‘New Normal’ – My Poetry Album

Foreword

I can finally announce a very special, incredibly vulnerable writing project that I have been working on the last few months. I’ve titled it: ‘New Normal’ – my very first poetry album.

What is a poetry album? Basically, I took inspiration from Taylor Swift’s new album Midnights, and wrote 13 poems (plus one bonus number) in the form of song tracks. It has verses, choruses, bridges, an intentional album opener/closer and to imitate Taylor even further: a hard-hitting Track #5.

‘New Normal’ is the story of my grief, trauma and rebirth in the last couple of years. This is my lived experience. It touches on themes of love, new beginnings, mourning, pain and overcoming obstacles. Included are photographs I have taken of my new home in the last year. You will notice that where I live is a character in itself – a crucial player to my healing.

I started writing and found I couldn’t stop, and this is what made my final edits. As a boundary I need to set in advance, I request that nobody ask me who the songs are about (that goes for all 14 tracks) and what they mean. If you read between the lines, you’ll be able to form a picture that my poetry tells far better than my mouth ever could. These poems contain my blood, sweat and tears. I really have left all of me on the pages but honestly, it was the best therapy. It truly helped in my healing process and by the time I was done, I realised I wanted to share it. I’ve turned my pain into art and art should be expressed openly and without fear of judgement.

Physical copies are available for purchase here. My collection contains a journal at the back, encouraging readers to write their own poetry. 

With every end, there is a new beginning, and this is mine…

Today I am going to share 2/14 tracks in the collection. These are my favourites and the ones I am most proud of. Please order a copy to see the rest and write in the journal!

Track #2 – Rewarded 

Verse 1 

I trust in my gut like I trust my own mother.

It has never steered me wrong before.

But what if my choices answer to a higher power?

And that force decides to even the score?

Pre-Chorus 

Let the chips land where they may, they said. But I knew you like the back of my hand.

Chorus 

If I’m so bad, why is my life so good?

Surely, I must be punished?

If I’m so wrong, why does the sun keep shining?

Because if I’m so bad, then why am I being rewarded?

Verse 2 

I trust in my heart like I trust in my lover.

He hid from a cruel, cruel world.

But when I took his hand, instead of another.

They said I was a bad, bad girl.

Pre-Chorus 

Let time speak for itself they said. But I knew we would outlive the dead.

Chorus 

If I’m so bad, why is my life so kind?

Surely, I must be punished?

If I’m so wrong, why does it feel so right?

Because if I’m so bad, then why am I being rewarded?

Bridge

The universe knows like I know it too.

It knows the only road I should take is the one to you.

It tells me I’m valid through all of my gifts.

And if I’m so bad, why am I smiling like this?

Repeat Chorus 1 

Repeat Chorus 2 

(Fades to nothing) 

Track #5 – I’m Not The Same 

Verse 1

You cannot brave the wilderness.

And return just like before.

You cannot face your biggest fears.

Without trauma from the war.

Pre-Chorus

But you can embrace the water.

And adjust to a changed course.

The river runs differently.

But I swim with ease, not force.

Chorus

I’m not the same.

I know you aren’t, no.

You can try to mend a crack.

But the fractures will still show.

No, I’m not the same, but the new me is welcome here.

Refrain

She’s welcome here…

Verse 2

You cannot throw words around.

And expect them to float.

You cannot convince the masses.

To all cast the same vote.

Pre-Chorus 

But you can revive yourself.

And trust in your own heart.

The wind now blows in my direction.

It’s just heralding my fresh start.

Chorus 

I’m not the same.

I know you aren’t, no.

You can try to reverse time.

But you can’t unknow what you know.

No, I’m not the same, but the new me is welcome here.

Bridge

If I was given the chance to change it.

I wouldn’t do a thing.

Because the new me found a layer of strength.

Beneath my old skin.

I needed this to happen.

I’m grateful for that call.

Because turns out, my worst fears.

Weren’t so scary after all.

Repeat Chorus 1 

Outro

No, I’m not the same, but the new me is welcome here.

She’s welcome here…

(Fades to nothing) 

Thank you so much for reading! I may write more poetry albums in the future but for now, I leave you with this work.

Peace & Love xoxo