“Like any merciful author, I had you end in a chapter I, my own unrelenting antagonist, dare not interfere I heard it all along, been deaf for far too long. We're no longer singing the same song.” - Sing Along, Alone

 

At some point, we all meet a crooked nail…someone who starts off full of promise, bringing excitement and hope, but quickly turns sour, and that spark fades... Sometimes, it feels like these people are drawn to you because you're a magnet of a certain energy at that time. Like when you're surrounded by the wrong crowd, and that negativity just attracts more of the same. “Blessed Nest” by Thea Ara Vergel really nails those emotions and experiences, capturing the ups and downs of love, grief, personal transformation, and the search for redemption. It's an honest look into the messy parts of life that we all go through. This collection, with its 168 poems, is an unapologetic reflection of what it means to be human… the contradictions, flaws, and beauty. Vergel doesn’t shy away from examining the darker aspects of life…loss, betrayal, and the haunting feeling of being stuck in a cycle of despair. But there’s also a thread of hope and the chance for redemption that runs through it. This isn’t just a book about pain; it’s about the journey of unmaking yourself and then remaking who you are.

 

“Blessed Nest” begins with a powerful call for self-empowerment, urging women to reject constraints and claim their destiny. Growing up surrounded by strong women, especially my mom, who’s always been my inspiration, I’ve always had deep respect for the resilience women have. The struggles, cycles, pain, and strength that every woman faces in her life deserve to be acknowledged and told. From there, the collection dives into more existential themes, truth vs. deceit, grief, and the push and pull between healing and holding on. One of my favorite poems, Fleeting State of Being, digs into identity and how to embrace the fleeting nature of life and live fully in the present. Vergel’s exploration of love, both gentle and brutal… evolves into deep, philosophical thoughts on self-reflection and searching for meaning in a chaotic world.

 

There’s such honesty and vulnerability here, and Vergel doesn’t hold back, which is what makes “Blessed Nest” such a compelling read. It’s like she’s allowing you to see all parts of herself…the messy, the beautiful, the broken, and the whole. and in doing so, she gives voice to things many of us can’t always find words for. We’re all born into this world with unique, complicated journeys, but in the end, it’s all a form of, blessedness.

 

Lastly, I can’t help but mention how much I adore this book cover. It’s fleeting, beautiful, and haunting all at once just like the book. A special shoutout to Lana Rica Carey Montes-Cajayon for the incredible photography work.