Astralgia is my fourteenth collection, a raw, intimate journey through what I call "the pain of stars"—poems born from challenging times, exploring the intricate depths of the mind where struggle and beauty intertwine. It’s a testament to writing through what hurts.

the stars

Welcome to Astralgia, my fourteenth collection. This one feels particularly close to my heart because it dives into some really raw emotions. I actually coined the term "Astralgia" myself—it combines "astra," meaning star, with "-algia," which means pain. So, "pain of stars." That's truly what this collection is all about: poems born from the challenging circumstances of a summer vacation, a time when things weren't exactly great. When you're down, in classic fashion, you write about it. And so, here we are, in these 14 poems.

These verses are a glimpse into the intricacies of my mind during that period. They explore that very specific "pain of stars"—the kind of ache that comes when you're looking up at something beautiful, but you're deeply connected to a hidden struggle. It’s about navigating those heavy feelings and finding a way to articulate them, even when it feels like everything is too much.

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