As someone who has walked through the darkest of times, I’ve learned the
importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms. For me, poetry became a
lifeline, a way to process my emotions and find solace in the midst of chaos

The Darkest Times
Prison was a place I never thought I’d call home. The loss of freedom, the
weight of regret, and the crushing blow to my ego were overwhelming. But in
the silence, I found a voice. Poetry became my solace, my confidant, and my
path to healing.

Discovering Poetry
At first, it was just a hobby, a way to pass the time. I’d scribble down thoughts
and feelings in a notebook, trying to make sense of the chaos that surrounded
me. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, I
began to realise the true power of poetry. It was more than just words on a
page; it was a way to process my emotions, to work through the pain and the
trauma.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Poetry
As I poured my heart onto the page, I began to feel a sense of liberation. The
words flowed out of me like blood from a wound, messy and raw, but also
cleansing and healing. Poetry gave me a voice, a way to express the depths of
my sorrow and the heights of my hope. It was therapeutic, cathartic, and
redemptive.

Poetry Techniques
I’ve found that certain poetry techniques can be particularly helpful for
therapeutic benefits. For example, imagery allows me to vividly describe my
emotions and experiences. Metaphor helps me to find new perspectives and
insights. Free verse gives me the freedom to express myself without
constraints.

Poetry as a Coping Mechanism
I’ve learned that poetry is more than just a form of creative expression; it’s a
healthy coping mechanism. It’s a way to work through difficult emotions, to
process trauma, and to find meaning in the midst of chaos. When I’m feeling
overwhelmed, I turn to poetry. I write, I read, and I reflect. It’s a way to bring
calmness around, to soothe my soul, and to find peace with my mind.

The Science Behind Poetry Therapy
I did not realise at the time of taking up poetry, but research has shown that
writing and reading poetry can have a positive impact on mental health. It can
reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood and
cognitive function. For me, this was and is now so true. For me, my most

difficult times are in the morning, facing the day ahead with too many
thoughts, both good and bad, running through my mind. By jotting down
many of these feelings, it has made me produce some of the best work in my
darkest times and poetry that I am proud of

Tips for Writing Poetry
If you’re interested in using poetry as a therapeutic tool, here are a few tips that I found helped me, and I believe will be good for you to get you started:

1. Start small: Begin with short poems or fragments of thoughts.
2. Be honest: Write from the heart and express your true emotions, not what
   you think the reader wants to see.
3. Experiment: Try different forms, styles, and techniques.
4. Read widely: Explore the works of various poets and find inspiration.
   

CONCLUSION
Looking back, I realise that poetry saved me. It gave me a voice when I felt
voiceless, a sense of purpose when I felt lost. It’s a reminder that even in the
darkest of times, there’s always hope.

Final Words
There’s always a way to find solace, to find peace, and to find healing. If
you’re struggling, I encourage you to explore the world of poetry. Write, read,
and reflect. You never know how it might help you heal and grow.

Closing Poem

My New Voice
In the depths of darkness, I found my voice
A whispered truth, a heartfelt choice
To weave words, into threads of light
And stitch together after a shattered night

The silence broke, and I began to speak
My story, my truth, my soul’s unique
The words now flowed like a river’s stream
As I found solace in the poetic dream

In the rhythm of words, I found my peace
A sense of calm, a world to cease
From the turmoil that once consumed me whole
I emerged, reborn, with a heart that’s whole

May these words be a beacon of hope
A reminder to all that we can cope
In our own way, through our own strife
We can find solace in the beauty of life.

written by Darren Parker
blogger @poemstellium