Sanctuary

Some of our hearts are patchwork, a frankenstein heart, pitiful but hopeful...visualize all the pieces slowly moving back to the center....your left ventricle, which holds the memories, the laughter, their voice, every other ligament follows, pushing yourself closer to freedom, closer to healing.

Sanctuary is a collection of poems that focuses on how trauma shapes perspective, whether it be of love, religion, or sex. Shayla Herrn's poetry is a powerful cry for justice, shining a brilliant light on mental health issues in a way that is both moving and eloquent.

Herrn explores how her own trauma influenced her perception of life's purpose. In the past, she believed that the world didn't want her. Through writing and self-reflection, she found that there are creatures and people that need her. She was able to find the beauty in life and establish her own happiness, and hopes that her readers will be able to do the same.