Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler with Louise Matthewson
“When I get back out-
side
through the gift of poetry
I will find my way back
to the web
of life on earth.”
Excerpt of the poem,“A Road Not Chosen” form Life Interrupted Living With Brain Injury
by Louise Matthewson
I am very pleased to feature Memoir Author and Poet Louise Matthewson in this interview about the healing power of poetry in memoir.
In February 2003, Louise emerged from a coma following an automobile accident in which she suffered a traumatic brain injury (commonly referred to as a TBI). These complex head injuries can have an enormous impact on the injured person and his or her family, with far reaching implications.
Faced with the biggest challenge of her life, Louise has subsequently used poetry to process her grief and recover – both physically and emotionally. Through her website, she shares samples of her work and resources in hopes it will bring strength and hope to other TBI sufferers and their loved ones.
A Life Interrupted: Living with Brain Injury, is a collection of transformative poetry that arose from the author’s experience following a traumatic brain injury. It chronicles her emergence from a coma following a serious car accident, her recovery journey, and triumphant return to her writing career.
While Louise has always written about the sacred moments in everyday experiences, today those experiences hold even deeper meaning.
Though a struggle at first, Louise returned to her writing as soon as she was able after her auotmobile accident. She has since used her writing (and poetry in particular) to help her cope with the physical affects of the accident, recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder, and in the emotional part of her healing process.
Here is a link to an interview with her publisher at Pearlsong Press.
KP: In 2003, you suffered a traumatic brain injury and fell into a two-week coma following an automobile accident. Tell us what made you decide to write about it and how long it took:
LM:
KP: How did you find healing through your writing?
LM:
KP: You use poetry to tell your story. Tell us how writing poetry enhanced your storytelling.
LM:
Author Bio:
The author of short stories, narrative essays and poems, Minnesota author Louise Mathewson’s work has been published in numerous magazines, journals and anthologies – including the first volume of the bestselling book series, Cup of Comfort. Her new book is A Life Interrupted: Living with Brain Injury.
Louise can be contacted in the following ways”
This is another example of how writing — regardless the genre — can help to heal, not only the writer but also the reader. Thank you, Kathy, for introducing us to Louise.
And Louise, thank you for sharing your story. It’s very powerful and inspirational. I so admire poets for their ability to convey a wealth of feelings and impressions in a tiny amount of words!
Debbie, thank you so much for your affirmation of my work! I often think all of us are poets. When I hear people in conversation using metaphors, I hear poetry myself!!
Thanks for your affirmation of my work, Debbie!!
Debbie, I agree, the ability to convey deep feelings through a few words is admirable as Louise does so well in her memoir of poems So glad you found inspiration in Louise’s story. Thanks for stopping by.
I was especially drawn to this interview as I have written poetry during my most stressful episodes of life. It gave me the sense of validity for my feelings and resolved my depression and despair. I would enjoy reading Kay Adam’s book to fortify my adventure in writing poetry and finding wholeness and purpose in my writing.
Kathy, even before the accident, one day I found a lifting from depression by writing a list of metaphors for what depression felt like. In writing metaphors, it lifted! What a gift!! FYI, Kay Adams also operates an online Therapeutic Writing Institute where I often take classes.
I meant to say the memoir book by Louise Matthewson would be a great book to read about the power of poetry during a traumatic episode leading to healing.
What an amazing story, with penetrating insight, Louise, and your book is simply fabulous. Thanks for your courage — it inspires!
Way to go Louise. I have enjoyed your work so much. Here’s a hug of appreciation for your poems and your memoir. You touched on my personal soft spot in writing about TBI. My mother had a CVA at age 46, survived, and lived a good long live. I honor you all for your courage and spunk! Here’s a shout out to fellow Journal to the Self instructors and Kay Adams fans. I love Fox’s book too. You mentioned two of my lifelines! Nice job, Kathy.
Sue, How nice that Louise’s poetry connects you to the memories of your Mom. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story. Hugs, Kathy
I have said this before Louise -I have so much admiration for your work. I wish I had the writing skills and thoughts you have to make such magical contribution to our lives. Thank you
Phil 😉
Dear Phil, Welcome and thanks for stopping by. I agree, Laura has made a “magical contribution to our lives.”
Before I penned my memoir I wrote three poems that inspired me to finally write my story. I believe in the power poetry has not only to heal but to bring out in us the truth we need to tell. Thank you, Louise, for sharing your story here, and Kathy for Introducing
Louise to us.
Thanks for stopping by Lorenzo and for sharing your thoughts on how poetry “heals and brings out the truth we need to tell.” Lovely.
Stumbled here from Linkedin link and so happy I did. What an incredible story with insights flying left and right…grabbing as many as I can! Wonderful interview. Writing though poetry, journals and essays has saved my life more than once and am now working on a memoir about love, illness and loss.
I can’t say enough about the inspiration and value that you add to our wide community.
Thank you,
Patti
Welcome, Patti!I’m so happy you found your way here from LinkedIn. I agree, Louise’s story of healing touches us all. I appreciate your kind thoughts. It’s amazing to me how much we can all inspire one other when we share our stories. Best wishes on your memoir. I hope you’ll keep us posted. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story.