Heal!

'Heal!' is a poetry book exploring the author’s trauma and healing from violence. Raw, visceral and powerful, this pukapuka is an offering to survivors. Refusing to remain silent, Simone Kaho brings the reader deep into the themes of sexual trauma, PTSD, colonialism, and patriarchy with honesty and tenderness. With each poem, the reader is reminded that healing isn’t about fixing or being comfortable, but sensitively sitting with the mess and embracing the darkness. Through writing poetry, Simone examines her experiences to gain deeper understanding. Her grit and sincerity create a sense of solidarity among readers.

The cover is striking and the poetry can be read in one sitting or given more time. Either way you’ll want to revisit the poems that will indelibly leave their mark on you.

Simone Kaho is a Tongan Pākehā poet, writer and director. She holds an MA in poetry from the International Institute of Modern Letters. In 2022 she was the Emerging Pasifika Writer in Residence at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. This is her second poetry collection. Her first, 'Lucky Punch', was published in 2016.

Content Guidance: This book talks about sexual violence, assault, PTSD, self-harm and suicide.