What do you think?
Rate this book
She Wears Pain Like Diamonds: Poems
From the best-selling author of I Find You in the Darkness
She's been through more hell than you'll ever know.
But that's what gives her beauty an edge.
You can't touch a woman who can wear pain
like the grandest of diamonds around her neck.
--Alfa
She Wears Pain Like Diamonds is a book of poetry about finding beauty in a buried past and
unearthing the treasures of strength and resilience.
She's been through more hell than you'll ever know.
But that's what gives her beauty an edge.
You can't touch a woman who can wear pain
like the grandest of diamonds around her neck.
--Alfa
She Wears Pain Like Diamonds is a book of poetry about finding beauty in a buried past and
unearthing the treasures of strength and resilience.
- GenresPoetry
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
About the author
Alfa Holden
14 books304 followersAlfa is a writer of poetic thoughts. She holds degrees in English Literature as well as Radiologic Sciences.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 17, 2020
I took this for review...
I want to give this one star because it's not poetry; these are not poems. They don't scan, have no rhythm, structure or subtext. There's nothing poetic about them. They're affirmations and words of solace and encouragement printed to resemble poetry but they're no more poetry than my review. There have to be standards. Poetry leaves a lot of latitude for style and substance but there has to be a line drawn. Anyone thinking they're reading poetry is mistaken. These are affirmations with observations printed to resemble poems...
I've read the author's bio and some reviews. Normally I don't read reviews before I write mine but I got what I needed from them and it changed my mind about the one star. Alfa is sensitive and caring and her messages are comforting, empowering, nourishing. I read so many reviews in which young people express they got that from this book. It's important. Life is hard and everyone needs comfort. Words can give hugs and kisses and Alfa's do...
My three stars are out of respect for what Alfa is doing for her readers. But please don't mistake this for actual poetry. If you haven't, sometime read some. There are so many choices including classics, Romantics, modern and they come in sonnets, free verse, odes, haiku, rap and more, Find the ones that speak to you. Poetry is beautiful. This isn't it. But I have a heart and my heart too understands pain. My heart hurts that this passes for poetry. It also recognizes and respects that Alfa is caring and tender and has given solace to so many and that means something. So three stars instead of one.
Samples:
Mind Dropping
Just because my mind
had to drop you in the past
doesn't mean my heart
won't carry you
into the future
I Believe in You
I believe in you.
In your testimony of strength
and your song
of redemption.
Housecleaning
And I know it's time
to dust again
when my feet get tangled
in the cobwebs
that have collected
around my self-love
Blazes
Her eyes are veiled and her smile
is painted on thick
You have no way of knowing
the inferno that rages inside
and how meticulously it burns
every board of every bridge she crossed
to get to today.
I want to give this one star because it's not poetry; these are not poems. They don't scan, have no rhythm, structure or subtext. There's nothing poetic about them. They're affirmations and words of solace and encouragement printed to resemble poetry but they're no more poetry than my review. There have to be standards. Poetry leaves a lot of latitude for style and substance but there has to be a line drawn. Anyone thinking they're reading poetry is mistaken. These are affirmations with observations printed to resemble poems...
I've read the author's bio and some reviews. Normally I don't read reviews before I write mine but I got what I needed from them and it changed my mind about the one star. Alfa is sensitive and caring and her messages are comforting, empowering, nourishing. I read so many reviews in which young people express they got that from this book. It's important. Life is hard and everyone needs comfort. Words can give hugs and kisses and Alfa's do...
My three stars are out of respect for what Alfa is doing for her readers. But please don't mistake this for actual poetry. If you haven't, sometime read some. There are so many choices including classics, Romantics, modern and they come in sonnets, free verse, odes, haiku, rap and more, Find the ones that speak to you. Poetry is beautiful. This isn't it. But I have a heart and my heart too understands pain. My heart hurts that this passes for poetry. It also recognizes and respects that Alfa is caring and tender and has given solace to so many and that means something. So three stars instead of one.
Samples:
Mind Dropping
Just because my mind
had to drop you in the past
doesn't mean my heart
won't carry you
into the future
I Believe in You
I believe in you.
In your testimony of strength
and your song
of redemption.
Housecleaning
And I know it's time
to dust again
when my feet get tangled
in the cobwebs
that have collected
around my self-love
Blazes
Her eyes are veiled and her smile
is painted on thick
You have no way of knowing
the inferno that rages inside
and how meticulously it burns
every board of every bridge she crossed
to get to today.
