The Shaping of a Diamond is a poetic journey through the most emotional moments of author Desiree Batiste's life. Life cut deep, and Desiree was beaten down repeatedly throughout her life. But with each facet, she became the diamond she is today. From childhood through present day, from surviving child abuse to heartbreak, having kids, domestic violence, divorce and mental health issues - The Shaping of a Diamond leaves out nothing and is a raw, uncensored look at the pain which shaped, inspired, and pushed her to her limits, as well as the moments which healed and saved her. This compilation of poems written by Desiree over a 27-year period contains works from multiple genres: Motivational, Emotive Adult, Inspirational/Uplifting, Moods, Romance, Death/Loss, Spirituality and Mental Illness Awareness.
Trauma, sadness and loss have a tendency to make people feel like they are isolated and alone. It becomes harder to function and to carry on. Rough patches in life do not have to dictate its permanent course: we, as individuals, do that. Where feelings can be shared, one is never alone.
The Shaping of a Diamond is a poetic journey through the most emotional moments of author Desiree Batiste's life. Life cut deep, and Desiree was beaten down repeatedly throughout her life. But with each facet, she became the diamond she is today. From childhood through present day, from surviving child abuse to heartbreak, having kids, domestic violence, divorce and mental health issues - The Shaping of a Diamond leaves out nothing and is a raw, uncensored look at the pain which shaped, inspired, and pushed her to her limits, as well as the moments which healed and saved her. This compilation of poems written by Desiree over a 27-year period contains works from multiple genres: Motivational, Emotive Adult, Inspirational/Uplifting, Moods, Romance, Death/Loss, Spirituality and Mental Illness Awareness.
Trauma, sadness and loss have a tendency to make people feel like they are isolated and alone. It becomes harder to function and to carry on. Rough patches in life do not have to dictate its permanent course: we, as individuals, do that. Where feelings can be shared, one is never alone.
The poems in this section were written about experiences in my childhood. I grew up in what started out to
be a loving household. My father was a Vietnam veteran who was disabled after the war and heavily medicated for a whole host of health problems and a few misdiagnosed ones. He was not allowed to care for me or to speak up against my abusive, unhinged mother. Until I became a teenager, my mother and I were extremely close. I looked up to her. She spoiled me with gifts, toys, clothes, movies, meals out. All the kids in the neighborhood wished their moms were as great as mine. She was often the only person I thought was a true friend to me, and I wanted to grow up to be just like her. That all changed when I became a teenager. As soon as I showed signs of wanting to have a life outside of her vision of what my life should end up being or do things on my own, I became the enemy, and she became something worse than any Disney movie villain. I could never imagine just how far she would go to get what she wanted or what she was truly capable of.
Before the main tragedy came a mini one. The loss of my innocence, which quickly led to additional painfully bad decisions such as smoking, and attempted suicide. These moments are captured in my poems, âThe Lightâ and âPuppetsâ while my suicidal thoughts and moment are captured in the poems âSleepâ and âNothing Is Real".
The Shaping of a Diamond is a collection of poems by Desiree Batiste that covers memorable moments from childhood to now. Desiree speaks openly and honestly about depression, relationships, abuse, and hopes for the future. They didn't pull any punches or sugarcoat anything, which I respect. Everything they've gone through, the good and the bad, have shaped them into the person they are todayâ on a path to a bright future.Â
Before each facet of the life (chapter), the author summarizes their life during these times. Facet 1: Childhood background information spoke of her father, a disabled Vietnam vet, and her abusive, unhinged mother. Her mother wasn't always the villain in her life's story. But when she became one, the child's inner light became dimmer. I didn't see a "trigger warning" disclaimer for facet one, but it needs one. The subject matter might be emotionally and psychologically difficult for some individuals to read. I was in tears throughout this first section, especially when reading "The Promise." It touched me on a personal level.Â
As we enter her high school years, the author questions if God has it in for them (Things That Go Wrong). This is a common thought, a question when life seems to beat us down. We wonder if we did something in a past life to deserve this punishment. Does God hate us? What have we done, and why can't we find happiness? Again, this is another poem that spoke volumes to me. During the poems connected to her "adulthood," the writer sees God in a more positive light. Heaven will wash away their pain and sorrow. Religious people will agree as you walk through the pearly gates, all your pain, suffering, and sadness vanishes.Â
Facet 4: The Pit of Despair discusses the author's relationships, beginning with "You Can't Hurt Me Anymore." Again, due to the subject matter, I must issue a trigger warning disclaimer. It might cause an extreme emotional response: PTSD, panic attacks, dark thoughts, etc. Again, in this section, I found myself reaching for Kleenexes. I lost my father, a serviceman, and reading "My Father's Eyes" made me think of him and all he's missed and will miss. Her "dream" made me cry even harder because she reminded me that even though my father was not beside me, at least he was not in pain anymore. That does give me some solace.Â
Desiree Batiste and I have many things in common, including how we escape from reality: music, dance, and writing (Facet 5: Sweet Escapes). All three quiet my mind when darkness takes root.Â
Though darkness is a common theme in the writings, Facet 6: A Love Story contains more uplighting poems, and my tear ducts thank you! It was nice to see the author found happiness, passion, and love. However, things took a dark turn in the next section. Family should be a tight-knit function, but hers is falling apart at the seams. Desiree is a strong woman, and it took an enormous amount of strength to handle everything life has thrown at her and for her to share her story with others.Â
She, like so many of us, carries scars from our past. They change us in ways we never imagined. But as she stated so eloquently, her turbulent past showed how "badass" she was. She's a fighter, a dreamer, and, most importantly, a SURVIVOR.Â
Desiree's story will inspire others to keep fighting, don't give up hope for a brighter future. I encourage you to read it, but (again) remember that many areas contain possible triggers.Â