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Ann Bracken

POET. AUTHOR. CREATOR OF POSSIBILITIES.

Videos

“Adultery”…not what you think you know…..

Video July 28, 2011amusingpoetLeave a comment

Archive of postings

Purchase: No Barking in the Hallways

New Academia Publishing
Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com

Send Ann an email and she’ll send you a signed bookplate. Be sure to include personalization and your address.

Purchase The Altar of Innocence

New Academia Publishing Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com

Nominated for Pushcart Prize – 2014 and 2016

Meet Ann Bracken

Where to hear Ann read

Possibility Programs

A Musing Poet Posts

A Musing Poet Posts

Testimonials

The opportunity to be with other women, to engage in purposeful journaling, and to receive guidance from Ann enabled me to begin the next chapter of my life. Becky Salerno

"purposeful journaling....enabled me to begin next chapter in my life."

“I have just finished listening to your interview. You were very eloquent. Your poems are very effective at conjuring up a picture and the emotion of the moment. The interview was also educational and gave insight in to the struggles you have had, but indicated that there was hope as you move forward.” Jane T.

"hope for moving forward."

“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."

“What a beautiful, poignant collection of poems it is. Painful to read the journey of the little girl who had to take on so much responsibility. In this day of openness about addiction & mental illness, your poems provide a view into a personal story within a societal pact of secrecy and shame. Though as a society we still have work to do to de-stigmatize these conditions & bring compassion to the fore, we’re moving in the right direction! I applaud your courage and unflinching stance, as we… Read more

"...your poems provide a view into a personal story within a societal pact of secrecy and shame. "

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....."

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."

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."

Great combo of organization and hands-on opportunity. You are a wonderful facilitator — enthusiastic, welcoming, and encouraging. Kit Turen

"Great combo of organization and hands-on opportunity."

“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..."

Archives

100 Thousand Poets for Change 100Thousand Poets for Change adjunct Adultery Ann Bracken art Barbara Morrison Common Core creativity David Whyte depression education Grace Cavalieri healing hope Howard Community College improv Israle Kindness letting go Little Patuxent Review Mad in America mandalas Mary Oliver medication memoir Morna McDermott Naomi Shihab Nye National Poetry Month New Day Campaign Overmedication peace personalized learning poem Poetry Polypharmacy revision Robert Whitaker Salerno Stoop Stories teaching The Altar of Innocence Towson University war Work

Recent Posts

Using Poetry to Explore the Prison Experience
Revisiting: The Answers in the Attic: A Mother-daughter Story of Overmedication and Recovery
Because I Want To!
A Conversation About Poetry
Taking on the Challenge of Something New

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