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Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Today I’m reviewing Pieces of Me by Maggie Watson. The book is broken into three parts about this author’s journey of surviving domestic abuse – the abuse, the healing, and the growth. Written in storytelling poetic form.
Blurb:
For more than a decade, I lived in a toxic/abusive environment.
I survived by learning when to keep my mouth shut.
Now, I have a voice by writing about my experience through poetry.
This is my story, no longer silenced.
I hope it gives you the courage to do the same!From the ashes, I rise.
Emerging from the dust and ruins
of the carnage you left behind,
wiping away the dirt from the words that
once left me unable to breathe.
As I lay gasping for air, you did not care.
You could have been my downfall, but I refused to die.
Now watch as I climb to the summit of my life,
no longer caught in your riptide.
.
My 5 Star Review:
As the author states in her prologue – ‘Poetry is not always pretty’. This is a poignant and heartfelt read. Stoic and entwined with powerful metaphors, Watson takes us with her through her stories of abuse, written in free verse. Each story left an impact on me, sadly, stories I could identify with from my own long ago past. Every poem is a telling, centered around domestic violence and gaslighting as the author shares intimate pieces of her life.
It’s almost too difficult to pick out favorite poems as they all hold a pain the author endured. This book is by no means whiney or complaining, but truthful hurts from her soul revealed. We can feel the author’s struggle with her painful past relationship and get a feel for why so often it’s difficult for an abused victim to leave.
Her story is broken down into three parts: Red Light Spells Danger, Eggshells, and I Am Becoming. In essence – the sufferance, healing, and rebuilding.
A few poignant stories that stuck:
In her poem, Different Corner – I Had A Dream, we can feel her tortured soul wanting to leave, yet, scared to take that step.
In She – She Was Me, But She Could Easily Have Been You – Watson speaks about being a survivor from the flames, not looking back, but building a better future. Hope.
Behind Closed Doors – For Every One of Me – Speaks of the thousands who are like Watson where nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors, and a powerful telling of how often the police aren’t helpful in domestic situations. “Ignorance is bliss until it happens to you.”
Her Stories – Her Ink Is The LIght On Her Darkest Nights – Her pen is her anchor when she is drowning.
Past Version – If You Should Meet A Past Version Of Me – “Show her compassion and grace.” “She was blinded by grief. With no compass, all I could find was what I needed least.”
From Part 2, she has escaped and shares stories of aftermath and healing, though nothing is ever forgotten.
Eggshells: “If you ever find yourself walking on eggshells, here is my advice. Leave and don’t think twice. You can buy more eggs, but you can never buy back your life.” These are very wise words and a huge Red Flag sign. If you have to live by walking on eggshells – get out! I learned my own lessons.
Harsh Words, A Tape On Repeat –
“in the echoes of silence, they scream.
No pause button or delete.
Lodged in the subconscious, they
mutate while you sleep.
An incision to the brain would never
allow
them to escape.
They are the seeds left behind when you
were drip-fed daily by a poisonous tongue.
Stuck to the roof of your mind, and they
burn
as flames of memories return.
Now you are back in hell while the devil
dances
at the sight of you in pain.
Some things you can never forget,
no matter how hard you try.”
,
In Part 3, the chains are broken, but the memories never fade . . .
A Lotus
She lay in the dirt
in the dark,
Entombed
with hurt.
Aching muscles.
Bleeding fingers.
Never give up.
No surrender.
Keep pushing through the earth.
Now, she lives in the light.
Rebirth.
,
Broken Wings
No strings.
No ties.
Left to die, she cries.
Angel appears.
No more tears.
Now she soars and flies.
Note: I too am a survivor of domestic abuse – before I met my husband. In these tellings, it’s not difficult to read between the lines about what this author endured. These are all telling signs and warnings to get out and stop making excuses for their abusive behavior. Please take heed.
©DGKaye2026
