In the quiet corners of a religious home, a young girl's pen danced across the pages of her journal, giving voice to the conflicts that brewed within her. This collection of poems, written between the ages of 12 and 20, reflects her journey through faith and self-doubt, hope and disquiet.
Divided into three chapters, each with its distinct theme, these poems explore the depths of her emotions, from the unease and existentialism that haunt her in Chapter 1, "Disquiet," to the wistful nostalgia and longing for connection in Chapter 2, "Wist," and finally to the profound melancholy and yearning captured in Chapter 3, a feeling best described by the Portuguese word "Saudade."
In Chapter 1, "Disquiet," the young poet incites unease and loneliness with verses that peel back the layers of her thoughts, revealing the conflicts between her beliefs and the uncertainties of life. Poems like "Eyes Adjusting to the Dark" and "Solitude" delve into the quiet struggle of searching for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it. The poet grapples with the dissonance between her religious upbringing and the disquieting realities of existence.
Chapter 2, "Wist," delves into the realm of nostalgia and emotional distance. The poems in this chapter evoke a sense of longing for days and people that never were, or for connections that seem just out of reach. Themes of unexpected loss and the rules of fate weave through these verses, as the poet explores the complexities of human emotions and the fragility of life.
In the final chapter, the poet explores the essence of "Saudade," a deep emotional state that encompasses longing, melancholy, and a sense of incompleteness. Through her verses, she captures the bittersweet beauty of longing for something or someone that may never be fully attained. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, the poet's words resonate with a poignant longing for connection and an appreciation for the fleeting moments that make up our lives.
In this collection of poems, the young author's voice emerges from the conflicts and hopes of her religious upbringing, crafting verses that invite readers to contemplate their own existential journeys. From the disquiet that stirs within to the wistful yearning for what might have been, and ultimately to the melancholic beauty of "Saudade," these poems offer a glimpse into the heart and mind of a young poet coming of age in a world of faith and uncertainty.
