Poems That Heal

by Kristen Landry Note: This post was written by a Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University student in the fall of 2017. Poetry is an expressive art that can be extremely therapeutic. This aspect is unique in that it is subject to the individual conception of the reader. One piece of writing may touch the depths of a soul while a different piece of writing may not be affected in the least. This aspect is the beauty of poetry. “ Explaining My Depression to My Mother: A Conversation ” by Sabrina Benaim reveals therapeutic qualities to those struggling with depression by being relatable, providing comfort, and strengthening self-image. Sabrina Benaim displays a beautiful vessel of encouragement and mental aid for someone suffering from depression. The poem, “ Explaining My Depression to My Mother: A Conversation ” is a therapeutic poem because it has a way of conveying empathy. Benaim writes as though she understands the mind of a depressed individual. Perhaps she ...

by M.H. Note: This post was written by a Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in the fall of 2017.  “ read closely. ” by r h Sin is a poem I ’ ve always found to be therapeutic in my own life. If you ’ ve read R.h. sin ’ s books (Whiskey Words & a Shovel I, II, or III) you know that most if not all of his poems seem to be therapeutic. He focuses a lot on life experiences that most people go through. Some of the poems are personal to the author, mentioning names and describing personal experiences, and others are specific but general enough to be relatable to a broad audience. The author writes about love, loss, motivation, inspiration, and through this I find this specific poem “ read closely. ” therapeutic to its audience. The poem “ read closely. ” talks about a toxic relationship and the effects of that relationship. I find this poem to be really relatable not only to myself but I know others who relate to it as well and I ’ m sure there are many...

by C.G. Note: This post was written by a creative writing student at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in the fall of 2017 In times of great turmoil, stress, and difficulty, it feels reassuring to have support and comfort. This comfort can come in many forms, from people to literature.   I feel that one great example of how poems can serve as a source of comfort and therapy is a poem written by Edgar Guest: It Couldn’t Be Done . The message of perseverance in It Couldn't Be Done, as well as the content of the poem itself, carries therapeutic (restorative or healing) value in its ability to create connections within some individuals, externalize obstacles, and to inspire. Guest’s poem talks about the common theme of thinking or being told we can't do something, which makes it very relatable and easy to empathize with. There are always “thousands to tell you it cannot be done” or that scoff and say, “you’ll never do it.” I’m sure that everyone has heard the...