Samantha Tjanetis

Beautiful Scars Samantha Tjanetis

Beautiful Scars is a collection of poetry and prose that embodies experiences of loss, trauma, empowerment, and triumph. Separated into two distinct chapters entitled "Departures" and "Arrivals", the collection is inspired by the authors own experiences with abuse and mental illness across childhood and into adolescence and adulthood. Utilising the trauma and pain she experienced during this time to empower her future through the written word. The first chapter encompasses pieces that deal with such issues of death, loss, abandonment, grief, sadness, and pain. Following which, there is a transitional piece titled "Layover" which bridges the gap between both chapters, signifying the departure of grief and the arrival of hope. The second chapter is centred around empowerment, hope, and finding peace in trauma, and eventually, love once more. While the subject matter of the first chapter is described as being quite dark and heavy in its nature, such issues are of particular significance in the wake of an increased prevalence of mental illness globally. This collection is dedicated to all individuals who have suffered with, or have known someone who has had experiences with mental illness.