Grief Said, "Have a Seat." - Paperback

by Amanda G. Elsbury (Author)

Feeling overwhelmed after the sudden death of her father, Amanda sought an outlet to help process her complicated grief. Poetry became a safe retreat for an otherwise ponderous journey.

In this book of free-verse and rhyme-blended poems, Amanda helps others recognize diverse aspects of their own grief with pause and honesty. Humans have three primary parts: the head, heart, and spirit (or energy). Thoughts and introspection come most naturally to Amanda's logical mind, but death and grief are complex experiences, and she needed outward expression so all of her could have a voice.

This turned into an almost journal-type of experience, with Amanda cataloging emotions, thoughts, and observations of grief and death during that first year after her father passed. Throughout this experience of loss, she noticed many people around her also struggling with the death of loved ones. Grief is so varied, so she has included some brief stories of their heartache and thoughts on coping as well. Though her poetry journal started as a personal project, it quickly grew into a creation that anyone who has lost a loved one could connect with.

The first poem in the book was read at her father's funeral, and the last poem was written on the anniversary of his death.
These pages are essential for all who seek vulnerable grief literature. Within this book, readers will find an honest portrayal of accepting (and sometimes fighting) a reality we all must face: Death, sorrow, and loss.