In this raw and resonant spoken word poem, Kate Earley gives voice to the often invisible wounds of emotional neglect. Echoes explores the silence left behind when care is never modeled, when comfort is absent, and when love must be rewritten from scratch. Through vivid imagery and embodied language, the poem asks the questions so many survivors carry: What does care sound like? What does it feel like to be remembered, to be held?

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been told they were too much—for anyone learning to name their needs, speak their truth, and end the echo of silence.

Trigger warning: Themes of childhood neglect, emotional abandonment, and intergenerational trauma.

Copyright ©2025 Kate Earley

Music: Changing Winds by Alexandra Stréliski

Written: April 22, 2025

In this haunting and lyrical piece, Kate explores the concept of frisson—those chills that once meant beauty, awe, and music—and how trauma can transform them into signals of fear, memory, and survival. Through vivid imagery and somatic truth, Frisson traces the blurred lines between emotional flashbacks and body memory, between what once felt sacred and what now feels sharp. This episode speaks to anyone living with the echoes of trauma stored in the nervous system, and offers a gentle invitation to listen to the body’s language with compassion.

Copyright ©2025 Kate Earley

Music: All is Found composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez.

Written: April 14, 2025

In this hauntingly reflective episode of Unspoken, Kate shares her spoken word poem Where the Vines Lead. This piece explores the fractured landscape of childhood trauma, the confusion of partial memory, and the aching weight of what the body remembers when the mind cannot. Through imagery of ivy-covered fences, creaking stairs, and winding vines that lead nowhere—and everywhere—Kate gives voice to the quiet grief of remembering all the wrong things, while searching for meaning in what remains.

This poem holds space for survivors of childhood trauma, those navigating dissociation, and anyone carrying memories that are more feeling than fact. Where the Vines Lead is a meditation on healing, the loneliness of what is unsaid, and the hope that even tangled vines might lead somewhere.

Themes explored in this episode:

• Childhood trauma and fragmented memory

• Dissociation and somatic flashbacks

• The loneliness of implicit memory

• The search for healing and belonging

• The power of poetry as a form of expression and processing

Keywords:

childhood trauma poetry, dissociation, fragmented memory, DID, complex PTSD, healing after abuse, somatic memories, trauma-informed poetry, vines metaphor, Kate Earley poetry podcast, spoken word healing, trauma processing, inner child healing

In Body of Christ, spoken word artist Kate navigates the deeply personal journey of trauma, guilt, and the quest for healing. Through powerful religious imagery and raw emotion, this poem explores the disconnect felt in the body after trauma and the struggle for absolution. Kate uses the metaphor of communion to express how faith, guilt, and forgiveness intertwine. Themes of body autonomy, silence, and resilience are woven throughout, creating an evocative narrative that resonates with those experiencing trauma or seeking healing. This spoken word poem delves into personal pain, the complexity of faith, and the difficult path toward self-acceptance.

Copyright ©2025 Kate Earley

Music: Valzer D'amore by Jason Fervento

Art: Joyce Lee

In this powerful spoken word episode, “The Body Knows” unravels the primal language of trauma. Listen as we explore how seemingly innocuous triggers—a familiar scent, a wall color, or a neighborhood memory—can send our bodies into a state beyond simple freezing. Delving into the survival responses of fight, flight, freeze, and feign death, the poem reveals how our ancient amygdala, forged millions of years ago, can suddenly overpower our modern prefrontal cortex. This abrupt, tonic immobility leaves us completely immobilized, trapped in a body that echoes with ghosts of past abuse.

Join us as we decode this intricate interplay between mind and body, offering insight into trauma healing, dissociation, and the science behind our survival mechanisms. Whether you’re a survivor on a healing journey or a mental health professional seeking deeper understanding, this episode is your gateway to exploring body memory, stress responses, and the role of subtle reminders—like a simple instruction on a wall—to reclaim our power.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

Music: Time Flies by Reinúr Selson

In this powerful episode of Unspoken, we dive deep into the haunting reality of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) through the poetic narrative of “Fragments at Midnight.” This poem captures the visceral experience of internal longing, protection, and pain as different parts within one mind struggle to navigate unmet needs, relentless guilt, and the battle for safety.

Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, this episode unpacks the complexities of DID, shedding light on the protective roles of each identity—even the most misunderstood ones. It explores the longing for care, the exhaustion of a weary protector, and the chilling presence of a distorted guardian, known as the demon.

