Broken?

by Paul Middleton

Poetry inspired by wife’s death on sale to support Sue Ryder hospice Paul Middleton had written reports, papers and presentations but never really considered writing poetry. However, four months after his wife’s death, and following a long walk in one of their favourite places, he put pen to paper – and he hasn’t stopped writing since. Now he has gathered a selection of his poetry and reflections into a self-published anthology, with proceeds from the sale being donated to Sue Ryder, the charity which supported the couple. “Writing has helped me to express my pain and confusion, and the poems became a companion on my journey with grief. The title, “Broken?” came to me one night. The cover image on the publication, of a lovely vase, broken yet restored, poses the question. I had an image of an exquisite vase, which was our love and life together, broken into a thousand pieces. Bit by bit, through the writing and the care of others, that vase has begun to be put together again – no longer as it was before, but creating something of continuing value, in which I can hold treasured memories and which can also be filled with the new. Whilst the pain of loss remains, there is room for hope.”

55 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2018