Poetry has long been a refuge for the soul, a medium where raw emotions find voice and hidden wounds begin to mend. Through the act of writing or reading poetry, individuals can confront grief, trauma, and unspoken pain, transforming them into something tangible, something that can be held, examined, and ultimately released. Leanna Little’s poignant collection, The Weight She Carried, exemplifies this transformative power, weaving a tapestry of sorrow, resilience, and hope that mirrors the universal journey of emotional healing.
The Therapeutic Power of Expressive Writing
Expressive writing, particularly in the form of poetry, allows us to externalize emotions that might otherwise remain buried. By putting pen to paper, we create a safe space to explore complex feelings, grief over a lost parent, the sting of abandonment, or the suffocating grip of depression. Leanna’s poem “The Letter” captures this process vividly:
“Hey, dad / Wish we could have had this conversation / Face to face, no walls, no silence / But you slipped away before the chance could take shape / Now I’m left holding questions / And no answers”
These lines reflect a daughter’s unresolved pain, grappling with her father’s absence. Writing such words doesn’t erase the hurt, but it gives it shape, making it less overwhelming. Research supports this: studies, like those by psychologist James Pennebaker, show that expressive writing can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance physical health by allowing individuals to process trauma in a structured way.
Naming the Unnameable
One of poetry’s greatest strengths is its ability to name what feels unnameable. In “Pray,” Leanna writes:
“I can’t find the words to name it / But it coils like a serpent, / Tight around me / Ready to squeeze / Until my very last breath”
This vivid imagery captures the suffocating weight of depression, giving form to an otherwise intangible struggle. By naming the “serpent,” Leanna takes the first step toward disarming it. Poetry allows us to externalize internal chaos, making it something we can confront rather than something that consumes us. This act of naming is a cornerstone of emotional healing, as it transforms vague, overwhelming feelings into something we can begin to understand and manage.
A Mirror for Self-Reflection
Poetry also serves as a mirror, reflecting both our pain and our resilience. In “Beautiful,” Leanna celebrates inner strength:
“You are one in a million / No make that a billion / The brightest hue in the midnight sky / You never cease to amaze / Braver than brave”
These lines are a reminder of the beauty and courage that persist even after life’s storms. By writing affirmations like these, poets—and readers—can reconnect with their inherent worth, countering the negative self-talk that often accompanies trauma. This reflective quality of poetry fosters self-compassion, a critical component of healing.
Releasing and Reclaiming
Poetry is not just about expressing pain; it’s about letting it go. In “Let Go,” Leanna declares:
“So I’m letting go of the depression / Saying goodbye to ED / Adios to anxiety / And farewell to the shame / I’m reclaiming my right to follow my dreams”
This act of release is a powerful step toward healing. By articulating a desire to move beyond mental health struggles, Leanna reclaims agency over her narrative. Poetry becomes a ritual of letting go, allowing writers to shed burdens and envision a future unencumbered by past pain.
Building Connection Through Shared Stories
Poetry also fosters connection, reminding us we’re not alone in our struggles. Leanna’s “I Pledge to Me” resonates as an anthem of self-love and resilience:
“I pledge allegiance—to me— / To rise, to heal, to finally be free. / Free from the storm inside my head, / From the silent words of hate I once fed.”
These words speak to anyone who has fought to overcome inner turmoil. When we share poetry, we share our humanity, creating a sense of community that combats the isolation often felt in grief or trauma. Readers of Leanna’s work may find their own experiences mirrored, offering solace and the courage to continue their healing journey.
Practical Steps to Start Your Own Healing Through Poetry
If Leanna’s work inspires you, here are some ways to harness poetry for your own emotional healing:
- Free Write Your Feelings: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind, without judgment. Let your emotions guide the words.
- Use Metaphors: Like Leanna’s “serpent” for depression, find imagery that captures your emotions. This can make abstract feelings more manageable.
- Write to Someone or Something: Address a person, like Leanna’s father in “The Letter,” or an emotion, like depression in “The Break Up.” This can help externalize your pain.
- Celebrate Your Strength: Write a poem affirming your resilience, as in “Beautiful.” Highlight your unique qualities and victories, no matter how small.
- Share or Reflect: Share your poetry with a trusted friend or keep it private for self-reflection. Both can be healing in different ways.
Conclusion
Leanna Little’s The Weight She Carried is a testament to poetry’s power as a path to emotional healing. Through vivid imagery, raw honesty, and a journey from pain to empowerment, her work shows how poetry can name the unnameable, reflect our resilience, and help us release what no longer serves us. Whether you’re grappling with grief, trauma, or self-doubt, poetry offers a way to process, heal, and reclaim your story. Pick up a pen, let the words flow, and discover the healing that awaits.
