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Tempest
78 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2024
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September 26, 2024
Erica Mae Hildebrandt’s poetry collection Tempest presents a series of succinct passages designed to evoke emotional introspection in its audience. The collection invites readers to reflect on personal experiences, fostering a sense of self-acceptance while simultaneously encouraging authenticity and personal growth. In this discussion, I explore several passages that resonated deeply with me, analysing both the emotions they elicited and the reasons behind my personal connection to Hildebrandt's work.
Chapter 2 - Acceptance
In the passage Acceptance from Chapter 2, Hildebrandt explores the emotional complexity of recognizing and affirming one's decision to leave a relationship. This passage deeply resonated with me, evoking a strong emotional response as it facilitated my own realization that certain decisions I had made were, indeed, the right ones. The line, “if you were you wouldn’t need me, you would know that you want me,” powerfully conveys the speaker's emotional clarity regarding their partner’s lack of commitment. This direct and honest articulation fosters a deep sense of understanding and relatability in readers, as many can likely identify with this sentiment. Moreover, the concluding sentence of the passage encourages readers to emulate the speaker’s courage, asserting that they would "rather walk away with [their] head held high, knowing that [they] made the right choice for [themself].” This affirmation of self-empowerment, in facing difficult decisions with resolve, is another reason why this passage stood out to me as one of my favourites.
Chapter 4 - It’s your path
In the passage It’s Your Path from Chapter 4, Hildebrandt emphasises the importance of not apologising for decisions made in one’s own best interest. The passage explores the tension between external perceptions and internal emotions, asserting that while others may attempt to interpret your feelings, they cannot alter your lived experience. The line “don’t feel bad for making decisions” serves as a powerful validation for readers, offering reassurance and bolstering confidence, particularly for those who may have previously doubted their choices. In the final lines, Hildebrandt highlights the primacy of personal agency, stressing that it is not the reactions of others but rather how one personally copes with their decisions that truly matters. This affirmation of self-determination resonated with me, as it reinforced the importance of prioritising my own feelings over external judgments. The passage became a favourite of mine because it provided the confidence and clarity to navigate my own decisions, helping me to recognize that how I handle those decisions is ultimately more significant than the opinions of those around me.
Chapter 5 - Perseverance
In the passage Perseverance from Chapter 5, Hildebrandt conveys the message that the conclusion of an experience does not necessarily diminish its value or imply that it was wholly negative. In the third line of the first section, Hildebrandt emphasizes the notion that enduring a difficult journey is a testament to one's personal strength. This message is particularly impactful for individuals coping with loss—whether from a relationship or the death of a loved one—by reminding them that not all aspects of the experience were negative. This perspective resonated with me, as it offers a more balanced and affirming outlook on past struggles. Additionally, Hildebrandt’s use of humor, with the line “the universe cock-blocking you for your own protection,” serves to lighten the tone while fostering a sense of camaraderie with the reader. This combination of humor and validation creates a comforting connection, which further solidified my appreciation for this passage. Ultimately, Perseverance reinforces the idea that overcoming challenges not only strengthens the individual but also reveals that the experiences, while difficult, may have held positive aspects that should not be overlooked.
Chapter 2 - Acceptance
In the passage Acceptance from Chapter 2, Hildebrandt explores the emotional complexity of recognizing and affirming one's decision to leave a relationship. This passage deeply resonated with me, evoking a strong emotional response as it facilitated my own realization that certain decisions I had made were, indeed, the right ones. The line, “if you were you wouldn’t need me, you would know that you want me,” powerfully conveys the speaker's emotional clarity regarding their partner’s lack of commitment. This direct and honest articulation fosters a deep sense of understanding and relatability in readers, as many can likely identify with this sentiment. Moreover, the concluding sentence of the passage encourages readers to emulate the speaker’s courage, asserting that they would "rather walk away with [their] head held high, knowing that [they] made the right choice for [themself].” This affirmation of self-empowerment, in facing difficult decisions with resolve, is another reason why this passage stood out to me as one of my favourites.
Chapter 4 - It’s your path
In the passage It’s Your Path from Chapter 4, Hildebrandt emphasises the importance of not apologising for decisions made in one’s own best interest. The passage explores the tension between external perceptions and internal emotions, asserting that while others may attempt to interpret your feelings, they cannot alter your lived experience. The line “don’t feel bad for making decisions” serves as a powerful validation for readers, offering reassurance and bolstering confidence, particularly for those who may have previously doubted their choices. In the final lines, Hildebrandt highlights the primacy of personal agency, stressing that it is not the reactions of others but rather how one personally copes with their decisions that truly matters. This affirmation of self-determination resonated with me, as it reinforced the importance of prioritising my own feelings over external judgments. The passage became a favourite of mine because it provided the confidence and clarity to navigate my own decisions, helping me to recognize that how I handle those decisions is ultimately more significant than the opinions of those around me.
Chapter 5 - Perseverance
In the passage Perseverance from Chapter 5, Hildebrandt conveys the message that the conclusion of an experience does not necessarily diminish its value or imply that it was wholly negative. In the third line of the first section, Hildebrandt emphasizes the notion that enduring a difficult journey is a testament to one's personal strength. This message is particularly impactful for individuals coping with loss—whether from a relationship or the death of a loved one—by reminding them that not all aspects of the experience were negative. This perspective resonated with me, as it offers a more balanced and affirming outlook on past struggles. Additionally, Hildebrandt’s use of humor, with the line “the universe cock-blocking you for your own protection,” serves to lighten the tone while fostering a sense of camaraderie with the reader. This combination of humor and validation creates a comforting connection, which further solidified my appreciation for this passage. Ultimately, Perseverance reinforces the idea that overcoming challenges not only strengthens the individual but also reveals that the experiences, while difficult, may have held positive aspects that should not be overlooked.
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