Second Edition
The Pain
Sings a Song
A seven-part narrative poetry memoir chronicling Shalanda Shaw’s path through loss, anger, despair, faith, and resilience.
This book is for anyone who has struggled with mental illness or questioned their faith during challenging times, seeking meaning amid pain.
Writing The Pain Sings a Song was not just about sharing poetry; it was about opening the deepest parts of my journey with bipolar disorder, faith, and healing. These poems were born from moments of struggle and silence but also from the grace that carried me through. My hope is that as you turn these pages, you’ll find pieces of your own story reflected, and you’ll be reminded that even in pain, there is a song waiting to be heard.
— From the introduction to the second edition
Inside
Seven parts, three hundred and thirty-three pages.
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Part One
Why?
Identity loss and grief, at the start of the journey.
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Part Two
Why Not Me?
Stigma, faith, and the cycling in and out.
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Part Three
This Is It
Depression named plainly.
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Part Four
Inspiration
Pleading for change.
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Part Five
Revenge
Anger and defiance turned into a daily poem.
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Part Six
Revelation
Coping skills, support, and hope.
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Part Seven
Transition
Not complete healing — a voice regained.
New in this edition
A writing section, designed especially for you
One of the most significant additions to the new edition of The Pain Sings a Song is a dedicated writing section, inviting readers’ voices into the book alongside the poems.
Recovery is a struggle; however, instead of this being understood and supported by society and our close loved ones, it is stigmatized. People need to listen and lend a helping hand.
From the book · Part Five
Revenge
It sounds so magnificent, yet so bare . . . but daring. I want to get revenge on bipolar disorder for what it has done to me.
So, I smell revenge as sweet success— a poem every day, starting on August 1, 2012. I shall rise from the rubble of pain by putting it on paper.
Bring the book to your group
Book clubs, support groups, congregations, and classrooms — get in touch about bulk orders or a reading with Shalanda.