Books Collection
What I Would Not Part With
Discover the profound journey of “What I Would Not Part With” by Bruce Jennings, an emotional healing book that traverses the poetic and evocative landscapes of grief, loss, and healing through words. In 2020, I experienced the devastating loss of my beloved wife to a brain tumor just weeks after our joyous celebration of 48 years of marriage. The weight of that milestone lingers in the word “celebrated,” subdued yet deeply felt—a testament to a lifetime spent together. However, a lifetime does not vanish when confronted with the impending end. “What you would not part with, you should keep,” as Robert Frost aptly stated. I have embarked on a personal journey, molding my words and images to explore the poetic and emotional landscapes he so masterfully navigated.
During evenings fraught with uncertainty, I would read Frost’s poetry to my wife, her gaze fixed upon an unpredictable night. We all must tread this ground at least twice—once when we provide unwavering care and again when we ourselves yearn for tender attention during our final stanzas. While rooted in loss and grief that accompany me like faithful companions amidst the trees, these poems are not solely about sorrow. They embrace remontancy—the unexpected emergence of new life, the acknowledgment of continuity in our being and actions. Through poems of inner dialogue and of imagined conversations with grief, the daughter I never had, and my grandson, I offer a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
“What I Would Not Part With” is a heartfelt collection that transcends grief, resonating with those seeking solace, inspiration, and the transformative power of healing through poetry. Join me on this cathartic journey as we navigate the depths of emotions, embracing the profound beauty of repentance and the enduring legacy of love.