20 Jul Navigating Heartbeats: A Journey Through Grief and Love in Still Here
Review of Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith
When I first came across Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith, I felt an immediate pull. The title, with its poignant duality—reminding us of loss and the enduring power of love—echoed my own experiences with grief. As soon as I began reading, I knew I had stumbled upon something deeply personal yet universally relevant. Jenny’s exploration of her brother’s unexpected loss resonated with a raw honesty that compelled me to continue flipping through the pages.
At its core, Still Here is a heartfelt navigation through the labyrinthine pathways of grief. Smith captures the shock and heaviness that accompanies loss, particularly in its early stages. Throughout the collection, she bravely opens the door to her own sorrow, allowing readers to walk alongside her as she confronts the intricate web of emotions that come with saying goodbye. The poems are imbued with a genuine depth, each one acting as a stepping stone through the murky waters of mourning.
What struck me most was Jenny’s ability to articulate feelings often left unsaid. Lines like "grief sets up camp in our bodies" encapsulate the visceral nature of this experience. The writing flows gracefully, marrying fluidity with structure; it’s organized into the progression of a year, symbolizing both the stagnation and forward movement that often accompany loss. Jenny’s lyricism invites reflection while echoing the ache of her reality.
The addition of striking illustrations scattered throughout the book enhances the reading experience, visually grounding her lyrical musings. These images serve not merely as decoration but as an extension of her emotional landscape, reinforcing the messages of remembrance and love. One reviewer beautifully expressed this sentiment, stating the poems are “gentle” and “knowing,” touching on the importance of honoring both the departed and the ones left behind.
What I found particularly compelling was the book’s inherent hopefulness. It doesn’t shy away from the dark shadows of grief; instead, it insists that even amid despair, love lingers and can grow in surprising ways. The common thread of healing stitches each poem together, creating a tapestry of understanding that invites readers to acknowledge their own pain while recognizing that they are not alone.
In conclusion, I believe Still Here is an essential read for anyone grappling with loss, whether recent or long past. Jenny Smith’s reflections provide comfort and validation, allowing space for emotions that many might find hard to share. This book would be perfect for those navigating their first year of grief, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love’s enduring presence in times of sorrow. Personally, it felt like a warm embrace during a chilly moment of introspection, and I have no doubt that it will resonate with many others as well. Rather than a book to merely read and shelve away, Still Here asks us to take the courage to unravel our grief—ultimately guiding us to discover that love, indeed, never dies.
You can find Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love here >>
