About the author....

Cheyenne Hayes, a 29-year-old graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, is pursuing a degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She aspires to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Since 2011, Cheyenne has devoted herself to the study of psychology, earning an Associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College and a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in substance abuse studies from The University of Central Oklahoma.

Her passion lies with helping trauma survivors, and she has dedicated her poetry as a creative and artistic avenue for individuals to begin healing and addressing personal traumas. Cheyenne's own journey into poetic healing began in 2016 with her first poem, "Consumption." She turned to writing poetry as a means to cope with accumulated pain and trauma, which manifested as physical symptoms. Recognizing a lack of resources for emotional trauma within her culture and the silence surrounding mental illness and abuse, she chose to become a voice for those who could not find one, including herself.

Cheyenne's poetry often tackles difficult subjects that many shy away from. She is driven by her belief in the healing power of confronting these issues. Her mission is to assist others in finding happiness, health, and a joyful life of freedom, free from the torment of traumas and hidden pains.

With this book, Cheyenne hopes to ignite a fire in each reader to seek healing and treatment from life's atrocities. As a survivor of trauma herself, she encourages everyone to embark on their own healing journey. She wants to help others turn their ashes into beauty. Cheyenne is profoundly grateful to her readers and sends blessings, love, and encouragement to all on their path to healing and recovery.

Enjoy the Author's Reflections and scriptures after each poetry piece, where the author also provides you space to journal your emotions.  The goal is that you will begin a healing journey as you read the poems that may trigger a similar memory from past trauma.