Today, I would like to share one of my poems from Wounds I Healed, which, as I write, is still No.1 New Release in Poetry Anthologies on Amazon.com! I am blown away by the amount of support and good wishes we have received from the many wonderful people who have contributed to the anthology, or otherwise supported its publication and promotion.

In further good news for the anthology, my local bookstore will be selling copies, and editor Gabriela Marie Milton is due to be interviewed by New York Glamor Magazine about the book! I am thrilled that all of the authors are getting the recognition they deserve, and that the issues raised in this volume are sparking debate and emotional responses far and wide!
Cyclical Rebirth
Here is one of my poems from Wounds I Healed, entitled ‘Cyclical Rebirth:’
Every month I die, and am reborn
with dark-day demons, whispering me home:
this is no cause to cry, or be forlorn
Another night of anguish, pages torn
from out the book of life, a weighty tome
for every month I die, and am reborn
As in your arms, I find my cares are borne
aloft, alight, through sky and wild sea-foam
there is no cause to cry, or be forlorn
Across my weathered face, the lines are worn
like scars upon a beach I walk alone
where every month I die, and am reborn
Distant, I hear the bright triumphal horn
sounding its rallying call, as clarion
for there’s no cause to cry, or be forlorn
The dark births light, cast in poetic form
of ancient bards, who, lyre-in-hand, still roam
through centuries, to die, and be reborn:
without a cause to cry, or be forlorn
This poem describes my experience of PMDD, or Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a condition I have written about extensively in the past. I am currently in chemically-induced menopause to treat my PMDD, and I am happy to report this is working (though the treatment in itself is not without its challenges!) One bonus being, I have been able to work consistently on getting Wounds I Healed out into the world. Of course, I could not have done this without the support of editor Gabriela Marie Milton, Cover Artist Nick Reeves, and all of the wonderful contributors to this anthology.
THis is all amazing, Ingrid!!! You and Gabriela have worked magic – taken many beautiful notes that were inaudible on their own, and united them artistically to sing for the whole world to hear. PMDD sounds incredibly tough. I wonder if you have awful hot flushes with your chemically induced menopause? I do from chemo-induced menopause. But I wonder if for you it is different?
Thank you! What a beautiful way to describe the project 😊
I had hot flushes, headaches, anxiety attacks, depression: but fixed with HRT now, and still preferable to PMDD. Are you able to take HRT for yours?
Oh dear that does sound rough. No I can’t take HRT because my cancer is estrogen responsive. I do have another prescribed drug I can try but I am trying all the other suggestions first. Eg. No caffeine, wearing natural fibres, evening primrose oil, etc
Oh no, that’s tough! Estrogen is the only thing that helps me as I’m progesterone sensitive. I hope the natural remedies help. It isn’t natural to be plunged into menopause!
Aww 😊 🥳 I bless you. XoXo
Thank you Selma 🤗❤️
Congratulations Ingrid and good luck with your new projects. I am highly excited about the anthology. It’s doing fantastic.
Sending love.
Thank you Gabriela: I am too – good luck with your interview 🤩
Thank you so much. I will be in touch.
This is an absolutely beautiful poem, Ingrid! I’m so sorry you’ve been inflicted with PMDD. I’m glad the treatment is working.
Thank you! Sorry – just retrieved your comment from Spam!
The circular rhythm works well with your words. Congratulations Ingrid! (K)
So happy for the success of WIH, the poems are compelling and highlight so many diverse struggles. Thanks for sharing yours so beautifully here! 💖
Ingrid, your powerful poem could represent many life struggles, but it perfectly and poetically represents the anguish and “death” that many women experience every month. Month after month, year after year. I am glad you are finding relief – hope the challenges are minor. Wonderful news about your local bookstore and Gabriela’s interview! 👏🏻
Thank you, Michele. The treatment has been a revelation! And it helped me get on with some important work 🙂
You are welcome. I wish you continued well-being and success!
What a tremendously beautiful, changing poem, Ingrid! It is one of my favorites of your writing, as I find its journey to healing absolutely moving, relatable, and uplifting. <3
Thank you, Jaya, I am pleased the poem speaks to you in this way!
What a beautiful & heartfelt poem…thank you for your sharing, Ingrid ✨
I’m so looking forward to receiving my copy…many congratulations…you & Gabriela made it happen…magnificent cover art by Nick…plus amazing poems of the talented poets (I’ve already read some pieces on WP)…
Thank you for supporting the project, Navin: I hope you enjoy the book!
You’re welcome, Ingrid…I’m sure I’m gonna enjoy the book ✨
😊
Congratulations Ingrid! Well done gettin it in your local bookstore and the interview coming up on Glamor magazine!
So exciting!
Love your poem and so much loved hearing you read it!!! It is powerful and awesome.
👏👏👏
Thank you Cindy! Next stop, the stars 🚀 ✨
Absolutely and then you become one which you are! ⭐️🌟🤩
You too, Cindy! 🤩 🪞🌟
I’m going with that! ⭐️.. I just got sequestered to be featured in Sept by MMS Worldwide Institute which is the Original Coaching institute where I am certified by Dr. Cherie.. Thrilled! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟
Amazing 🤩 so happy for you 😊🌟
Thanks so much.. now i best get writing..
😂😎😱
Yes! 😅🤣🙌
Ingrid, I am glad you are feeling better, and I wish you continued good health! This poem vividly describes what you have had to endure. Hope it helps to raise awareness about PMMD. <3 I look forward to reading the interview.
Thank you kindly, Cheryl: it has been a battle, but we grow stronger through such trials! ❤️
A poem I will remember forever. And the most powerful poetry reading I’ve ever attended. Bravo on all counts, Ingrid.
Thank you so much, K. I am glad it meant a lot to you!
May you continue to feel relief from this affliction, Ingrid. Your sharing may help others seek help and answers.
This is what I hope for, thank you, Barb 🙏
Your strength and determination in dealing with your ordeal comes through in your words. I’m enjoying reading my copy of the anthology. Well done, Ingrid.
Thank you, Ken: I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Ingrid, I do hope when more people read “our book” (ooh! I feel so good writing that!), They become more aware of PMDD. As always, powerful write. Wishing you more strength. ❤️
I sometimes wonder how something which affects 5% of the female population can be so poorly understood, but then I look at the first half of this sentence, and it all becomes clear! ❤️