In a world that silenced her voice, Sammi Yamashiro’s own thoughts provided her the solace that she needed.

Written during the years of 2017-2020, the collection covers enduring and internalizing abuse, which subsequently resulted in her depression, anxiety, depersonalization, life-ending thoughts, hospitalization, and other deeply personal happenings. Her poems also cover identity issues with her race and religion/spirituality. Compared to the likes of Walt Whitman and Sylvia Plath, Yamashiro’s writing emanates the artistry and transparency reminiscent of surrealism and confessional poetry, respectively.

Even with the heavy subjects she often writes on, a sizeable portion of these works are empowering and optimistic. Within every abuse/ trauma survivor is the core that fights back: the vigor which knows the strength that has never left. This collection shows both the struggle against life’s tribulations and the acknowledgement of a survivor’s power. Yamashiro’s poetry is her peach-pit gas mask, giving her the vitality to navigate through life’s mustard gas-filled battlefield of opposition and obstacles.