You know that a book is good when you highlight/mark something in the acknowledgements of the author.
Depression & Other Magic Tricks by Sabrina Benaim is a collection of poems dealing with depression: thoughts, what she wishes others knew, conversations she had, the struggle and finally, the hope they have that they will be well someday.
While the poem “Explaining My Depression to My Mother” has become the poem associated with Benaim it was her poem “On Releasing Light” that I got the “feelz” from. Yes, I deliberately put the “z” there as Benaim does not just give you “feelings” she gives you something more. Okay, one of the poems that I got the shivers from.
I had post-it noted the heck out of the book up to this point. I wrote in my book (okay I penciled a few stars and underlined a few things). I had even talked about poems to a friend who had sent me links to Benaim performing her slam poetry on You-Tube. As I have access to the books, I could gift her a copy.
Yet this one poem made me journal my thoughts. This book has blown me away. I knew I loved it from the first poem. When I read this poem, I stopped for a bit as I could not go on after it. It took me awhile to read as I was trying to digest each nugget. This is one of those rare books you want to rush through but also take your time with.
Even if you have not suffered from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues this is a great book to read. If you have not had a family member or friend or other loved one suffering this is a great book to read. If you have or are dealing with mental issues please read. It showed me that I was not alone. There are others who have had and are having the same thoughts, feelings and issues that I have. Gift this book to others. Keep copies at home, work and your bag. You will thank me for it!
on releasing light
in some stories,
the protagonist has to kill the bad thing to release its light.
in my story,
i am the protagonist & the bad thing,
i have to learn how to bend the light out of myself.
i can do that
magic
oh! Poetry and I have an up and down battle with each other but this sounds up my alley.
It is hard to find “good” poetry. But this was amazing from the start. The great thing is you, me, my friend can read the same poem and get totally different meanings and still be right!