The Shaping of a Diamond
Description:
“A poem is a moment frozen in time – the words like a photograph. They capture the tears that you were too broken to cry, the emotions too strong to process, the joy too pure to forget and lock it away in time. When a poem is read and shared, any similar moments or experiences felt by the reader will trigger the same emotional response in them that the author captured in that moment, and will allow those emotions to flow freely. In this, poetry is very healing, therapeutic and cathartic.” – Desiree Batiste
CONTENT GUIDANCE: This book explores aspects of mental health challenges and contains depictions of self-harm, physical and sexual abuse. These aspects may be difficult for some readers. Please read with care.
The Shaping of a Diamond is a poetic journey through the most emotional moments of author Desiree Batiste’s life. Life cut deep, and Desiree was beaten down repeatedly throughout her life. But with each facet, she became the diamond she is today. From childhood through present day, from surviving child abuse to heartbreak, having kids, domestic violence, divorce and mental health issues – The Shaping of a Diamond leaves out nothing and is a raw, uncensored look at the pain which shaped, inspired, and pushed her to her limits, as well as the moments which healed and saved her. This compilation of poems written by Desiree over a 27-year period contains works from the following genres: Motivational, Emotive, Adult, Inspirational/Uplifting, Moods, Romance, Death/Loss, Spirituality and Mental Illness Awareness. Desiree’s goal in sharing this book with the world was twofold: to provide healing and closure to herself for all of the traumatic experiences she endured and to provide strength, understanding, inspiration, motivation and encouragement to others who may find themselves currently in similar circumstances.
Trauma, sadness and loss have a tendency to make people feel like they are isolated and alone. It becomes harder to function and to carry on. By creating this book, Desiree has reached out to any and all people who have had similar experiences and feelings to let them know that ‘we are all in this together’. Her survival enabled her to achieve inner peace and start the wonderful life she has now, and she believes if she can achieve it, anyone else has the same chance at peace and happiness. Rough patches in life do not have to dictate its permanent course: we, as individuals, do that.
These poems are all based in fact, and are feelings captured during the best or worst moments in Desiree’s life. As pain is often captured in the poems because they were written in the moment or soon following the moment, some of them are dark-themed and very raw in their emotion. The point of writing like this was to highlight those extreme human emotions – emotions which we all feel and share in common when we are hurt or we struggle – and reach out a metaphorical hand to all people out there. Her hope is that her poems may help others to be encouraged, inspired, uplifted and save them some of the painful struggles she went through during the darkest times of her life. Desiree also hopes her words inspire people to open up and talk or write about their own painful and joyous moments. Life will continue to surprise us, test us and devastate us. It is what we choose to do with those moments that will make a difference – for each individual, for each life…the venue of expression is yours. Desiree’s hope for each and every person who reads The Shaping of a Diamond is that they find answers, comfort, peace, joy…and to know that there is at least one “someone” out there that understands what they are going through, and cares. Where feelings can be shared, one is never alone.
Book Title:
The Shaping of a Diamond
Author:
Desiree Batiste
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Shimmering Brilliance
Description:
“It is not the steps we take in the wrong direction that get us stuck in life, but rather the steps in any other direction which we never take at all.” – Desiree Batiste
CONTENT GUIDANCE: This book explores aspects of mental health challenges and contains depictions of self-harm, physical and sexual abuse. These aspects may be difficult for some readers. Please read with care.
From the author of the poetry journey The Shaping of a Diamond, comes a new poetry compilation which covers the different realms of every day life. This compilation picks up where her last book left off in some ways, but is on its own a standalone book, so you do not have to know the story of one to appreciate the other. Desiree Batiste has created both a reality and an escape from reality within the pages of Shimmering Brilliance. Even people who do not find poetry to usually be to their liking can find something relatable in this book. From adult/mental health themes, to self-esteem building, laughter, spirituality and more, Shimmering Brilliance is another journey from Desiree Batiste, which is our pleasure to take with her. You will not regret one moment spent pouring over the pages of this book, and will find in the end that your shimmer has been with you all along, but can often go unnoticed. This book can inspire anyone to stand proud and shine on!
Book Title:
Shimmering Brilliance
Author:
Desiree Batiste
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Antifa Lit Journal, Volume 1: What if We Kissed While Sinking a Billionaire’s Yacht?
Description:
We are living through a fascist uprising. Do not wait for fascists to call themselves fascists. They are ascendant, and we have to learn how to fight back. Authors and poets have always spearheaded efforts to articulate danger and envision a better future. In the Antifa Lit Journal, these talented writers will tug at your heartstrings, draw you to take action, and help you find hope. Volume 1 begins with Rachel A. Rosen’s brilliant “What If We Kissed While Sinking a Billionaire’s Yacht?” and takes readers on a journey through rage, fear, and despair to a place of grace, yearning, and inspiration. By articulating our love for one another and desire for justice, we reject an ideology of hatred, built on blame, sustained on increasing human misery, and most importantly, doomed to fail. Anti-fascist literature is one way to fight back. By itself, it’s not enough, but neither is any other single effort. We all need to come together, to spurn divisiveness, to embrace a coalition of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Use your voice while you still can, and thank these marvelous authors and poets employing their pens on all our behalf.
Book Title:
Antifa Lit Journal, Volume 1: What if We Kissed While Sinking a Billionaire’s Yacht?
Authors:
Chrys Gorman, Rachel A. Rosen, Desiree Batiste, et al.
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Desiree Batiste 