Pieces of Me: An Anthology of "Back Then"

By Grace Carter

Pieces Of Me is a collection of real, raw, honest poems about the author's experiences with anxiety, depression, abusive relationships, abandonment, eating disorders, and ultimately forgiveness and self-love. It features multiple styles of poetry and takes the reader through snapshots of her history, bringing the reader along on this intimate journey. These poems are meant to be a source of hope for those who are struggling or have struggled through similar issues and are a reminder that no matter what you're going through, you are not alone. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Carter
• Release date: Feb 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215430347

Book preview

The Power In These Scars

I've tried unsuccessfully to hide these wounds; I cover them up and ignore them

But they don't stay hidden for long

Sometimes they open up again before they're fully healed

Sometimes they heal wrong and I'm left with gnarled scars, marring my once-paper-thin skin

Other times, they get infected, doing more damage the longer I go without proper care

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But I'm ready for a new beginning

Each laceration holds a story that I've refused to acknowledge

Each cut has spilled my lifeblood into the world and I mop it up apologetically

I clean up that vital fluid, trying not to let anyone see, but there is power in the tale behind that gash

Power that I've uselessly soaked up into sponges of plastered smiles and carefully crafted social media posts

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Our world is full of wounded souls, scarred and broken

We dress our injuries and cover up the scars

We clean up the gore, lest it offends anyone who might see it

We silence the stories of the blood we shed

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So here, on this very page, is where I will own my power

I will rip open every scar, every infected wound, and every barely-healed cut

I will pour out my blood–my stories–for all to see

And this time, I will not hide

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I will wash these wounds with honesty and forgiveness

I will care for them and let them breathe

And someday, these scars will fade

But the power of the stories that created those scars?

That power will shine on

Come Crying To Me

I stand at the front door, t-shirt in hand, waiting

The fight brewing here feels more suffocating than the heat on the other side of the