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This collection of poems isn't just about grief, it is an expression of grief itself. Testimonials of personal loss are usually written years after the actual events occurred. They are highly refined reflections with all of the immediate emotion, pain, and rawness distilled from them. They are written by people who have lost the immediacy of the moment and don't address the initial shock and overwhelming, often very dark emotions felt at the very beginning when the need is greatest and clarity is hardest.

Saylor's poetry, written during the first year after his wife's death, helps to fill this gap. These poems have the power to touch your heart and give insight into the thoughts and emotions connected to such a profound experience. Measured together, these 102 poems present a very honest and compelling work with genuine poetic and therapeutic merit.

WHAT PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK:

At a time in my life when I was struggling, I read a poem by an author I no longer remember with a message I will never forget: "God, I give it all to you, even my fist raised at the sky in anger because I trust you with my truth, my whole truth." Ronald Saylor's poems have affected me just as deeply. He hurls the truth out there for God, for those who suffer, for those standing awkwardly with those who suffer, and for his beloved Karen. A Hard Freeze is like a strong hand to hold for those journeying through or accompanying others through a tragedy. It is hard truth, and it is faithful-Rev. Karen Thompson, Sr. Pastor, MCC Austin.

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Inspired by overwhelming grief and sadness, Ron's poems can be blunt and, occasionally, disturbing. However, it is Ron's heartfelt directness that is the true gift of this collection of poems. While grieving is a unique journey for each of us, Ron's poems manage to touch the heart of the reader, guiding him/her through the raw stages of the grieving process: from Denial (shock/disbelief) through Anger (at God, at Karen, and at the unfairness of the universe) and Depression (immense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness), and, finally, the beginning stage of Acceptance.

Ronald Saylor's poetry is emotionally stirring and inspirational. This collection of poems is highly recommended reading for professional grief counselors and grief therapists, and for individuals struggling with grief over the loss of someone special-Dr. Jim LeFan, Ph.D, licensed psychologist.

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These poems are incredibly penetrating and moving expressions of pure raw pain; unadorned and authentic, yet they are mixed with hopefulness and a search for meaning. The fact that the writing unfolds over the course of an entire year is significant. We are invited to tag along on Ron Saylor's journey as he searches for the meaning and purpose of his life after his loss of Karen.

My patients who have experienced dramatic trauma and devastating loss are often lost, befuddled, and unable to express their own feelings. Many are practically mute. These poems may help them to organize their thoughts, touch their emotions, face their inevitable denial, anger, and guilt, and give them a voice they need to move forward on their own journeys.

I highly recommend these poems to those suffering traumatic grief, their families and friends, and mental health professionals trying to understand the intense suffering that so many do in silence-Dr. Joseph Langford, Ph.D., licensed psychologist.