The Child in the Mirror

By Orley Powell

The child in the mirror is a compilation of poems encompassing the struggles of a troubled childhood; a childhood of abuse, a childhood of neglect and a childhood bordering on suicidal intent.

 

These poems were created to build an awareness of atrocities toward children, while also giving a voice to the voiceless.

 

They also encapsulate the reality of love and loss at a tender age, which have a serious impact on children in their formative years.

 

These poems also expose the horrific realities of a broken home, leading to stressful mental and physical trauma.

 

They also bring into focus what is in the mind of a child, but with the introspection of a middle aged adult. Interestingly, it would appear that it is at this mature stage in life, that adults tend to muster the courage to open up about painful events in their past.

 

The aim is that even one person will benefit from reading this book and realize that there is hope, despite adversity. If some child, young adult or even mature person, can relate to an experience expressed in one or more of these poems, may it bring comfort to know that someone has shared your experience and has now overcome to tell the tale.

 

It is my story. It is your story. It is the story of a child who is now an adult, looking back in time through the eyes of 'the child in the mirror'.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Orley Powell
• Release date: Jun 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223784708

Book preview

PREFACE

Compiling this collection of poems was not an easy task, as they encapsulate the experiences of a number of persons who have undergone trauma, abuse, loneliness and rejection in their early stages of development. This collection tries to capture most of these experiences in a general way without pointing to a specific individual.

I would like to thank my sister, Judy Powell, for inspiring me to utilize my talent to benefit others through the written word. It is my hope that someone, especially at the stage of adolescence, will find comfort in knowing that there are adults who have been through similar troubling situations and have come out as victors.

To my family and friends, I must extend gratitude for being a part of this journey. You are all the ‘wind beneath my wings’ and, for that, I am forever grateful.

Thanks, especially to my mother, Evelyn May Powell, who never gave up on me even when others said I was a hopeless case. A mother’s love, we cannot replace and this is a fact we all should embrace.

INTRODUCTION

The child in the mirror is a compilation of poems encompassing the struggles of a troubled childhood - a childhood of abuse, a childhood of neglect and a childhood bordering on suicidal intent.

These poems were created to build an awareness of atrocities toward children, while also giving a voice to the voiceless.

They also encapsulate the reality of love and loss at a tender age, which has a serious impact on children in their formative years.

These poems also expose the horrific realities of a broken home, which lead to stressful mental and physical traumas.

They also bring into focus what is in the mind of a child, but with the introspection of a middle aged adult. Interestingly, it would appear that it is at this mature stage in life, that adults tend to muster the courage to open up about painful events in their past.

The aim is that even one person will benefit from reading this book and realize that there is hope, despite adversity. If some child, young adult or even mature person, can relate to an experience expressed in one or more of these poems, may it bring comfort to that person to know that someone has shared their