Initially, Catherine’s inspiration centred around the devastating car crash that changed her life as she turned to poetry to supplement the traditional and alternative therapies used to support her recovery. Embracing rhyme, meter, allegory, imagery and more, Catherine began to make sense of the sudden immense changes in her life. Catherine’s words celebrate the delicate balance between tenacity and acceptance. She has a message for those managing trauma: Every trauma journey is unique- your feelings are valid.
Catherine’s poetry is candid and often raw. She infrequently uses mature language as sometimes that is the only way to express her feelings. Her work makes reference to road incidents; brain injury and post concussion syndrome; severe neck injury; and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Such content may be triggering to some readers. Please see resources for external information and support. You are not alone.
inspiration beyond healing
Whilst much of Catherine’s work focuses on invisible disability and chronic illness, she has found that the essence of writing poetry for healing is in the process almost as much as the content. Her poetry considers her observations of life; memory; hopes for the future. To read in more detail about Catherine’s relationship with poetry for healing trauma, see this post. (The extended version, published on Medium 21/6/24 can be found here). Enjoying the possibilities of free verse and the support of poetic form in equal measure, Catherine enjoys experimenting with bending the rules to produce a desired effect. Finding inspiration among local poets, she enjoys performing her poetry at live events and on her YouTube channel.
Catherine is a huge advocate for pet therapy. Her two lop eared rabbits -Missy and Doc- have been instrumental in managing her mental health. They appear frequently in her work. Catherine’s first published collection –The Ballad of the Bunny and Other Poems: The Diary of a Car Crash and Beyond, is titled to reflect the rabbits’ significance in Catherine’s recovery journey.
aiming high
With the publication of her book, Catherine’s goal has evolved to reach beyond her own healing. She hopes to encourage others to adopt poetry -or other creative mediums- to explore their own stories. Ultimately, she is working towards a more peaceful world. A lofty goal perhaps, but one that could start with a single haiku.
Put down your worries
next to your guns and trade them
for words. Now ask, why?
Catherine Hannah, Gathering Moss, June 2024