The Howl Within.
One woman's journey through grief in poetry.

The howl within comes not from broken bones, or bruised skin;it comes from being torn in two, in the losing of you.If you are experiencing the pain of grief, then these poems could be just what you need to show you that you are not alone. Ever since that awful day when her husband died suddenly whilst mowing the grass, Jessica's grief has tumbled out into poetry and painting. Her unique observation of everyday life, her love of creation and the naked honesty she brings to her poetry seem to go to the very core of grief. (Helen Ward)Jessica shares through her poetry and art the full gamut of raw emotions experienced immediately after the death of her first husband, and then over the following months and years. The roller coaster of the many stages of grief is expressed in a visceral and direct way, evocative of many of the Psalms and Lamentations; there are no cliches here, and nowhere to hide. For those who are struggling to put their pain into words, or who perhaps feel guilty about the length of time it takes to learn to live with grief, these poems may be a solace. From the anguish of ‘The Howl Within’ through to the comfort and reassurance of ‘The Basket of Light’, there is something here that will resonate with those who are bereaved. (Esther Shreeve)