Domestic violence survivor featured at Wednesday Night Poetry
Domestic violence survivor Victoria Meyers will be the featured poet at this week’s Wednesday Night Poetry at Kollective Coffee+Tea, 110 Central Ave.
The regular open mic session for all poets begins at 6:30 p.m. Meyers will perform at 7 p.m., followed by a second open mic. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Meyers will unveil her new book, “History of My Heart — My Journey thru Domestic Violence,” Wednesday night. According to a news release, the book is a collection of poems about her many years of enduring physical, mental and sexual assault. During those years, Meyers was married three times and raised five children. She is now an empty-nester living in an RV with her cat, Bellie, and is pursuing a degree in Studio Art at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
She began writing poetry as a small child. “I have written and lost more poems than I may ever write again,” she said. “When I write a poem it tends to be a purging for me. Most of my poetry is a reflection of my life as a survivor of abuse.”
When Meyers picks up a book of poems to read for pleasure it’s usually a children’s book. “I love children’s poetry because it’s open and innocent,” she said. Her favorite authors in that genre are Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. “I also enjoy Rudyard Kipling and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as the contemporary poets Rachel Wiley and Sabrina Benaim.”
Meyers is an advocate for informed consent with regard to medical procedures such as vaccinations, chemotherapy and circumcision. She is also the secretary for the local nonprofit Immigration Arkansas. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness and offer practical help to immigrant families in Arkansas with an eye toward inclusion in the community.
Over the years Meyers has been a volunteer for many other local organizations and events including Hot Water Hills, Valley of the Vapors, and Blues Fest, and she is a member of the Park Avenue Community Association’s Summerfest Committee.
Meyers’ book “History of My Heart — My Journey thru Domestic Violence” is available at Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle e-book.
Email budonfoot@yahoo.com for more information about Wednesday Night Poetry.