POEMS ABOUT PTSD, TRAUMA, and LIVING WITH PTSD
In this chapter, the poems open a window into the silent, often invisible, impact of trauma. They reveal the struggles faced by those living with PTSD—the moments when the mind and body seem to disconnect, where a sound, a word, or even a memory can pull someone back to places they would rather leave behind. These poems also seek to foster understanding, compassion, and healing. They remind us that trauma doesn’t simply vanish with time but instead finds its way into the body’s responses, sometimes freezing it in place, other times propelling it to relive moments long past. For readers who have experienced trauma, may these poems offer comfort and validation. For others, may they provide insight and empathy, illuminating the resilience required to face such memories daily. And through it all, these poems carry a glimmer of hope—showing how courage and resilience can spark the journey back to wholeness.
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FROZEN is a hauntingly beautiful and poignant poem that juxtaposes the mind’s understanding with the body’s instinctive, frozen reaction, powerfully conveying the lingering effects of trauma. This poem can help therapists, friends, and even those who experience it understand why someone may be unable to act rationally in these moments, fostering a deeper compassion and a kinder approach toward both themselves and others.
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SUDDENLY IT’S THEN captures the intense disconnect between how trauma is perceived by others versus the one experiencing it. The contrast between "NOW" and "THEN" poignantly illustrates the haunting effect of PTSD. This poem not only conveys the isolating experience of PTSD but also offers a pathway to empathy, helping others understand the profound impact of triggers and the need for patience, compassion, and support.
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I SAW A SILHOUETTE OF A GIRL is a deeply moving poem that contrasts a girl's vibrant imagination and joyful world with the stark reality of her suffering and neglect. After decades of absence, she reemerges with renewed hope and courage, gently reconnecting with her past joys and dreams.