I haven’t read a lot of poetry in my life. Even though I like long articles if they are interesting and well written, I think I prefer poetry to be brief. Jasmine Farrell’s Release: You fits the bill, and in a very good way. The inspiring poems are gutsy, not sappy. I am reminded of William Carlos Williams when I read Farrell’s poems.
These works resonated with me. I read them at a time when I needed some cheering up. Yet, these inspirational words aren’t hokey. They are deeper than that, which I am grateful for.
The themes of these poems focus on the self and the issues that people wrestle with: identity, love, self-worth, relationships. There is no doubt who is important in this collection of poems.
In “You Deserve Love First” Farrell makes this observation:
“You don’t have to love yourself in muttered whispers while loving everyone else with a megaphone.”
How many people do we know who are like that? Too many, I’m afraid. Or they idolize others without realizing how much they sacrifice, and how worthy of love they are.
Farrell also encourages those who are content to “Then, Go Share It”:
When you’re done filling yourself up with love, acceptance, affirmations, reflection, self-accountability and grace….
Let it over flow, pouring into those around you.
For those who struggle with frustrations and anger and loss from the past, Farrell writes in “Inner Healing Has No Deadline”:
“Take your time.
Crawl to healing waters if you have to.
Sit in your pain by the rivers of clear and evolution.
You don't always have to explain.
The scars will fade. Your story never will.
The ache will decrease and your voice will fight
to be heard even if it has to leak from the sides of your lips.
Your light will be irrepressible and you'll smile genuinely.
I'm sure of it. Just hang on.”
The line, “you don’t always have to explain” really resonates with me. As someone who is tired of explaining “why?”, it’s refreshing to know that I can just say, “I don’t know.” I need to do it more often.
In “Funeral”, Farrell lists advice:
“If it’s
Dead and over with,
cease peeking at the coffin.”
This is something I need to learn.
There is great advice in these poems. They are reminders that we need to listen to others less and to our own souls more. What do we want? What do we need? What makes us happy? These are the kind of poems I enjoy reading. Inspiring, but also keeping it real, in real language.
People who think they don’t like poems might want to check this out. The works are short, and even the longer poems are only a page or two long. They are inspiring, but not in a syrupy-sweet kind of way. They are actually encouraging. I’ve read so many self-help books and “inspirational” poetry that basically tell you what a loser you are. Not a great way to win fans. For all the focus on positivity, these books basically tear you down before they try to build you up. Farrell’s poems are basically saying, “you’re okay. You’ve been through some stuff, but haven’t we all? And you’re going to be okay.”
I’m sure I’ll be turning to this book if I’m feeling low or stressed out. It was such a pleasure to read this little collection of poems. Farrell seems to get what so many of us struggle with. The messiness of being human, fear of failure, not being enough, worrying about what others think. Knowing that what works for others may not work for you. Basically shutting out the bad and embracing the good. Knowing that people can and will tear you down because you are hurt, different, whatever. Acknowledging that, but then going forward and spending time knowing that loving yourself and being okay with yourself can go a long way toward making the world a better place.
I felt better after reading this book, and from me, that’s saying something. Afraid of poetry? After reading Farrell’s book, you won’t be. And you’ll probably be wanting more. ( )