October 12, 2020
Poetry means different things to different people. For some, the word poetry is reserved for structure and rhyme and classic form. But, for me, true poetry is just about making you feel something. And Alfa is a master of that. She weaves pain and strength beautifully, taking us into the darkness only to bring us back into the light. She doesn’t need page long stanzas because she packs power into just a few lines. If you don’t like modern poetry, you probably won’t like this book. But, if you read poetry to feel something. To feel seen and heard. To dig deeper into yourself. Then, this book is definitely for you.
June 29, 2021
Definitely in my top three favorite poets! This wasn't my absolute favorite from this author but I still really enjoyed this so much!
May 27, 2020
Poetry is, of course, subjective, and in the end this just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 9, 2022
There were a few poems I really loved that stuck with me but overall, I felt as though the writing style was a bit too preachy and flat for me. I found that many of the poems kind of read like a self-help coffee table book instead of poetry so that's why I wasn't too big a fan.
October 13, 2020
A beautiful, mesmerizing collection that I couldn't put down just like all of her books.
May 27, 2023
“Fear is frightened by resilience.”
This has to be one of the best poetry books I have ever read!.
Alfa really ignites emotions in a way that is daunting but leaves room to excogitate so that you can transpose.The author’s copious reminders of not to disregard our feelings because each one travels through our pulse, that relationship is not ownership and taking responsibility of our own destiny and healing will ameliorate the spirit.
“We peel.We crack.We grow.”
This has to be one of the best poetry books I have ever read!.
Alfa really ignites emotions in a way that is daunting but leaves room to excogitate so that you can transpose.The author’s copious reminders of not to disregard our feelings because each one travels through our pulse, that relationship is not ownership and taking responsibility of our own destiny and healing will ameliorate the spirit.
“We peel.We crack.We grow.”
March 30, 2021
I don't think I'm at the right point of life to fully feel the message of this book.
May 19, 2021
I don't think these are poems..... these are more short blurbs of inspiration or observation.
I did really enjoy the first part of this collection, but parts II and III fell very flat to me.
I did really enjoy the first part of this collection, but parts II and III fell very flat to me.
November 22, 2020
I came into She Wears Pain Like Diamonds with a different expectation. From the title, the poem on the back, and dedication I was thinking this book would lean more towards what it is like to struggle with a chronic illness. While there were a couple poems that spoke about illness, the majority spoke about lost love and a broken relationship. The orders the poems were placed did not always make sense. We could go from reading about self love, to heart break, to chronic illness, back to heart break.
Had I known this book was mostly about heartbreak and a bad relationship I would have bypassed it.
This book is also not “poetry” in the classically thought of sense. It is much more “Instagram” style poetry as I like to call it. The ideas are simple and sometimes it is just a thought written down. There is no structure or concrete aspects to classify it as poetry, even free form. I went into the book expecting this and wanting that type of layout so I was not bothered by it.
Had I known this book was mostly about heartbreak and a bad relationship I would have bypassed it.
This book is also not “poetry” in the classically thought of sense. It is much more “Instagram” style poetry as I like to call it. The ideas are simple and sometimes it is just a thought written down. There is no structure or concrete aspects to classify it as poetry, even free form. I went into the book expecting this and wanting that type of layout so I was not bothered by it.
September 4, 2020
I loved each of the poems and found that they all have a powerful and clear message. However, personally I felt that the themes of the poems in each section were a tad inconsistent. Of course, poetry is based on interpretation so this is just my take on it.
October 12, 2020
Alfa's pen is a thing of soul touching wonder, as proven time and again in everything she writes, and "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds" is no different. I waited 5 years for this book, and let me tell you, it was worth every minute.
"Diamonds" is a journey through the soul of everyone who's ever wanted to die to escape the pain, and chose to not just survive, but thrive. A poetic tale of perseverance against all odds. You'll find yourself in tears one moment, and cheering through them the next.
A testament to the strength of the human condition, "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds" is a must read in a year determined highlight its weakness.
Do yourself a favor and read "Diamonds" today. I promise you won't regret it.
"Diamonds" is a journey through the soul of everyone who's ever wanted to die to escape the pain, and chose to not just survive, but thrive. A poetic tale of perseverance against all odds. You'll find yourself in tears one moment, and cheering through them the next.
