THE BREAKING BARK – BOOK PREMIERE (EN)
The book of poetry “The Breaking Bark” is Teca’s literary debut. Poems on various topics are characterized by personal references and philosophical reflections. Experiencing from a woman’s point of view.
Teca Donaldson is a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and performing arts. She is a passionate aesthete who also enjoys putting pen to paper to transcribe her feelings, especially matters of the heart. Given her experience as a teacher, she feels it’s important to find ways to use words to express what sometimes feels impossible to say.
In this book of unconventional poetries, she elaborates on several experiences that may trigger uncomfortable conversations. A dedication to love, she explains that love presents itself through many different forms, for example family, friends, lovers, and most importantly self.
Being the Dendrophile she is, she presents herself to the reader as a deteriorating tree searching for light.
It was great working with the author. Once again, I was able to prove myself as an illustrator, because the design of the cover and interior were carefully thought out by Teca. She chose a dark and mystical design. I love it! Thank you for your fruitful cooperation and trust!
Ezo Oneir – graphic designer, editor, illustrator, director of the publishing house
Dear me
There is a big world out there
filled with endless opportunities,
do not allow yourself to settle
for temporary comfort.
Unless you know for sure that the thing or person
you are settling with,
will bring you endless happiness
for the rest of your existence on earth.
You are not alone.
You have a mother that loves you with all her heart.
You have friends that wishes the best for you,
you have siblings and family members
that looks up to you.
Giving up is never an option.
As mommy say, “the disgrace is not in falling,
it’s in failing to rise”.
Its ok to feel sad, its ok to not know,
don’t beat on yourself too much.
Stop, take a breath, clear your head, breathe,
trust yourself and when you’re ready, move forward.
Always allow yourself to look ahead
do not dwell on the past nor the bad.
Focus all your energy on the positive.
Go out, explore, interact even if its awkward,
take risks these are things
that will make you grow into the woman
you want to be.
When it’s time, I also want you to allow yourself
to fall in love, I know it’s scary
but I want you to try.
Don’t rush it, real love comes softly and slowly.
You are going to be an extraordinary woman,
believe that, go for that!
Yours forever,
Me
Even if you’ve done it a thousand times
He really fucked you up, didn’t he?
Actually, don’t answer that you’re
too damaged to notice.
I heard you the first couple times
when you said you forgave him you know?
I didn’t respond because you and I
both know that’s not true.
I don’t hold it against you, in fact
I don’t think anyone does.
Him being dead, does not mean
you have to forgive him.
Yes, I know I did, but he didn’t take my virginity,
he took yours.
Don’t give me that look, of course I knew,
I’ve known for the past eight years.
Mother told me on my sixteenth birthday.
I needed to know why I couldn’t visit
our little brother for the holidays.
And then it all made sense.
To be honest I was very upset with you.
I’ve watched you fought so hard to get his approval. Why?
I loved you then and I love you now,
so please stop saying you don’t have anyone.
I know you’re hurting but telling yourself it doesn’t hurt anymore does not make the hurt go away.
The pain you ignore is the pain you feel the most.
No, I don’t know what you’re feeling, but I observe
the way you behave and those tears you’re trying
so hard to hold back aren’t tears of forgiveness.
I have no idea what to do either.
But I do know it’s ok to cry, even if you’ve done
it a thousand times.
Polish