by Melanie Sue Hicks (Author), Sarah Hanson (Editor)
Shaking Off The Ashes is a compelling anthology that showcases 59 previously unpublished poems from a diverse group of neurodivergent and neurotypical poets. Each poem delves into the nonlinear, often unpredictable journey of healing wounds that leave deep, invisible scars-those that can never be fully erased. The collection offers a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of recovery, capturing the meandering process of growth, transformation, and resilience.
Through a range of voices and styles, the poets offer intimate reflections on the complexities of returning to oneself after pain, loss, or trauma. They challenge conventional ideas of healing, suggesting that it is not a straight line, but rather a series of cycles: falling, rising, and beginning again. The collection provokes readers to rethink their own journeys, embracing the messiness of recovery while finding beauty and strength in imperfection.
With its raw emotional depth and diverse perspectives, Shaking Off The Ashes creates a powerful model of how to persevere through life's most difficult challenges and find the courage to continually rise from the ashes.