Remedy

by John Roedel

John Roedel's most personal collection of poems that he wrote for himself during his long dark night. These 40 poems are medicine for any wounded heart.


once upon a time,
an angel visited a man who laid broken
in a thousand pieces on his bathroom floor

the room was so dark
and the man was so tired

“I’ve come undone,” he said

“Yes you have,” the angel replied
as she held his head in her shimmering lap

“but,” she continued
“don’t be afraid because sometimes
when we shatter we get to become
a brand new creation"

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across poem #1 from this book online and immediately sent it to my friend who is dealing with anxiety and depression. Then I used it in my classroom with my seniors and had them analyze it, and I was amazed at the connection they felt (especially after the trauma that 2020 and 2021 have caused in their young lives.) Then I found out it was in a book. So I bought the book for my friend (see sentence 1) for Christmas. And in about an hour, I have read the entire book and noted which poems I really want my friend to read. I devoured this book. It's like John Roedel is speaking the lives of people who are overcoming all the things. These poems are heart wrenching and truthful and beautiful.

[Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?] · Rating 4 out of 5]

"my heart is always sad
about something
that happened yesterday
while my head is always worried
about something
that may happen tomorrow,"

[Claire Kranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! I wanted to savor every poem and read one a day, but I just couldn’t. One line bled into another! One poem into the next and pretty soon it was over. I will be returning to this book many times in the next year for comfort and hope.

[Kelly Kemmerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Roedel is a walking, feeling, inspiring word prophet who is able to tap into the deepest parts of our beings and guide us through this life/soul journey with courage, questioning, desperation, and perseverance. Remedy is truly a medicinal balm for the human spirit. Thank you for your gift!

[Lauren Wildoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
I challenge myself to read a poetry book each month so I can broaden my scope of the genre and there were a lot of parts in this book I highlighted and enjoyed. And just like with any book of poetry- or any book in general- there’ll be parts that you don’t love. The author writes to the reader many times in his moments of despair, calling the reader to look at the best parts of themselves and be proud they’ve made it through the hard parts in their lives.

This is my favorite poetry book I’ve read so far, but the reason I gave it 4 stars is because parts of it were hard to read- possibly because of the typos, but some of the language was lost on me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. I wish I’d have read it a few years ago.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fierce, beautiful words of radical healing. Water drawn from the deepest well. Astonishing words of power. John Roedel is a wonder.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this poet that so many people seem to be quoting. There were some lovely moments for me in this book. For someone else they may be different ones. Some of it was not for me, but with poetry books I take the view that a handful of ‘yes’ moments make it worthwhile. So thank you. Sometimes the whole world can change in a moment. ☺️

[T. R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single word speaks to my heart. My favourite contemporary poet, no doubt! 😍

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“oh, my love, oh, my love,

I wish you could
see what I see

I wish you
could see
how incredibly
beautiful you
look

while you heal”
--“#4”

CW: depression and suicidal ideations

I began following John Roedel on Facebook a while back and fell in love with his poetry, so I was thrilled to read this collection of 40 beautiful poems. He comes from a family of pharmacists and explains in the introduction that writing poetry saved his life when he was struggling with depression. He says, “The poems included in this collection are all the prescriptions that my invisible angel doctors write for me to fill for myself. I am not exaggerating when I saw that without these poems, I don’t think I would still be here.”

Roedel’s writing is gorgeous and honest and tender. It’s an invitation to come home to ourselves and to treat ourselves with the compassion that our souls crave so that we might make the world a kinder, gentler place. In another favorite titled simply “#20,” he writes,

“everything that you’ve overcome
plays a score that leaves
me so overcome by you.

oh, my love, you are the hymn
that I could listen to all day.”

Honest and a bit heavy at times, the overall feeling I had while reading this was that it was like a gentle embrace for my soul, reminding me that I am cherished and can be patient with myself while I continue on my journey of healing. Parts of this may be difficult for those who are in particularly tender places with mental health, but I believe for most, it will be a balm for weary souls. Just lovely.

[Kara Bohonowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is depressed, and wants connection with someone who understands. John pours his heart out on the page to inspire those of us who have struggled or struggle still with dark depression. And he does so effectively.

He is one to follow on social media because he is constantly putting out amazing poetry that touches the soul in an incredibly unique way.

I am a huge fan of this genius and humble man.

[Kristen Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this book has given me warm and cozy feelings while also hearing things that can be hard to hear. Like the lies that fill us inside but having a friend tell us it’s gonna be okay. I’m only partially into the book so I can’t speak for it as a whole.

[Brianna Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry for the soul

[Carlee Holzhalb · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few typos in this book of poetry, but the writing is lovely and such a good pick-me-up.

[Annie Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Remedy” is the first poetry book I’ve ever purchased and wow, is it a masterpiece. A real testament to the power and role of art in one’s healing journey. I am so grateful Mr. Roedel shared his heart with the world.