The Wounded Healer

A poem from our Community Correspondent Derek Read

The Wounded Healer

I lost my way holding on to a semblance
of respectability, thinking I had to endure
that which was painful-destructive

And losing my status, my job, my position

I found again words, words and people
who loved words

And something they were difficult words
difficult people
But from this was a strength in their fragility
A tenacity in their, and my vulnerability

And I opened myself to the pain
and joy of it…