If we are a metaphor for the universe, and poetry is a metaphor for life moments,
Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women by Gabriela Marie Milton is a
metaphor par excellence.
Because life and woman are metaphors for resilience– the power that lives–
she overcomes struggles.
Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women (and men) captures the pain and
forced silence, brings it into the light, and returns us healed to the time before time.
This is the crux of the soul of this poetry book I’m reading slowly and am happy to
share with you today.
I purchased the book in print, and started reading from the back of the book for a
few days, opened it to the front another day, and let each poem seep in and wash
over my soul. A book of 360 pages, holding together 200 poems by hundreds of
star-studded authors comprising men and women, deserved I do this poetry
collection differently. And the book, a true testament to challenges women face
in our society, is working its magic, healing my wounds.
I’m not done reading this collection yet but wanted to leave an honest review in
hopes that more people will go out and get it. It is that good.
And for those who need more to make up their minds and to add value to this review,
I’ll add portions from this stunning and unique anthology by Gabriela Marie Milton.
The book holds the words of award-winning authors, pushcart nominees, emerging
poets, and voices of women and men across the globe.
If you care, my review on Amazon is now live.
Because life and woman are!
(excerpts from the book follow: all words by the authors)
“as delicate as the blossoms of a dewy lilac tree…
“those trampled into the sand do not sink…
“for as fragile and tenuous as they may appear
they stand the eternal test of time
ever rising as Easter Morn
for they are the She Shells
they are women
~ The Shells by Nancy Richy pg. 265
*
“A vision born when I was a young girl, living in a Texas motel…
“This vision saved me from drowning…
“The vision that pulls me forward,
has remained out of reach.
With this truth, I am at peace.
Four decades later, I finally see:
the home with the strong foundation, is me.”
~ Finding Home by Michele Lee Sefton Pg.309
*
“for letting my fingers speak
is like bloodletting
it eases my pain and soothes my heart …
“Now what is left is just me
me, as I am,
not me, as you want
and this the me I should be.”
~Labels by Punam pg. 253
*
“Page after page I’ve written my own story,
filled with thousands of Nothings and thousands of
Everything,
that do not realize perfection,
but it’s life.
“… and sometimes, in the summer,
it gives you fields of flowers,
over the ruins of a past you climbed,
to get to where you are today.”
~ Sometimes, In the Summer by Andrada Costoiu pg. 84
*
“Water saturates my lungs–
sometimes I do not cry enough;
salt springs to the surface none too late.
Surrendered to a turning tide,
I’d drift without anchor of pride,
dropping shame’s unnecessary weight….”
~ Findling Only Fog by Tres K. pg. 187
Oh, dear readers and poetry enthusiasts here on WordPress, hope this 5-star
review has served its purpose. I highly recommend the book and cannot wait
to read more anthologies like this one by Ms. Milton. Thank you.
I offer congratulations too to Ingrid at Experiments In Fiction and Nick Reeves
for the cover art. AND a hug to all the authors I’ve met here on WordPress.
You guys rock!
Appropriately, as some of the contributors in this book are on Medium (yay), this
review was just ripe for informing my audience on that platform, where I submitted
it for publication today in response to a book prompt on Weeds & Wildflowers.
Happy reading, and I wish you miracles.
- Adorned in Slumber Kisses - November 21, 2024
- Haiku: Alone Together - November 20, 2024
- A Little Sun Expands the Soul - November 19, 2024
A gray review Selma. I’m planning to get the book soon.
Yea, Sadje dear. Great because it’s one great book. Glad you have plans to purchase. You’ll love it. Promise.
Thanks a lot Selma.
Enjoyed your review, and concur there is magic in the read, it’s a healing vibe! 💓
This one spells magic all over. Great poetry. Everyone’s 👏
❤️❤️❤️
I am eagerly waiting for this book myself, Cindy just send me one so fingers crossed it reach soon. Great review by the way dear Selma makes me so much more excited to read. 😊
🤞 it will arrive in one beautiful piece. It is heavy. Get ready to love it.
Happy Cindy is sending
it to you. 💜 🤞 👏
Such a wonderful review Selma and those excerpts are gorgeous from our friends!
💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hey Cindy. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the review. Gotta share a good thing when I find it.
Now people in Medium know it too. Yay.
Thanks for stopping here long enough to leave me a comment. I appreciate that. Blessings.
Thank you so much for this marvellous review Selma! 🤩🤗🙏
I waited as long as I could: wanted for as many poems to seep through me; wanted the poems to speak through me. They did.
It was my pleasure. Always.
Thanks for commenting. You rock.
You’re most welcome!
Thank you so much Selma. That is truly kind of you hon. Sending love.
xoxo
You’re welcome
WOW!!! How lovely this is!!! Thank You very much, Selma! Cheers!!! 🤗❤️💐
Cheers to you, dear one. Happy summering. xoxo
Thank You!!! Happy summering to You as well!!! 🤗❤️🌞
I like your style Selma – a noteworthy review for sure. All the best. Eric.
Thanks so much. I appreciate you reading this one. Be well, new friend. I wish you miracles XoXo
No idea why my comment came up as ‘Anonymous’ Selma – ‘WordPress’ can be weird! Eric (EDC Writing).
Thanks Eric. I hope the inconvenience is rectified soon. Be well. Xo