29 Comments
User's avatar
Jeff Heisler's avatar

Jesus H Christ that was powerful.

Damn.

This is exceptional poetry. Your skills with words, rhythm, imagery and rhyme are outstanding. Truly.

The hands- checking the door by opening it- the repeated refrain about torture- all powerful and impactful. Amazing.

I know you have shared other poems in posts before and I strongly encourage you to continue to write both poetry and prose.

You have a lot of valuable things to say Dr. Barr, and you express them in profoundly effective ways. Your voice is an incredible instrument

for both education and artistic expression. I cannot encourage you enough to continue the work you’re doing.

- Jeffrey Heisler (aka atomsandempires)

David Davidson's avatar

This was absolutely incredible.

Rachel Barr's avatar

Thank you, I feel so much better for writing it. Needed to get that out of me 🫀

Eric Dziura's avatar

I am so, so relieved that you can find your way back. Poetry is magic.

Rachel Barr's avatar

Poetry is the best 🫀

David Davidson's avatar

I was also thinking of Savannah Guthrie's missing mother when I read your poem.

Luis Sosa's avatar

Just exceptionally fucking brilliant.

This fucking world where you want to make tea but are reminded constantly that the shittiest people are the most powerful but then you read poetry, and suddenly the balance feels different, because like the dumb jokes this reminds me that we are also capable of such fucking brilliance.

Thank you.

Rachel Barr's avatar

I’m really glad I could help you feel a touch more human again. Thank god for art. And for animals. What a mess this would be without art and animals 😅

Luis Sosa's avatar

Our cats definitely help keep us sane.

Rachel Barr's avatar

THEY ARE STUNNING 😍😍😍🥹 I have this barn owl in my house, he is very warm and soft. He delights me every single day.

Luis Sosa's avatar

Sending your little dude all my best wishes.

Christopher Baldus-Jeursen's avatar

A barn owl! You're lucky to see one nearby. Is it out and about often? There are a few in the park here in Longueuil. But they are hard to spot since they're well camouflaged.

Luis Sosa's avatar

Gnocchi!!! 😍

Ruthanna's avatar

Thanks for sharing, for articulating.

Uncertainlycarly's avatar

I am speechless. Phenomenally, beautifully written.

Sara's avatar

How glad I was when I recieved gabapentine for first time so I could focus on making tea again.

Egidio Caleiro's avatar

This is absolute gold

R. Kyle Norris (they/them)'s avatar

Incredible, I felt this in my bones, felt forgotten memories stirring. Even without all of the horribleness going on right now and being shoved in our faces, I am barely hanging on, barely feel human most days. Thank you for giving me a moment of humanity amidst the void in which I mind myself adrift.

Truly, impactful.

Dylan's avatar
Feb 4Edited

This is so good. As someone who lives with adhd and complex mental illness this was incredibly moving.

My brain is an animal, and I am an animal between its teeth.

Fucking incredible, it’s not always easy to make sense of the world’s trauma when you’re neurodivergent. Reminds me of the modest mouse song ‘heart cooks brain’

Charles Bischoff's avatar

Thanks Rachel. Love your poetry offering.

Charles Bischoff's avatar

Hi Rachel. Thanks for your post.

Jordan Scott's avatar

One of the most vivid depictions through poetry I've ever encountered. Really incredible. Almost hard to get through. Thank you for sharing! 🖤

Barton's avatar

The cadence is consistent. Personal best territory.

N Small's avatar

A brilliant, painful piece of work!

Michael P Terracino's avatar

While reading your poetry I shared in your pain. I'm so grateful for that. Because being able to release my anger in poetic prose is a talent that I wish I had. Keep sharing so I can live vicariously through you. Thank you

David's avatar

I feel that - the horrors past and present choking out the things that are supposed to be normal, the anamnesis of trauma, the betrayal of friends.

Karl Vogt's avatar

Wonderful poem. Stay OK. Keep going.