5 out of 5 stars

Trauma’s Death by Deanna Repose Oaks is a collection of 30 poems of varying rhythms and rhyming schemes centering around the topic of trauma and all of the emotions that go with it. The author poetically describes pain, (physical and emotional), falling down and getting back up, and two of the most important: growth and healing. At the end of the collection, Oaks leaves you with “My Pick Me Up Playlist” so you can share in the healing aspect as you read and listen. (Confession: I’m listening to the playlist as I compose this review.)

Anyone who has gone through trauma can relate to working through its various stages as they read through these poems. As Oaks writes through her memories, she connects with the reader and lets them know they are not alone, whatever they may going through. “Telephone Game” is a poem of miscommunication and applying our trauma filters to what the other person is saying instead of hearing what they are trying to communicate. “Tin Cans” talks of taking your trauma with you into fresh beginnings. “Self Evident” and “My Cocoon” are two of my favorite poems from this collection as they reached right into me and tugged at feelings I thought I had buried long ago. “Sunshine” is the appropriate poem to end this collection as it leaves the reader with recognition of growth and a sense of hope.

I highly recommend this poetry collection to have on hand if you need to be reminded you are not alone and want to be reminded there is hope.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.