Damaged

by H. Waldon

Embark on an emotional journey through the verses of "Damaged," where the complexities of toxic relationships are laid bare. Each poem explores the tumultuous landscape of a woman's heart, navigating the unpredictable seas of love with echoes of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. An intimate portrayal of emotional rollercoasters, heart-wrenching uncertainty, and the resilient spirit seeking liberation from the tempest. Through these verses, the reader is invited to witness the raw authenticity of the poet's experiences, finding solace in the shared struggle. "Damaged" is more than poetry; it's a testament to strength, an offering of understanding, and a reminder to those who have walked similar paths that they are not alone.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2023

Reviews

[Elizabeth Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Book’s Trigger Warnings: verbal and physical abuse; sexiest terminology; separation and divorce; cheating; familial hardship

“To the survivors, warriors in their fight, you are not alone”

“caught in a paradox, I love too much”

Damaged by H. Waldron is a heartbreaking yet beautiful account of what it is like to break, be damaged, and grow from the cracks.

“her heart, a canvas painted with scars”

“he, a canvas of potential”

Told through this poetry collection is a confession-like story, a tale many have experienced all too well, that readers can dive into and feel in their bones. Waldon writes her poems in a jarring, effective juxtaposition, telling her truths through rhyming diction and heart wrenching content that leave a haunting experience for readers. Waldon successively writes her poems in a way that reads like a novel’s narrative, yet each poem stands on its own and tells its own story.

“break the silence”

Waldon touched on many relatable topics and themes, including being broken, growth and growing, shadows and the dark, storms and weather, how vows form and change, and breaking free to start new beginnings. Overall, her words and messages are touch a deep place in the reader’s heart and have readers gasping and aching for her too.

“In the aftermath, silence was loud”

I would recommend this collection to anyone who has had their heart broken and who wants to understand others whose hearts are mending.

“Within the ruins, resilience grew”

My Favorite Poems:
* The Dance of Illusions
* Absence
* Silent Screams
* Despair
* A Tainted Start
* Untamed
* Anguish

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

H. Waldon crafts an elegant, bold debut poetry collection. Her words float from the page to create mental images in your mind. Her use of metaphor and similes is lyrical and her style is almost sing-songy in its delivery. I found some of the poems a bit repetitive. Her style and voice is distinctive which means that there should be some diversity in the poetry format or verbiage or rhythm, and I felt that was lacking. Her word usage was additionally repetitive. I was finding the words “dance” or “tempest” at least twice per poem. That being said, her message was clear and powerful. Waldon provided so much depth and insight into an abusive relationship. How difficult they are to navigate, and the place that one has to be in to pull herself/himself out. I loved her lyricism and her commitment to the themes of her poetry. I felt like I was right there with her in the struggle to find her voice in the relationship. I particularly love,
“The world may judge, but they can’t comprehend,
The complexities of a heart that’s condemned.
In the quiet rebellion of my silent cries,
I’m trapped in a web where freedom denies.

Oh, how I long for a whisper of grace,
A chance to break free from this heart-wrenching place.
But in the shadows, I’m held by the chains,
A captive, entangled in love’s bitter remains.”

Although many of the poems strike a melancholy chord, there are moments of real hope. I really enjoyed this collection, and thought it was striking and honest. Well done!

[Audrey Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetic journey through the timeline of a relationship frought with emotions at the extreme ends of the spectrums, those not usually visited by literature with a view this openly. There is a constant flow that connects each poem in a way that weaves the tale of a love that slowly twisted into something evil and ugly. I applaud the author for having the bravery to broach such a delicate yet fearsome subject with no fear in her present voice, and to open her experiences so that others may learn from them.

[Benji · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and poignant. It put the complex emotions of being in a manipulative or messy relationship into words perfectly. You get to know the author on a personal level and you almost feel like you were there through her descriptive writing.