hole, open to the unknown.
And there’s “Within the Confines,” which had me nodding along—it’s about breaking out of those little boxes we sometimes find ourselves in and choosing to live with more passion. Jen’s invitation to “get up on that dance floor” and live fully is both inspiring and, honestly, contagious!
What I love most about Sleeping with Ghosts is how it leaves room for each of us to find our own story within its pages. These poems don’t just tell Jen’s story—they remind us to revisit our own past, to honor our own scars, and maybe to find a bit of poetry there, too. Whether you’re someone who loves looking back with nostalgia or you’re more of a “move forward” type, there’s something here that speaks to the heart. And Jen’s gentle but honest voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
A good example of this is “Kintsugi,” the first poem, where the speaker invites us to trace the “golden trail” along the cracks of her experiences. It’s a beautiful metaphor for embracing scars as part of our stories. I found myself thinking about my own life’s “kintsugi,” and I think that’s part of what makes this collection special—it asks us to look at our own ghosts with a bit more compassion.
The book is filled with moments that feel so real and relatable. For instance, in the last poem, “Did You Love?,” the speaker reflects on childhood innocence and curiosity, asking if that openness managed to survive life’s hardships. It’s one of those poems that reaches out and reminds you to reconnect with the wonder you might’ve forgotten along the way.
Each section of the book is like a different chapter of memory, with its own “ghost” or theme. And each poem contributes to the building undercurrent of emotion and understanding of the character and their life. For example, in “Alice Falling,” we get a sense of surrender and adventure, with the speaker plunging down the rabbit hole, open to the unknown.
And there’s “Within the Confines,” which had me nodding along—it’s about breaking out of those little boxes we sometimes find ourselves in and choosing to live with more passion. Jen’s invitation to “get up on that dance floor” and live fully is both inspiring and, honestly, contagious!
What I love most about Sleeping with Ghosts is how it leaves room for each of us to find our own story within its pages. These poems don’t just tell Jen’s story—they remind us to revisit our own past, to honor our own scars, and maybe to find a bit of poetry there, too. Whether you’re someone who loves looking back with nostalgia or you’re more of a “move forward” type, there’s something here that speaks to the heart. And Jen’s gentle but honest voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
April 20, 2025
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)
My Review:
Jennifer Payne has written a wide-ranging poetry collection about loves, found and lost, as well as about friendships. A memoir in prose is such a unique way to share her memories, or ghosts. Interspersed among the poems are 100-word musings.
Each chapter is an emotional look into her past and many of the poems delve deeply into her pain of loss.
I had a few favourite poems - here are just three:
"New Hampshire, 1992", "Water Under the Bridge" and "Waiting".
But it was "Under the Spell" , whose last verse, really spoke reminding me of my own ghosts:
"So I ate all his lies
(and fed all his fears)
My heart craved the magic,
But his love lost me years."
Powerful words!
I would highly recommend Payne's poetry memoir. Love fills its pages, and the words conjure intriguing images. There are so many special poems that I'm sure you will fall in love with, just as I did. So many lines as well, that you will remember and come back to. Another of my favourites:
"We each bear our own weight
Carry with us the things
We can't put down"
"Walking Destiny's Fine Line"
My Review:
Jennifer Payne has written a wide-ranging poetry collection about loves, found and lost, as well as about friendships. A memoir in prose is such a unique way to share her memories, or ghosts. Interspersed among the poems are 100-word musings.
Each chapter is an emotional look into her past and many of the poems delve deeply into her pain of loss.
I had a few favourite poems - here are just three:
"New Hampshire, 1992", "Water Under the Bridge" and "Waiting".
But it was "Under the Spell" , whose last verse, really spoke reminding me of my own ghosts:
"So I ate all his lies
(and fed all his fears)
My heart craved the magic,
But his love lost me years."
Powerful words!
I would highly recommend Payne's poetry memoir. Love fills its pages, and the words conjure intriguing images. There are so many special poems that I'm sure you will fall in love with, just as I did. So many lines as well, that you will remember and come back to. Another of my favourites:
"We each bear our own weight
Carry with us the things
We can't put down"
"Walking Destiny's Fine Line"
December 16, 2024
The author brings chapter after chapter of her thoughts and symbolism to us. The titles of each chapter are also a real delight. A major thing I love about this poetry book is at the end of the book where the author added some special elements. She gives us some added information or insight into the poems. This divine information adds greatly to the energy and dynamic of this book. It is perfect allowing for an even better reading experience. Wonderful book if you love poetry or are someone that wants to read poetry.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews