In 2008 I entered my Freshman year at SUNY Purchase studying creative writing with a concentration in poetry. What started as an outlet to free my mind of chaos and discovery language in my education became a life-long process that lead me to today. I allowed life to get in the way. My perspective has changed from things happening to me to things happening for me. My experiences are by no means simple, easy, or joyful. I often evoke deep sorrow when putting pen to paper. In recent years, I allowed my addictions take a hold of my will and nearly forgot everything I ever dreamed of. At a point, I had given up on happiness. I use my poetry to harness the suffering we all share as humans. Our thoughts can trick us, and by writing I work to guide them into imagery that evokes those emotions in others.
I will be sharing more of this journey and the metaphysical ideas that are now serving as my writing prompts. Living a substance free life has allowed me to channel the weaving language and pour pieces of my soul into every word.
You can buy the book here on Amazon.com.
I hope you will subscribe and follow along as this new journey unfolds and the next collection comes together. I’ll be sharing some stories of the surreal experiences I have had that got me here.
These are going to be snapshots of my recollection of domestic violence, Stockholm Syndrome, psychosis, addiction, substance abuse, heartbreak, loss, and above all else, hope and recovery.
Michelle Ketchum 