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Ghosts: Poems & Prose
The past can haunt you in a multitude of ways.
Deep and darkly compelling, J. Sexton’s third collection of poetry is raw, haunting, and often relatable. Focusing on past trauma and the memories that taunt us from the past, this compendium is sure to send a shiver down your spine.
Deep and darkly compelling, J. Sexton’s third collection of poetry is raw, haunting, and often relatable. Focusing on past trauma and the memories that taunt us from the past, this compendium is sure to send a shiver down your spine.
188 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 16, 2022
I have been following J. Sexton's poetry on IG for sometime where her IG handle is @fragmentspoetry.
I was so excited to read her collection, Ghosts, as I look forward each day to her poems online. This poetry collection is divided into three sections: 1.) A Haunting 2.) Demons and 3.) Exorcism - each section exploring different parts of the human existence from pain and trauma to healing and learning to live with our past. Sexton use of rhyme is stunning and always amazing. She uses rhyme in such a way that I am left astounded at her talent. In addition, her use of gorgeous imagery, similes and metaphors help to create some of the most beautiful poems I have read to date.
I was so excited to read her collection, Ghosts, as I look forward each day to her poems online. This poetry collection is divided into three sections: 1.) A Haunting 2.) Demons and 3.) Exorcism - each section exploring different parts of the human existence from pain and trauma to healing and learning to live with our past. Sexton use of rhyme is stunning and always amazing. She uses rhyme in such a way that I am left astounded at her talent. In addition, her use of gorgeous imagery, similes and metaphors help to create some of the most beautiful poems I have read to date.
August 16, 2026
J. Sexton’s third poetry collection is an absolute gut-punch of a read in the best possible way. Spanning 188 pages, this book dives straight into the heavy stuff - past trauma, haunting memories, and the emotional baggage we all try to sweep under the rug. It’s raw, deeply relatable, and doesn't pull any punches when exploring how the past can silently follow you around.
What really stands out is how atmospheric and vivid the imagery is throughout the pieces. In "Dead of Night," Sexton captures that exact awful feeling of lying awake while lingering regrets and flaws run wild through your mind. Then you hit "Obsidian," where darkness is described as having "fingers of obsidian that tease and taunt," or "Slow Haunting," which perfectly paints memory as smoke lingering on a stale breeze. There’s a quiet, crushing heartbreak in poems like "Shattered Hope" and "Swan Song" that completely hits you in the chest, especially when reading about love exploding into rubble or feeling the lingering bitter taste of past summers.
If you’re a fan of dark, deeply emotional poetry that sits with you long after you've closed the book, you need this on your shelf. It is haunting, beautiful, and immensely cathartic to read—definitely a collection worth picking up!
What really stands out is how atmospheric and vivid the imagery is throughout the pieces. In "Dead of Night," Sexton captures that exact awful feeling of lying awake while lingering regrets and flaws run wild through your mind. Then you hit "Obsidian," where darkness is described as having "fingers of obsidian that tease and taunt," or "Slow Haunting," which perfectly paints memory as smoke lingering on a stale breeze. There’s a quiet, crushing heartbreak in poems like "Shattered Hope" and "Swan Song" that completely hits you in the chest, especially when reading about love exploding into rubble or feeling the lingering bitter taste of past summers.
If you’re a fan of dark, deeply emotional poetry that sits with you long after you've closed the book, you need this on your shelf. It is haunting, beautiful, and immensely cathartic to read—definitely a collection worth picking up!
April 26, 2023
I truly felt seen and moved by Jo’s beautifully crafted collection of poetry. Her book takes you on a heart wrenching, emotional journey through pain, trauma, healing, and learning to live with the past / demons.
I love how Jo captures how it feels to be haunted by our pasts / demons , and the internal journey we go through in coming to terms with our trauma. I really resonated with her raw and vulnerable explorations of grief, shame and the struggle of letting go.
Jo’s skilful use of rhyme, imagery, similes, metaphors, alliteration and captivating descriptions make this a beautiful, haunting book of poetry. Her word’s really moved with me and stayed with me, even after I put her book down. It is a truly validating and heart aching read.
I would recommend this book to dark poetry lovers and trauma survivors. It’s absolutely brilliant ♥️
I love how Jo captures how it feels to be haunted by our pasts / demons , and the internal journey we go through in coming to terms with our trauma. I really resonated with her raw and vulnerable explorations of grief, shame and the struggle of letting go.
Jo’s skilful use of rhyme, imagery, similes, metaphors, alliteration and captivating descriptions make this a beautiful, haunting book of poetry. Her word’s really moved with me and stayed with me, even after I put her book down. It is a truly validating and heart aching read.
I would recommend this book to dark poetry lovers and trauma survivors. It’s absolutely brilliant ♥️
November 11, 2024
A hauntingly beautiful collection of poems and prose. I love the interior design of the this text with this sleek black pages and white letters. Very relatable words of wisdom. My love for darkness provided a greater appreciation for this brilliant author. My favorite chapters were "Moth" and "The Dark." The author's touch of the moon further completement the intriguing weave of dark tales.
January 8, 2023
A beautiful and haunting book full of poetry that will move and linger with you long after. Loved it.
January 21, 2026
This book of poignant poetry is designed masterfully. By using white words on black pages, Jo showcases not only her words, but haunting visuals, remembrances, and emotions. Jo writes with a thoughtful, sincere, and emotive pen that draws the reader into her world of yesterday and how it has colored her world today. Jo's words, combined with the design of her book, can at times give the reader chills. It is dark and poignant writing that I am drawn to. Her beautiful book has black pages and wispy imagery along with her word weaving that makes this book hard to put down or forget. A lovely book to add to your poetry collection.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews