arielle arbushites
A poetry collection that is small but mighty, Cracking at the Heels offers a raw and deeply introspective reflection on turning 40, navigating motherhood, and the broader spectrum of womanhood, resilience, and aging. Each poem weaves themes of physical and emotional weariness, self-reflection, societal expectations, and personal identity into its narrative.The poem 'cracking at the heels' poignantly reflects the physical changes that come with age, like 'new purple veins,' sagging skin, and weaker nails. It shows a confrontation with aging, but also acceptance-while the body may change, there is still a recognition of one’s personal journey and worth. The body is symbolized as a road map, signifying the passage of time, motherhood, and life’s pressures. Poems like 'resilience' and 'tree' use metaphors of nature to portray strength in adversity. Motherhood, its demands, and the accompanying guilt are central to several poems like 'Mom Guilt' and 'pieces on a floor.' The poet expresses the never-ending tasks, the sacrifices, and the emotional toll of balancing responsibilities with personal desires.The poem 'something' contemplates the transition from youthful self-assurance to a more mature, introspective identity. It addresses the loss and transformation of the self over time, how the poet once 'used to be something' but now is 'something else.' There’s a subtle acknowledgment of growth and a shift in priorities, but also a longing for the parts of the past self that have been left behind. Throughout the tiny collection, there is a strong sense of emotional complexity-feelings of inadequacy, fear, hope, strength, and exhaustion are intertwined.
