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Hurt first
First came the wreckage —What’s Left of me
Then came the silence —The Final Pause,
Now comes the ache that started it all — Hurt First.
There comes a time,
when you stop begging for doors to open,
Not because you're free,
but because you've memorized,
The shape of the cage.
—from Hurt First
Then came the silence —The Final Pause,
Now comes the ache that started it all — Hurt First.
There comes a time,
when you stop begging for doors to open,
Not because you're free,
but because you've memorized,
The shape of the cage.
—from Hurt First
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 23, 2025
This collection of poetry literally covers the topic of hurt as in the title in various ways from family, love, friendship and just existing.
The poems which stood out and spoke to me the most of this collection were, Broken People, about two broken people finding solace in each other, Womanhood, about standing up being strong and proud.
Trigger warning here, a poem about self harm too, literally and mentally scar wise, struggling with feelings and urge, control and spiralling thoughts and feelings of hurt.
One particular poem stood out most overall, about how before and after a relationship, how you view the other as art at first then old furniture after it ends, feeling nothing special which visualises how much we value those we love or hate.
A fantastic and honest collection of poetry.
The poems which stood out and spoke to me the most of this collection were, Broken People, about two broken people finding solace in each other, Womanhood, about standing up being strong and proud.
Trigger warning here, a poem about self harm too, literally and mentally scar wise, struggling with feelings and urge, control and spiralling thoughts and feelings of hurt.
One particular poem stood out most overall, about how before and after a relationship, how you view the other as art at first then old furniture after it ends, feeling nothing special which visualises how much we value those we love or hate.
A fantastic and honest collection of poetry.
August 26, 2025
I'm finally rating his last book!!! I bought this book after I saw a post on Instagram on the poem,
So tell me,
how long
will I continue
being dead
before I die?
Because this breathing
feels more like bleeding.
This really hit a nerve to me... It entirely focuses on tbe topic of hurt and the last chapter focuses on healing... It's an absolute masterpiece and almost everything is insanely relatable... The print quality is perfect and the book length ain't a waste of money... Thank you once again Ticus I can't wait to read your fourth book and remember we all love you xx
So tell me,
how long
will I continue
being dead
before I die?
Because this breathing
feels more like bleeding.
This really hit a nerve to me... It entirely focuses on tbe topic of hurt and the last chapter focuses on healing... It's an absolute masterpiece and almost everything is insanely relatable... The print quality is perfect and the book length ain't a waste of money... Thank you once again Ticus I can't wait to read your fourth book and remember we all love you xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
It isn't bad by any means which I why I put 4 stars. I just wasn't in the mood to relive my trauma which is what was happening (gotta love CPTSD) but it's nice to not be alone
May 2, 2026
Some of the poems are extremely moving. Depicted the journey of trauma to healing in the most realistic way. These poems heal AND break you at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews