Description
The Chains That Bound Us is a collection of poems about the negative impacts that traumatic events can play in people’s lives. Written from the perspective of a bystander, this book aims to foster greater awareness and understanding of life-altering trauma. Self-care resources, along with a trauma-informed breathing and art exercise, are also provided to help individuals take action against the shackles that imprison them and their loved ones.
Meet the Poet
Mona Hunt
Mona has lived in Jefferson County, Missouri for 61 years. She is a devoted daughter, wife, mother of two sons and two stepchildren, and grandmother of five. She spent 43 years of her life as an elementary school teacher, counselor, at-risk high school principal, adjunct college instructor, school liaison counselor, and trauma informed trainer.
Her passions include supporting the Hillsboro Food Pantry, the Jefferson County Homeless Youth Shelter, the Jefferson County Rescue Mission, De Soto Goes Pink, and Habitat for Humanity. She also spends as much time as possible with her grandchildren. Her safe haven is on the houseboat with her husband Jeff and her Yorkie Poo, Daisy Mae. At 64, she loves taking long walks with friends and her husband, riding bikes with her Yorkie, working out, swimming, and water skiing. Writing poetry and journaling provides an outlet for her to maintain a sense of sanity.
Meet the Illustrator
Matt Murphy
Matt Murphy is an artist from St. Louis, Missouri who enjoys all mediums of creativity. He has had his own struggles with substance abuse and addiction but has also found sobriety with a changing of paths. He uses his failures as fuel and his passions as a vehicle, hoping his art can help, inspire, and relate to anyone struggling with addiction.
