Many people I work with find literature and poetry to be gentle friends and companions as they navigate complex, hurtful and sometimes abusive relationships. Part of the magic of poetry is that it can mirror our experiences and give us a sense of not being alone whilst also creating space to ask our own questions and explore our own answers.

These beautiful lines from Derek Walcott's poem, 'Love After Love', are a wonderful reminder that after a relationship, especially an abusive or hurtful relationship, there is a need to give our hearts back to ourselves. People often describe losing themselves and no longer knowing who they are. Giving ourselves space to know ourselves and find our innate love and acceptance for ourselves can be a source of nourishment, contentment and self discovery.

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