MARY WAS HERE
is a deeply moving collection of poetry that powerfully addresses sexual violence as not only an individual trauma but a pervasive societal problem, demanding that we confront the cultural narratives that perpetuate silence and shame. Through unflinching, raw, and eloquent verse, this collection explores the profound aftermath of sexual assault, offering readers an intimate window into the ongoing process of survival and healing. Each poem is an invitation into the difficult journey toward reclamation of self, framed through the experience of living in a body marked by trauma yet resilient. Simmerling's work refuses to look away from the pain but also honors the strength, courage, and hope that arise from confronting it. With a mix of stark reflection and lyrical beauty,
lays bare the reality of navigating a world forever changed by violence, yet filled with the possibility of finding one's voice, agency, and peace.