Finding Light in the Void of Silence: A Journey Through Spoken Word Poetry and Healing

Sometimes, life drains us of all the goodness we once held inside. The feeling of emptiness, the sense of being unseen or misunderstood, can weigh heavily on the soul. This post shares a deeply personal spoken word poem titled VOID, which explores the pain of abuse, silence, and emotional distance. It also reflects on the healing power of expressing those feelings through poetry.

A single candle flickers in a dark room, symbolizing hope amid darkness

The Power of Spoken Word Poetry to Express Pain

Spoken word poetry offers a unique way to give voice to emotions that are often difficult to express. My poem VOID captures the raw experience of feeling hollowed out by life’s hardships and the impact of abuse. It reveals how the desire for connection can sometimes lead to vulnerability, which in turn can expose us to harm.

My poem begins with the haunting line:

"Sometimes I feel as if all the goodness has been sucked out of me."

This sets the tone for a journey through emotional exhaustion and the struggle to protect oneself. I describe building walls and armor to keep others at a distance, a defense mechanism born from repeated pain and abuse over the years.

Recognizing Emotional Distance in Relationships

One of the most painful aspects of abuse and emotional neglect is the gradual loss of connection with those closest to us. My poem highlights this through my experience in my 20+ year marriage:

"I feel the void of nothing living between my husband and myself—it is like he looks through me, never at me anymore."

This line speaks to the loneliness that can exist even in a shared life. Emotional distance can feel like an invisible barrier, making it hard to feel seen or valued. Recognizing this VOID is the first step toward healing.

How Writing and Sharing Poetry Can Aid Healing

Writing poetry like VOID allows me to reclaim my voice and confront painful memories. Sharing such work publicly is an act of extreme vulnerability and courage for me and a way for me to connect with others who may feel similarly isolated.

Here are some ways poetry supports my healing:

• Validation of feelings: Putting emotions into words confirms that these experiences are real and important.

• Creating connection: Sharing poetry can build empathy and understanding among readers.

• Processing trauma: Writing helps organize thoughts and feelings, making them easier to face.

• Empowerment: Expressing pain openly can reduce shame and foster self-acceptance.

  
  

Practical Steps to Use Poetry for Emotional Well-being

If you feel moved by the poem VOID or relate to its themes, consider these steps to use poetry as a tool for your own healing:

• Write regularly: Set aside time to write about your feelings without judgment.

• Read others’ work: Explore poetry that speaks to your experiences for comfort and inspiration.

• Join a community: Look for local or online spoken word groups to share your work.

• Use prompts: Start with simple prompts like “I feel…” or “I remember…” to ease into writing.

• Seek support: If trauma feels overwhelming, combine poetry with professional counseling.

  
  

Embracing the Journey from Void to Light

The journey from feeling empty to finding light is not linear or easy. It requires patience, self-compassion, and sometimes reaching out for help. Poetry can be a companion on this path, offering a way to express what words spoken aloud might fail to capture.

The poem VOID reminds us that even in silence and emptiness, there is a story worth telling. By sharing these stories, we break the isolation and begin to rebuild connection—with ourselves and others. TRIGGER WARNING: SA and ABUSE themes.

VOID

by Angie​

​

Sometimes I feel as if all the goodness has been sucked out of me.

In so many ways, by so many people, through life’s endless experiences.

I can’t remember not wanting to give myself away to people

Anyone.

Anyone who would make time for me and be with ME.

This put me in the sights of disingenuous people

waiting patiently to bait my hook

with yummy morsels that my naivety and starved soul would devour whole.

This would cost me dearly over the course of my life.

I have built up a wall and crafted thick, impenetrable armor around me

This makes it almost impossible to get close.​

Sometimes, I cannot help but wonder when it happened.

When did all the others either stop seeing me or start seeing me differently?

When did he start seeing me, as they did-

as too much

too sensitive

too dramatic

just a nag 

an inconvenience to him

Or when was it that he just stopped seeing... me

When did he begin seeing a hysterical, ranting woman

on her "soapbox " and then actually find it okay to say out loud?

“Here we go again,

 Back up on your soapbox, again, huh? "

In twenty years, he had never spoken to me in that tone

or berated me quietly so that no one would hear, see, or know.  

But in my marriage?

I NEVER saw that coming 20+ years in.

I am so hardened by this life we built together.

I feel the VOID of nothing living between my husband and me—

It is like he looks through me,

never at me anymore.

I am just a huge

VOID

Of nothingness...