Join us as we give voice to the unspeakable and explore the fragmented landscapes of trauma and survival. If you or someone you know is navigating DID, this episode offers a glimpse into the often-silent battle within and the courage it takes to heal.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

September Song by Agnes Obel

In this deeply evocative spoken word poetry episode, The Library of Lost Stories explores the hidden spaces of the mind—where memories are locked away, voices go unheard, and exile parts linger in silence. Through haunting imagery of an untouched library and the quiet, desperate knocking of forgotten children, this poem delves into the experience of dissociative identity disorder (DID), the weight of exile parts, and the unbearable expectation to care for the most wounded parts of oneself alone.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

Music: The Passacaglia (Handel/Halvorsen) by Pianist Daisy

#SpokenWord #DID #Poetry #Healing #MentalHealth #TraumaNarratives

In this poignant episode, we delve into “A House with Too Many Doors,” a spoken word poem that explores the profound effects of dissociation on personal relationships. The narrative centers on the disorienting experience of discovering words you’ve written but don’t remember—words that abruptly end a decade-long friendship filled with shared laughter, late-night conversations, and cherished memories by the lake. This piece encapsulates the unsettling reality of losing a friendship, not by choice, but due to a mind that unpredictably opens doors without warning.

Key Themes:

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Memory Loss: The poem sheds light on how DID can lead to memory gaps, where individuals may not recall actions or words expressed by alternate identities. This memory dysfunction is a central feature of DID, often resulting from the mind’s attempt to protect itself from traumatic experiences. 

• Impact on Relationships: The narrative illustrates the strain that dissociation and memory loss can place on relationships. Friends and loved ones may struggle to understand behaviors stemming from dissociative episodes, leading to feelings of betrayal or confusion. This can result in the loss of meaningful connections, as the affected individual grapples with actions they cannot recall.

• Emotional Turmoil and Misunderstanding: The poem delves into the anguish of being misunderstood and the internal conflict of reconciling with parts of oneself that act independently. It poses poignant questions about accountability and grief, highlighting the challenge of explaining actions that one doesn’t remember and mourning relationships altered by dissociation.

This episode offers a profound reflection on the emotional weight of dissociation, the struggle to coexist with uncontrollable aspects of oneself, and the silent pain of being misunderstood. It provides a space for listeners who have experienced lost friendships, memory gaps, or fears of being perceived as unreliable to find solace and understanding.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Dissociative Identity Disorder, memory loss, and the emotional impact of dissociation, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

Music: “My Piano, the Clouds” by Fabrizio Paterlini

In this evocative episode of Unspoken, we present “Stained Glass,” a spoken word poem that delves into the intricate beauty and profound pain of fragmentation. The poem vividly portrays how a self, once whole, transforms into a mosaic of survival, reflecting the experiences of those living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), navigating trauma healing, and managing PTSD.

Through rich imagery, “Stained Glass” captures the essence of DID, illustrating how each fragment of the self learns to endure. Some pieces radiate with defiance, others withdraw into silence, and some resonate with voices distinct from our own. Yet, amidst the fractures, there emerges a luminous light, symbolizing resilience and hope.

Key Themes:

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Exploring the complexities of DID, where multiple identities or “alters” develop as coping mechanisms in response to severe trauma.

• Trauma and PTSD: Examining the profound impact of traumatic experiences and the manifestation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as individuals navigate the path to healing.

• Healing and Integration: Reflecting on the journey toward recognizing and embracing all parts of oneself, striving for wholeness amidst fragmentation.

This poem resonates with those who have felt fractured and are on the path to acknowledging their complete selves. It serves as a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty that arises from embracing every facet of one’s identity.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Dissociative Identity Disorder, trauma, and PTSD, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care.

Note: “Stained Glass” is part of Unspoken, a spoken word poetry podcast dedicated to giving voice to experiences often left unspoken.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

Music: Happiness is a Butterfly by Lana Del Rey

In this evocative episode, we delve into the profound themes of guilt, redemption, and the yearning for absolution within the context of Catholicism. “The Weight of a Rosary” examines the intricate interplay between Catholic guilt and personal trauma, highlighting how doctrines of purity can leave survivors grappling with unwarranted shame.

Through the sensory experiences of prayer—the rhythmic recitation, the aroma of incense, and the soft glow of votive candles—this poem poses a poignant question: Can repetitive rituals cleanse what was never sinful to begin with?

Key Themes:

• Catholic Guilt and Trauma: Exploring how religious teachings can instill deep-seated feelings of guilt, affecting individuals’ mental health and self-perception. 

• The Role of Ritual in Seeking Forgiveness: Analyzing the use of repetitive prayers, like the Rosary, in the pursuit of redemption and their impact on personal healing. 

• Purity Doctrines and Survivor Shame: Discussing how strict religious standards of purity can inadvertently burden trauma survivors with misplaced shame.

We invite you to reflect on this narrative and share your interpretations. What story resonates with you in this poem? Let’s engage in a meaningful conversation.

Content Warning: This episode addresses sensitive topics, including religious-induced guilt and personal trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Note: This episode includes references to religious practices and personal experiences that may be triggering for some listeners.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Earley

Music: Ballerina by Yeheskel Raz