B*tch: a Reclamation (2022)

You might wonder why I would buy a book of poetry intended for women. Well, in the first place, I have lived most of my life surrounded by women. Secondly, I have read and admired Ingrid’s work on Facebook for the past year or so. Finally, because I write poetry, too, I like supporting poets when I can.

Ingrid Turner’s style of writing is unique in my experience: she writes as if creating flash cards of short phrases, which she strings together to make emotive and coherent sentences. At the base of her writing is an internal voice admonishing her to do better and then giving her love and support through her struggles. In effect, this is her Spirit Guide speaking aloud. That is why her words need to be spoken out loud, too.

,

Thank you, God

for reminding me

that my anger

is a lie.

.

It’s just the nails

I’ve spackled

on my own bed

.

the place

of rest, that you

gave to me

.

from your love.

.

And I have

the hammer

to remove this pain

.

and sleep forever

.

in the embrace

of your presence

for the rest

.

of my life.

.

Ingrid H. Turner

7/30/22

Facebook

I’m using this recent poem as an illustration. I only got the book yesterday and I need some time to absorb what it has to say. In the meantime, I would recommend Ingrid’s poetry for its truth. Amen.