Cari Lynne King publishes debut poetry collection, “Ink-Stained Memoirs”
July 30, 2024 – Today is the day! Dandelion Scribes editor and McCreary County poet Cari Lynne King publishes her debut poetry collection, Ink-Stained Memoirs. Described as “A Poetic Journey from Heartsick to Healing,” this book highlights the therapeutic, healing aspect of poetry and the written word. If you’ve ever wanted to read someone’s diary, this book is your chance!
Over 20 years in the making, Cari’s collection features poems dating as far back as 2002, all the way up to the present. The poet catalogues her experiences dealing with loss, grief, alienation, and infertility, creating a narrative centered around the transformative act of writing – how transcribing her pain into words on a page offered glimmers of hope amid her struggles. In the process, Cari conjures peace and healing not only for herself, but for a wider world in which so many feel lost, broken, and alone. As a symbol of her gratitude, Ink-Stained Memoirs is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Curtis Worley, Cari’s 7th-grade Language Arts teacher, whom she credits as the one who first filled her pen with medicine and cultivated her love of words.
Cari is proud of her Appalachian heritage and has called McCreary County home her entire life. She strongly believes in amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked – especially young women and the “unconventional” folks in the area. Her powerful voice has been a beacon in her community, as she has encouraged her friends & neighbors to step into the light, write their truth, claim their stories, and embody bravery in sharing their words with the world.
Make plans now to join Cari and the Scribes at the McCreary County Public Library on August 17 for her official Book Launch party! This informal community event will last from 1-3pm, featuring a book sale & signing, brief poetry reading, and complimentary refreshments. Stop in as you can and help us celebrate a small-town girl’s dream come true! (To view the official Facebook event, please click here. RSVP is not required, but a response is helpful for planning and preparing in advance of the event.)
Below is a selection of six poems from the book, followed by a Book Launch event reminder that we invite you to screenshot, save, and share! Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you at MCPL on August 17.
𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘
Selections from “Ink-Stained Memoirs” by Cari Lynne King
WHY A POET
To call attention
to the things you may not see
Or – at the very least –
create a different melody
from the same
old song and dance
To weave
a warm blanket of words
to wrap those who weep
in empathy and understanding
And because no prescription
can heal my wounds
like the medicine of ink on paper
⚘
EXORBITANT INADEQUACIES
I am far too much for some people
I will never be enough for others
But somehow I’m even both
to some of those who matter most
Regardless of how small I make myself
it still takes a glass of wine
to wash me down the throat
of those ill-equipped to handle me
I spread my heart across the table
eager for all to feast upon my love
Yet everyone walks away still hungry
as if I only offered crumbs
On my best days I still fall short
On my worst I’m still a monster
It’s who I am so take me
or leave me like everybody else
⚘
MIDLIFE BREAKTHROUGH
For thirty-five years
My therapist keeps repeating
For thirty-five years
You’ve looked inside with disdain
What color is self-hatred?
Because that is the tint on your glasses
For thirty-five years
You have done magical things
Things you have celebrated in others
Yet simply shrug your shoulders
At your own victories
As if to deem yourself unworthy
For thirty-five years
People have praised you
Lifted your name to the heavens
But your mind clings fervently
To every denigration
Every scoff
Every criticism ever uttered your direction
For thirty-five years
You’ve flown close to the earth
Grounded by the weight
Of others’ opinions
I can’t wait to see
How high your wings carry you
If you’ll love yourself
For thirty-five years
⚘
FOR DADDY
Granite black as the car you bought me
but never taught me to drive
Silver spells your name
instead of framing your face
Since I can’t see your blue eyes
I’ll put azure flowers in your vase–
just like Momma always asks
The green grass on this hill
feels different between my toes
from the verdant blades of home
as I sit and catch you up
on the newest things you’ve missed
Wooden fence posts
weathered like your rocking chair
A reminder that grief–
like rain–
will turn all it touches to grey
⚘
OCTOBER DREAMING
The crisp tingle
of a Fall scented wind
chills my nose
and warms my heart
Each footstep
a new note
to the soundtrack of the season
as the leaves
crunch under my boots
As the sun sets
earlier each evening
I am reminded
that even the earth
needs to rest for a season
⚘
CELESTIAL ELIXIR
The moon
the sky
the paintings in the clouds
fill my lungs with life
How extraordinary to think
every soul on earth
shares the same sky
We are all connected
by brushstrokes and luminescence
May the gentle gleam of moonlight
and the magic of the stars
remind us of our humanity
and heal the broken connection
With endless love & gratitude,
