The Year 25: The Battle Within

By E.L. CUMMINGS

The Year 25: The Battle Within" is a compelling and introspective poetry book that delves into the profound depths of the human experience. With unflinching honesty and raw vulnerability, this collection navigates the intricate landscapes of depression, relationships, spirituality, race, self-love, and the enduring impact of trauma.

Through evocative verses, the author invites readers on a poignant journey, offering a glimpse into the internal struggles and triumphs faced at the tender age of 25. The battles waged within the poet's soul find expression on these pages, painting a vivid portrait of the complexities and challenges encountered along the path of self-discovery.

Within the realm of mental health, "The Year 25: The Battle Within" sheds light on the shadows of depression, revealing the weight of the darkest moments and the resilience required to navigate them. Through poetic narratives and introspective reflections, the author grants solace and understanding to those grappling with their own internal demons, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and fostering healing.

Relationships, in all their intricate shades, are interwoven throughout this collection. The poet explores the joys, sorrows, and complexities of human connections, unveiling the vulnerability and strength that emerge within these dynamics. 

Spirituality and faith weave threads of introspection within "The Year 25: The Battle Within." The poet engages in a soul-searching dialogue with God. 

This collection confronts the complexities of race and identity with courage and empathy. The poet fearlessly examines the societal constructs that shape our understanding of race, sheds light on social injustices, 

Ultimately, "The Year 25: The Battle Within" culminates in a celebration of self-love and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Through empowering verses and tender moments of introspection, the author encourages readers to embrace their flaws, nurture their passions, and cultivate a deep sense of love and acceptance for themselves.

Immerse yourself in the evocative verses of "The Year 25: The Battle Within" and embark on a transformative odyssey through the multifaceted realms of depression, relationships, spirituality, race, self-love, and trauma. This poetry book serves as a companion and guide, offering solace, introspection, and inspiration to all who seek understanding and connection within the battles fought and the victories won on the journey of self-discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zakkiyya Cummings McKie
• Release date: Jun 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223097907

Book preview

Within these verses, shadows of the mind come alive, painting a poignant picture of the battles fought inside.

Breathe

Inhale one, exhale two.

IN, OUT.

Breathe, I can’t, the ringing in my ears,

The caging of my chest.

Trapped, alone, my fears, my worries,

My doubts, my utter despair. I try to breathe,

To relax,

To ignore my thoughts.

All I can hear is the rushing in my ears, but

Yet,

I try to breathe, to not give life to these things

But to give life to me,

To rise above the tide, just another breath.

It is pulling me under. I gasp—another wave—

Grasping at nothing, I go under,

Struggling to resurface.

The expansion: inhale one, exhale two.

I see the light, the sign of relief, a sign of hope,

In the abyss, breathe,

Relief short-lived, dark, and dismal

Is this abyss,

Pulled in again like a comforting blanket.

Fading light, fading strength, gone.

Falling, powerless,

Embracing the darkness,

Taking my last breath.

Breathe, inhale one, exhale two.

Big Feelings

I have these big feelings inside me.

Sometimes I can’t even name them,

But the one I constantly feel and recognize

Is the dreaded tiredness.

The tiredness where you’re tired of being tired,

Tired of constantly fighting to be happy,

Tired of the continual mound of emotions

That seems to want to bubble over, tired of never

Feeling like you are enough,

Tired of the struggles of being a black woman.

Just tired.

This tiredness leads to my anger, at me, at you,

At them, at society, at life.

Angry that I have this sense of imposter syndrome,

Not being worthy enough, angry at all my failures And mistakes,

Angry that I allow myself to perceive myself this Way,

Angry that I have allowed these feelings inside me

To wrap themselves around me

Like a Burmese python

That has taken hold of me, refusing to let go,

Every breath I take suffocates me. You have Brought

Me to my knees,

With continued vigor.

These big feelings

Of hatred, disgust, and helplessness.

These big feelings have crippled me,

My happiness ever fleeting and far between—a

Breath of fresh air that is quickly snuffed out,

The pressure becomes even more like

A two-ton elephant