Overview

Faces: Black & Blue is a collection of raw, unflinching poetry that tells stories of being human when life is at its most complicated. Through strong language and vivid imagery, each poem offers a glimpse into moments we often shy away from-grief, betrayal, struggle, and the ways we hurt one another without meaning to, or sometimes on purpose. These are not abstract reflections. They are lived-in narratives, told through verse that is both unvarnished and deeply felt. The voices within these pages speak of pain and loss, but also of the anger that refuses to be silenced, the resilience that refuses to break, and the love that, somehow, still insists on surviving. The poems move between tenderness and fury, between sharp truth and quiet beauty, revealing how life is rarely one thing at a time. Sadness and joy, rage and forgiveness, despair and hope often coexist, tangled together in ways we can't always separate. This collection acknowledges that reality-and honors it. Some pieces are blunt and jagged; others are soft enough to break your heart. All are meant to be felt as much as read. The language is unapologetically strong because the stories demand it. The imagery is striking because the lives behind them are real, even when they speak in metaphor. Faces: Black & Blue invites the reader to sit with discomfort, to witness struggle without turning away, and to recognize the fierce beauty that can still be found there. It is for those who have been hurt, those who have hurt others, and those who understand that living fully means carrying both the scars and the moments of light that slip through them. This is poetry that tells the truth, even when the truth is bruised.

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Author Information

Rosie Rey was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and learned early how powerful stories can be. As a child with a disability, they spent time in hospitals and clinics, quickly becoming the resident storyteller-entertaining other kids and families with an ever-growing imagination and love of language. Rosie's earliest ""pages"" were restaurant napkins, waiting room pamphlets, and even the occasional wall. Writing has been their lifelong companion. Their young adult years were spent exploring, learning, and building connections. Rosie lived and worked across the U.S. and beyond, including a winter in Alaska and a term in Belize. They earned an M.A. in Creative Writing from Western Illinois University and later studied law through CUNY Law while living in New York City. Along the way, they built a big and beautiful chosen family, including two biological children and many cherished others. Throughout a life centered on caregiving, community, and lifting others, Rosie never stopped writing. There are boxes filled with essays, poems, stories, and notes-written on anything handy. With their children grown, they are bringing those words back into the sunlight. Their work often tackles difficult topics, including domestic and societal violence, and is always grounded in clarity, hope, and fierce love. Rosie's creative life extends beyond the page. They have sung with choirs including The Glory Singers in their youth, performed in community theater productions across Wisconsin, taught and directed Camp Burlesque, and contributed to independent stage projects. Whether through a spoken word piece, a short play, or a shared moment, Rosie remains a passionate believer in the power of storytelling. They are also deeply rooted in their community as a volunteer and advocate. Their service includes leadership in the Shawano Area Writers Association and Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, contributions to the National Archives, participation in restorative justice events, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, domestic violence prevention efforts, and support for local arts and literacy programs. Whether behind the mic or behind the scenes, Rosie shows up with purpose, humor, and a deep belief in people's capacity to grow and heal. Rosie now lives in Shawano, WI, where their family has deep roots and where they spent cherished childhood visits with their Grandma Emma. They moved there in 2023 with their anam cara (soul friend) to focus on what matters most: writing, teaching, advocating, building community, making new friends, and creating a home filled with light, conversation, and creativity. They can often be found tending a garden, walking wooded trails, or scribbling notes in a favorite cafe. Rosie often ends conversations with a phrase they've said so many times it's practically a signature: ""I believe in you. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't."" Learn more and explore their writing at www.mamarosiesdream.com.

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