 When your to do list keeps having one more thing gradually added to it, and yet you still somehow manage to squeeze it all in. You just do more, sleep less and you wring yourself dry, until there's not a drop of liquid left in you. EMERGING FROM THE CHRYSALIS EXPLORES THE THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS AND PARALYSIS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND HOW THE SAVING GRACE OF SELF-EXPRESSION AND ITS RELEASE VIA POETRY, SLOWLY ENABLES HEALING. ALTHOUGH RARELY OPENLY DISCUSSED, MOST OF US HAVE HAD MOMENTS IN OUR LIFE THAT FEEL TOO MUCH AND YOU WANT TO DIVORCE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN LIFE. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BURN OUT OR MENTAL ILLNESS OR YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, THIS IS THE BOOK THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU MUST READ! Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/EMERGING-chrysalis-Francine-Manuel/dp/B0B2TY6MNX/ ~ Review ~It is always interesting (to me, at least) how people process anxiety and depression. The finding out of these conditions, rather. Some deny - this was me, so I'm not judging. Some hide beneath storm clouds just waiting for the storms to pass. Others run right into the storm, demanding, bargaining, all while being tethered to a lighting pole. And then there are your poets. The ones who step just a hair to the side, carefully analyzing the bits and pieces of silver linings to be found and gather them up into poetry. Crafting their storms into words. While the title suggests emerging from the cocoon (and there is that), there were storm metaphors and imagery in the beginning that I couldn't stop letting go of. Or perhaps, as it is hurricane season here in the South, I liken it to seeing the toss and turn of anxiety off in the distance of the gulf and watching the clouds of depression darken bit by bit. Manuel's first few pieces was melodic in the way a storm brews. Tentative, unsure, beautiful. And as the formation - or the core of the book - began to take shape, I could (again, in my mind's eye) envision the hurricane coming towards me. Neurotic, breathless and growing stronger. This collection cannot be read in one sitting. I read a few poems here and there to gather my thoughts, to analyze, and to take a step back. There is darkness here that is not often talked about; suicide ideation was written almost so whimsical, I had to pause for self care. To read her words and understand those moments, know those thoughts......I recommend going slow and taking pauses. This collection is not to be rushed. Transformations (and hurricanes) take a while, after all. I do love her later chapter of catharsis. This section was uplifting and gave me hope that the poet found solace and peace in her healing journey. And I applaud the poet for her honesty and her bravery in sharing. Rating 4/5About the AuthorFrancine Manuel is a Canadian poet and writer. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and numerous certifications in alternative therapeutic modalities. In Francine’s debut book of poetry, “Emerging from the Chrysalis”, you are able to get a glimpse into the subtle yet devastating nature of burnout, anxiety and depression. Each poem captivates and draws in the reader, allowing them to have a unique insight into the realities of mental illness. Francine is a renown avocado-aholic and firmly insists that it can be eaten at any meal of the day. Her innate curiosity and joie de vivre lend a fresh and innovative perspective about transformation, healing and living fully.
Francine welcomes her readers to connect with her on Instagram (@francine_manuel_author), TikTok (@francine_manuel) and/or Facebook (Francine Manuel_Author)
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2 of my poems: "I remember when," and "you'll never see me smile," in this wonderful collection! I remember when "I remember 31 weeks, 4 days gestation. I remember when my body was a home and I was a safe place to be. I remember 3 pounds, 4 ounces. I remember holding back a scream and keeping my face neutral. I remember Spring; how the flowers started to grow outside my window sill, but I only noticed the weeds and thorns. I remember days were for cooing and updates, and nights were for bargaining to a god I wasn’t sure I believed in anymore. I remember how my heart beat would match hers; the machines echoing our smiles and soft touches. I remember Easter spent huddled in the hallway, holding my breath. I remember when my body was a home and I was a safe place to be until home was no longer safe for her." You'll never see me smile "I take her name into mine. I forge her secret into my hands and weep for all the burdens women must carry, without complaint, always with a smile."  The definition of a poetess is, simply put, a female poet. But I promise you, we are so much more! With every drop of our ink, we channel Calliope, Melpomene, and Erato, the very muses that so inspire us. To be part of the Sacred Feminine is to celebrate the goddess within all women. The Sacred Feminine Volume II: An Open Skies Collection is a unique collection of poetry that celebrates women authors everywhere. Inside these pages, you’ll find an unprecedented convergence of unparalleled writings from female authors around the world. Each and every poetess displaying her own transcendently beautiful and one-of-a-kind style. My poem, "identity in diaspora" was accepted in the Wild Word magazine for their Motherland issue. I sometimes think of my identity in diaspora as a mother whose babies were ripped from the womb, weeks too early to function on their own. I think about my first language trying to find comfort in my tongue but the words seem lost and misplaced. Maybe I too was plucked too early. And instead of these coming of age stories, i write about the searching of identities and feeling like a stranger in a home with strange names." Read here for more: https://thewildword.com/poetry-leila-tualla/  |
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