A testament to the strength of the human condition, "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds" is a must read in a year determined highlight its weakness.
Do yourself a favor and read "Diamonds" today. I promise you won't regret it.
May 14, 2020
Alfa has written yet another 5 Star book of poetry! My senses of familiarity and companionship are triggered every time I pick up one of her books, and remains strong as I read "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds".
Alfa also awakens a strong sense of survival. She is a warrior who has lived to tell and write about things that sadden and darken our thoughts. We feel like we are not alone anymore, and that we have a friend.
I have numerous "favorites", and know that I will keep "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds" close. Definitely a bedside book, and friend.
Alfa also awakens a strong sense of survival. She is a warrior who has lived to tell and write about things that sadden and darken our thoughts. We feel like we are not alone anymore, and that we have a friend.
I have numerous "favorites", and know that I will keep "She Wears Pain Like Diamonds" close. Definitely a bedside book, and friend.
October 30, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book of poetry! I honestly bought it on a whim during a time when my mental health had taken a massive dip.
Some of the poems in this really called me out. I enjoyed the book and really felt that the author had put some wisdom within their words.
Maybe this is because I bought and read this during a time when I really needed some words. Most poetry works for me because it’s usually my go-to for reading slumps or when my mental health falls. Overall, a really good poetry book and I plan to read more from this author.
I enjoyed this book of poetry! I honestly bought it on a whim during a time when my mental health had taken a massive dip.
Some of the poems in this really called me out. I enjoyed the book and really felt that the author had put some wisdom within their words.
Maybe this is because I bought and read this during a time when I really needed some words. Most poetry works for me because it’s usually my go-to for reading slumps or when my mental health falls. Overall, a really good poetry book and I plan to read more from this author.
October 13, 2020
Alfa has put print onto pages that has shaken this world. Her poetry has helped and is still helping me overcome a horrible trauma that has inflicted me for over 3 decades. I strongly recommend if u know anyone who is suffering by a bad shuffle of cards over there life, give them this book, and love one another♠️♥️♦️😇
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2022
I couldn’t finish this, DNF’d at 50%. This felt like-at best-inspirational quotes, and not even good ones at that. I’m normally a huge advocate for poetry and that it can be whatever we make it, but this writing felt so disingenuous, plain and emotionless that I don’t even feel bad about my critique.
August 1, 2020
Another wonderful book by alfa. Her poems are just amazing and the poem in the last page was just a wonderful way to close out this book of hurt healing and finding yourself again. 10/10 would reccomend.
June 2, 2022
The poetry really hit home for me and reminded me of my strength. Well worth the read and i will definitely be rereading this when i need to be reminded of my strength and that it is ok to feel, even when it hurts.
February 27, 2023
I'm fine with not loving this book because I actually got it for my mom, not me, so I care much more if she likes it. For me personally, however, it's a bit too...I don't know, braggy, maybe? I don't know. Nothing about it grabbed me.
May 9, 2020
Poetically brilliant
This book must be read by everyone! It exhibits strength and power over situations when we may feel powerless. I greatly recommend this book.
This book must be read by everyone! It exhibits strength and power over situations when we may feel powerless. I greatly recommend this book.
October 28, 2020
I loved every word! It always takes me longer with poetry because I can red than set it down and come back. But I loved it!
November 13, 2020
3.5 stars.
November 26, 2020
Overall a good book, not my taste in the sense I didn’t agree with the ideas or the perspective of the writer, but as a book is still worth a read. Easy more modern read of poetry.
January 13, 2021
Love
Love the poems in this book. Makes you dig deep, think, and feel every poem. Very emotional but a great read!
Love the poems in this book. Makes you dig deep, think, and feel every poem. Very emotional but a great read!
January 14, 2021
Perfection. One of my all time favorites.
October 6, 2021
Pretty words, but not poetry.
More, words of suggestion. Words of encouragement. Words of direction, even.
As such, I would classify this more as "Self Help".
I enjoyed the writing, though.
More, words of suggestion. Words of encouragement. Words of direction, even.
As such, I would classify this more as "Self Help".
I enjoyed the writing, though.
March 9, 2022
In this one it’s her story of finding herself through all the hurt and heartbreak. This one has helped me come to terms with my own hurt and heartbreaks
April 12, 2022
The pain was rough like the edges of a diamond but her heart was smooth as the side of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews