Leaving a Gaslighter Where They Should Be . . . Alone.

A Book Review

Pieces of Me by Maggie Watson. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I started reading this book directly after The Keeper of the Key by Nicole Willson, and I read about fifteen pages then. I wanted to start fresh the next day without remnants of gothic horror on my brain, and this is what I did. I like to give the books I read my full attention. This occurrence was no different.

I will never understand the mind of an abuser. I will never know how someone can knowingly attempt to damage another. Maggie shares a bit of her experience through poetry in Pieces of Me, and reading through some of the poems . . . I know it took courage to do so.

Here is the review I shared on Amazon and Goodreads for it:

“It Takes Courage To Free One’s Pain

And then share it with the world. That is exactly what Maggie Watson has done with her collection of poetry, Pieces of Me.

There are many poems within this collection I could highlight, and since I am old-school, I literally highlighted phrases and made comments/notes in the margins.

Reading one’s triumph over their abuser in the form of poetry is a testimonial experience. I felt as though I was watching the writer release her pain with every poem shared.

Starting off slow, a few of the poems in the first section didn’t hit me nearly as hard as the poems in the second and last section. But I most definitely felt something–it stirred up emotions within me I thought had been buried.

I commend the writer for being vulnerable enough to share with the world a traumatic life-event that didn’t ruin her outlook on how she lives, but instead gave her the strength to fully live.”

If it were up to me, the world would be rid of abusers in every form. A book of poems such as Pieces of Me should not have to be written. Still, I am glad the writer/author shared her experience as a form of testimony and also included other instances not directly linked to her that so many people have experienced.

The world in which we live is a horrible place under the surface. But there is always a spark, a glimmer, a modicum of love and care waiting to spring forth. I believe Maggie wants that for everyone–love springing forth. And I also believe her writing will help facilitate that.

Saturday Six Word Story Prompt: Struggle

Prompt for Week #122 January 25, 2025 – January 31, 2025

Title: Politically Assassinated

Six Words: Four more y e a r s of undeniable struggle.

It’s time for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt! This week’s theme is “Struggle” and here are the prompt details:


Welcome to Week #122 of the Saturday Six Word Story PromptClick here to read the guidelines for the Saturday Six Word Story Prompt series. (Psst! I have changed the guidelines recently.)

Prompt for Week #122 (January 25, 2025 – January 31, 2025)

Struggle

Click here for the 6WSP image.

I will do a roundup post each Saturday (or Sunday if I run out of time!). So please be sure to participate before time runs out! I can’t wait to read your stories. 😀 I hope that you’ll be back for next week’s Six Word Story Prompt. Have fun! Thank you for participating. Until next week, folks!

P.S: If you have any doubts/suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The comments section is all yours!
P.P.S: Use the tag 6WSP and don’t forget to pingback to this post!

If you’ve got six words to contribute to this week’s theme for the prompt, head on over to Shweta’s page to add your creative child to the mix. I know this topic will more than likely birth/spark several discussions or bring out the most creative parts of ourselves. Have fun, folks!

The Story Is Gold

It’s America
Baked in lies
This story is gold

Pawns in a new game
Of trick chess
The polls will drown us

But we’ll place ballots
For old sins
That never finds sleep

A new tale to tell
Unhinged truth
Glorified beauty


Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-Book and Paperback) yet?

Running With the Clouds Part III

Jake’s Pain (Microfiction)

He answered the call at 12:47 AM in a panic. “Next of Kin” meant waking up at all hours of the night when your big sister has done something unthinkable.

“Can you come in to identify the body?”

Can I do what?! She did what?! How was her mental health?! If she jumped from the 14th floor of her building, what is left for me to identify?!

Thunder roared, and the midnight rain poured like it would be the last.

Maybe she wanted to die first . . .

Maybe that’s why she did it.


Part I & Part II

NaPoWriMo #13

hard-earned money that never lasts

9-11 hour days
that include overtime
as extra money for
a trip home, vet visit,
and upcoming car
tag renewal have me
exhausted

the grind is essential
“they say” to maintain
a certain status quo

I just want to do everything
I need and want to do
without being too
tired to do everything I
need and want to do

don’t you