Mental Health, Poetry, and I by Brendon Feeley

Genre: Non-fiction / Poetry
Sub-genres: Reflective verse, Personal narrative
Themes: Coping, resilience, self-expression, healing
Content warning: Contains strong language and references to mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Poetry is usually a neat thing. Lines balance, words are carefully chosen, and the poet seems to know exactly what they want to say. This collection is different. It reads like someone letting ink chase feelings around the page before those feelings get the better of them. It does not hide the mess of having a body that fails, a mind that rebels, and days that feel longer than they are. It doesn’t even try.

Instead, the book insists that poems can be a room to sit in when no other room feels safe. The writer leans on short pieces, plain words, even fractured thoughts, the way someone leans on a railing when climbing stairs. That makes the poems feel closer, as if they are being spoken rather than written.

What stands out is not just the hardship that runs through the work but the way persistence takes shape almost by accident. Readers will notice the way certain lines suddenly turn the corner toward hope, not because hope is demanded but because it sometimes appears while trying to survive another day. That is not a structure many poetry books dare to follow.

This book is not for those looking for tidy, polished rhyme. It is for those who know there is a gap between what you tell the world and what you tell a page. It suggests that telling the page first might just save you.

Global Spines Book Award

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This book is a winner of the Global Spines Book Award, which honors exceptional works of literature that transcend borders and speak to universal human experiences. This award celebrates stories that connect readers across the globe, offering fresh perspectives and exploring the richness of cultural diversity. Each winning book reflects the spirit of Global Spines—stories that bridge gaps, foster understanding, and resonate with readers from all walks of life. By recognizing these powerful narratives, we aim to inspire deeper connections and celebrate the power of global storytelling.

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