I Heal Out loud

Poem by Clare

I heal out loud cuz I nearly died in silence
Intrusive thoughts provide nothing but violence.
I heal out loud because others may feel
That there is no hope, that they’ll never heal.
I heal out loud because I need to be sure,
That the traumas have stopped, please, no more.
I heal out loud, to find a deeper magic,
Or cling on to a life so tragic.
I heal out loud because my pain is hidden
Disease leaks over, my body ridden.
I heal out loud because god dammit I’m ill,
What’s left of me it what darkness couldn’t kill
I heal out loud but there’s no one there to listen
I heal out loud til the quieting of my Mission

Roots

Clare

2024

Acrylic on canvas

100 x 75cm

"When I first spoke with Andy, I was able to use metaphor and imagery to speak the as yet unspoken. I have had zero therapy for the traumas that have happened to me. I have always been considered too ‘high risk’ and ‘too difficult’ – always while I was screaming inside just to be heard and then for someone to make sense of my suffering.

This project has allowed me to be gently heard.

Andy produced a skilful piece of art based on a conversation that allowed me to help him build a visual picture – the end result was spot on.

I can’t share my story with you because Pandora's Box has never been opened in a safe and contained way, but please allow your eye to gaze upon the green leaf that still grows and shines despite the raging raw roots that leak into the tree.

I hope my words along with Andy’s art can give you a sense of the path I walked".