Consolation

Doubt

Folds

Reason

Remember

I started creating blackout poetry when I discovered I couldn’t have children, and as proud as I am of the work I have done, I am equally saddened by it. Every piece is a reminder of my ongoing struggle with infertility. Every piece is an attempt to rationalize the experience--an attempt to heal the wounds no one can see. The poems in this series confront common infertility themes: doubt, guilt, uncertainty, love. I share them because I know I am one of many grappling with this isolating disease, and it is my hope that sharing my work will inspire others to create something beautiful out of something broken. 

Colette Love Hilliard is a writer and teacher currently chronicling her journey of love, marriage, and infertility through poetry and art. Her work has appeared in Harness magazine and The Cincinnati Review Blog, and a forthcoming collection of her poetry will appear in Issue 3 of Beechwood Review. More of her poetry and story can be found @colette.lh.