Edeltraut, or Eddy as she likes to be called, is a remarkably courageous woman. She is now totally deaf from the effects of Meniere’s Disease, which she has endured for the past 50 years. It has left her with loud tinnitus as her constant companion, and permanent balance problems. In addition, she is almost blind.
Not surprisingly, she is given to bouts of depression. Yet in spite of all this, Eddy continues to write her unique brand of poetry. Her aim is to help other hard of hearing people by giving them the courage to go on in spite of their communication difficulties.
131 Poems from the Heart contains the best of Eddy’s poetry. Her poetry (rhyming couplets set in free verse) details many of the struggles she has experienced due to her various ear problems. As you read this book, you will identify with Eddy as her poems tug at your heartstrings.
Printed softcover book, 4th edition, 162 pages ($16.99)
Reviews:
“I ordered Eddy’s book of poetry. I have been taking my time and reading her poetry, along with a few ‘asides’ from Neil, her publisher. I just wanted to let you know that it is an amazing, and particularly wonderful collection. I would recommend it to any of you. You will find yourselves nodding your head over and over again, and saying, ‘Yes, that is how I feel.’ Her poetry is humbling. I see myself over and over again. The ‘loss of self’ that often accompanies hearing loss is almost unbearable. She’s like a voice for us hard of hearing or late deafened people—putting her finger right on the pulse of our journeys through hearing loss. If you’ve been thinking about getting her book, don’t hesitate, it’s truly a treat, and something I will treasure and return to.”—Linda B.
“Eddy’s poems alternately clutch at your heartstrings and have you nodding your head over the hearing loss journey that we all share. I recommend Eddy’s book of poetry, even if you’re not a poetry fan, for a look at oneself. Her words are our feelings about our hearing loss, set to paper.”—L. B.