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Ann Bracken

POET. AUTHOR. CREATOR OF POSSIBILITIES.

“Loved doing the altered book.”

Love doing an altered book. Ann, you were a great teacher. Very kind, respectful, and considerate.

"Loved doing the altered book."
Previous Article “an out-of-the-box thinker.”
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Nominated for Pushcart Prize – 2014 and 2016

Meet Ann Bracken

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Ann Bracken

A Musing Poet Posts

Testimonials

“to say that I was blown away by your poems, would be a gross underestimation!…I want every administrator, every new teacher, everyone to read your book.”
Binki McKenna, Media Specialist
amazing poems
“In clear, everyday language, Ann Bracken shows us the power of words to redeem the worst sort of misery. “The Altar of Innocence” chronicles the ultimately triumphant journey of a sensitive child through the minefield of alcoholism and depression. Ann’s beautiful spirit shines through in every poem.”  Barbara Quick, , author of Vivaldi’s Virgins and A Golden Web
"triumphant journey of a sensitive child..."
This poetry residency made the children love poetry in a new way. Ann’s passion for poetry rubbed off on every student and helped them to be successful. Michele Barron, Teacher, Howard County Public Schools
"residency made children love poetry in a new way."
“Her journey of self-discovery and healing provide an alternative to the traditional mental health care system that fails so many of us with more pills and more appointments.”

~Angela Peacock, MSW, mental health advocate and subject of the award-winning documentary, Medicating Normal

I saw myself in her story
Ann Bracken’s book, The Altar of Innocence, explores the cycle of her mother’s mental illness and alcoholism and its legacy in her own life. With searing honesty and gripping details, the book creates an unforgettable portrait not just of two women but also of the ailing cultures that surround them. At the end there is an image of a ceramic heart that has been glued back together—”even broken, it was beautiful”—that makes a powerful figure both for the soul of the poet, forged through trauma, … Read more
"the book creates an unforgettable portrait not just of two women but also of the ailing cultures that surround them. "
Love doing an altered book. Ann, you were a great teacher. Very kind, respectful, and considerate.
"Loved doing the altered book."
“I read through the whole book the day I got it, went back to reread and underline all the things I loved so I could tell you about them…then life took over.   The short of it is that I absolutely love it…” Under the twigs of youthful dreams” ” wanting the sweet relief of wine in her veins” ” blunting the tide and inviting me in” ” and always the martinis” ” between truth and loyalty” “my good night hugs are not returned by either parent” ” her blood rivering down the drain” ” the invisible boul… Read more
"I read through the book the day I got it."
Ann Bracken is a gifted and dedicated educator, expressive arts coach, and poet. She infuses her work with a refined aesthetic sensibility that engages her clients and creates an environment where positive change and new learning can happen in unique ways. Michel Groter
"...positive change and new learning can happen in unique ways."
“These are just my first reactions to your wonderful book of poems which I continue to read each day choosing arbitrarily from the riches of your imagination. I just read “Adultery” which made me laugh a lot and yet grieve too for that little girl who brought her honesty and her sins to a priest who hadn’t a clue how to answer or comfort her. And “Mrs. S”. How wonderful to think of that woman after thousands of years of being ignored. It’s a brilliant comment on the egos of men while women… Read more
"I continue to read your poems each day."
Your poems are moving. You are able to present the painful reality without being hard on either of your parents. I think they would be very proud of you. I think your poetry does offer hope and healing to those in similar or even just emotionally difficult situations. Jane M.
"your poetry offers hope and healing....."

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Recent Posts

  • Reflections on a 10th Anniversary
  • The Playdough-Poetry Connection
  • A Blessing for Freedom: John O’Donohue
  • Surprise! You never know when someone will pick up your book!
  • Getting Out of the Maze

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