Poetry of Pain [Paperback]

Linda Louise Martinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1996

Title: Poetry of Pain Subtitle: Poems of truth, acceptance and hope for those who suffer chronic pain “Poetry of Pain” is a unique health/inspirational book that brings validation and hope to chronic intractable pain sufferers. It provides a glimpse into the reality of unending agony, yet is balanced with tender poems, wry humor, and courage. This book is about determination and survival. The author, Linda Martinson, has had a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disease, fibromyalgia, since 1987.

“Poetry of Pain” reassures sufferers that they're not alone; it's a book they can share with their partners, family, friends, employers and doctors that explains their emotions in words they may not be able to express themselves. The book is equally suitable for people who suffer mental anguish, such as the pain of divorce or depression, and it provides support for those recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.

Readers will relate to “Poetry of Pain” in a personal way; it sparks deep feelings and emotions. Ms. Martinson has thoughtfully dedicated space for such reader response in the back of the book under the heading, “Your Thoughts.” There is also a Directory of Chronic Pain Associations for those who seek additional support. This book is for anyone who wants to understand pain and the human response. It is listed as a physician resource for PAIN in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” (Jan.21, 1998, Vol. 279, No. 3), and is one of the sources used to teach medical students doctor-patient communication skills (UCLA, Irvine).

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . . She is able to get into words the essence of her fears, strengths, and weaknesses. -- American Pain Society Bulletin

. . . Through her poems, Martinson gives “whole” partners, families, and friends a glimpse into the world of suffering. -- Today's Librarian

POETRY OF PAIN is a valuable resource for poetry therapists who work with individuals or groups who experience chronic pain and suffering.
-Susan Riback, RN -- The National Association for Poetry Therapy “Museletter”

Poetry Of Pain reassures chronic pain sufferers that they are not alone. This is a collection of poems that explain the emotions of the suffering in words that most could not express themselves. This is a book to share with spouses, friends, family and medical care givers. It's a book of poems about survival and encouragement. Poetry Of Pain is a unique as it is needed and a "must have" acquisition for personal, community, and medical libraries. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Since 1987, Linda Martinson has endured the constant pain of fibromyalgia, an incurable musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder. Before the car accident that caused her fibromyalgia, she had a budding career a seafood marketing consultant, a perfect match for her commercial fisherman husband. A cookbook author and seafood trade magazine columnist, Ms. Martinson was surprised to find herself writing poetry. She continued to write poems because it helped to ease her pain. When she showed her doctor one one of her poems, he encouraged her to publish. The result is “Poetry of Pain.” Linda has read from her book on national radio (The Infinite Mind) and national television (Leeza, EXTRA). Ms. Martinson is on the board of the Washington Intractable Chronic Pain Association. As such, she lobbied the state legislature for better pain management and control, and then helped write new Department of Health Pain Management Guidelines for Washington State in 1995. Linda speaks to support groups and pain organizations about how to live with chronic pain and still find joy in life. Ms. Martinson is also the author of “Simply Shrimp: Fresh, Frozen & Canned,” which she promotes occasionally through cooking demonstrations. (Her first book, “Simply Salmon,” is out of print.) She also teaches Middle Eastern Dance.

Product Details

• Paperback: 60 pages
• Publisher: Linda Martinson (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964897822
• ISBN-13: 978-0964897823
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,451,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has saved my life, January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Poetry of Pain (Paperback)

There are days when I wake up and hurt all over since having FM. I wish I could just stay in bed and wish the pain away. I have alot of life challenges along with my FM such as being an advocate for my special needs daughtor. I read and re-read this wonderful book of poetry as it reminds me I'm not alone. It gives me the strength to get up and face each day. Most days are hard but " I'm not alone" and that alone is a mental healing. Thank You Ms. Martinson for sharing. I saw you on the Leeza show and it is great for men to see so they can understand we aren't just "complaining" We truely are in pain. We need family support through this painful situation. Thank you again I suggest all pain sufferers own this book. Tammy W. from Seatle, Wa.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry of Pain captures the essense of all grieving hearts!, May 20, 1998

By 

Dwight Clifford (Kent, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Poetry of Pain (Paperback)

We all go through losses in our lives and suffer pain from them, some of us for only brief periods and some forever. Linda Martinson has written my soul in the "Poetry of Pain," capturing the essense of all grieving hearts and the suffering of anyone who is in pain, whether physical or mental. Anyone who reads this will identify with the ups and downs, the despair, and the joy of the brief remissions as we try to color our own days.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unending Pain, December 30, 2000

By 

Pat Swan (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Poetry of Pain (Paperback)

Pain -- unending pain, no relief, the desire to end it all, hope for a cure, missing the good times, I knew them all - all the themes in Linda Martinson's "Poetry of Pain." I even identified with the inflamed blur behind the word "PAIN" on the blue cover. Linda's poetry helped me realize that my experience with chronic pain is not unique: others have similar reactions. I understand too that many of my friends would identify with her poems. Some experience chronic pain; others live or work near someone in distress, so I ordered several copies. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your awareness. Your poems tell the story.