This was such an interesting piece, in that it really caught my by surprise. When the story started, that's not at all where I thought it was going to end (in terms of plot or tone.)

I had expected this to be much more centered around the rehab clinic and or the subsequent recovery, but it went way in a different direction.

Aside from being surprised, what I liked best about the piece was the tone it takes on at the end. There's no regret about the end of the journey or the mistakes it took to get there (mistakes might not be the right word, because that's certainly not how they're described in the piece - but the chaos before the serenity, I suppose.) It's not longing or bitter, but neither is preachy or overly sweet. It just is, and something about that makes it feel very pure.

There was one line in particular that caught my eye:



You didn't need to include this line, but I'm glad you did. The story doesn't require it to move forward into its conclusion, but it really encompasses that feeling of contentment and acceptance.

All in all, I think you did a good job with the piece. There are things I might have like to have seen, a resolution to the part about the father, an update on the addictions, but then again, I suppose that's not really what the poem is about, is it? It's more about being okay with the loose ends than it is about seeing them tied up neatly - so in that regard, I think you did very well.

Thanks for sharing your poem for the MHWA Review Challenge. I'm glad that I got to read it, and I hope that I get to see more of your work in the future.

Sincerely,

Cat







This review was done as part of the MHWA May Review Challenge to promote awareness about the group, and May being Mental Health Awareness Month.









My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .