Post-Consumer Byproducts

from Between The Dark and The Light

My debut poetry book, Between The Dark and The Light, was published on December 10, 2024. It is wild to me that it has been out a couple of months already! My intention was to celebrate by sharing a poem from the book on the 10th. That day came and went as I was caught up in all the other things that life requires.

Without further ado, here is a selection from my book.

*Content Guidance: mentions of abuse and self-harm — not graphic, but it is a difficult subject.

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Post-Consumer Byproducts

We are made from recycled bits
Of generational trauma,
Passed down and regurgitated,
But made anew
With the intention to carry on.

Oh, how we strive to break free —
To shed old scabs,
Cover the screaming blemishes,
That blur the lines
Between abused and abuser.

The healing,
Even under band-aids —
Still leave the scars
Of painful memories,
Self-inflicted and otherwise.

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I’m considering sharing a poem from my book on the 10th (or near) every month until its year anniversary. I have some plans on that date which may include daily audio readings of the book. We’ll see!

If you liked this poem and would like to purchase a copy of the book, it is available in paperback or ebook at most major places you can buy books. You can find your favorite shop here: https://books2read.com/rwilliamparmenter

As always, thank you for reading!

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