Esther Merritt Manning

Poetry Book: My Castle Wall

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing

Publication Date: March 2023

Cost: $17.95

Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Amazon

Book Description: My Castle Wall was written from the perspective of going from victim to survivor of sexual abuse. Poems and short writings guide the reader through the trauma and drama as a victim and rescued through therapy to regain identity as a survivor. It is the authors own journey of how people took away her dignity and true self, and the journey that took her away from being a victim of abuse and onto the threshold and joys of survival. The poetry and writings were the author’s way of overcoming the abuse, bringing knowledge by sharing her therapy, in hopes that it will be helpful to others who suffer from abuse.

What Others Are Saying About the Book:
“The book bears witness of the power to heal and inspires hope that others can also heal from traumatic childhood. Poems go from Courage, the child who suffers, identity, anger, guilt, to healing and hope for others, ending in joy.”

Sample Poem

I Am Just Me

          I am just me.
No plaques adorn my walls,
no circle of awards
tell what I have done.
I am just me.
          I come to Earth
clothed only in nakedness,
needing to be clothed
by loving arms.
As I grow, I need your strength
to help me endure
all that I may face.
          I want to run and jump and play
just like any other child.
I want to be acceptedfor who I am,
not just what I do.
          I am just me,
and with that, I have much to offer.

When I laugh or cry,
the feelings are sincere.
I give, receive, and give some more 
just because.

          A lot of times, I wear a mask
to protect the innocence
that lies beneath.
That seems to be
what people wish of me.
But inside, I am just me.
          I am innocent and caring
and need caring in return.
All I ask is patience
and guiding hands, along with love.
          I may not bring you riches
or greatness of fame,
but I can give you treasure
in my being.
And when I leave this Earth,
I will go as I have come.
Take me for who I am for
          I am just me.