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“Zimmerman’s heartfelt and heartbreaking collection of poetry—written during his wife’s illness and after her passing—explores grief, loss, and healing. . .The emotional intensity of the collection is palpable; the feelings of loss, loneliness, and despair are almost overwhelming at times. . . But through the heartache comes self-awareness and a newfound perspective. . . And while the intense focus on morose themes may be uncomfortable to explore for some, readers who have experienced similar life events will find hope and understanding amid the sadness. A poetry collection—clearly cathartic for the writer—that could very well be therapeutic for readers.”

Kirkus Reviews

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The emotions and experiences of a bereaved spouse are at the center of the concise, elegant poetry collection Searching for Clarity. . .[which] explores the nuances of grief in spare, accessible language. Inspired by years of hardship and the death of the poet’s wife, this collection encompasses the experiences of accompanying a loved one through a serious illness, as well as those of isolating grief. The poems seek to be a source of solace for others experiencing the same challenges; this is the collection’s organizing principle. . . Most of the entries fall into the hybrid category of lyrical narrative poetry; many are devoted to exploring single moments. . . The book achieves its aim, becoming a balm for fellow travelers who have suffered their own pains because of the illnesses and deaths of loved ones. But whether or not individual entries do this work, each poem in the book wrestles with ancient questions ably, as of why people suffer, and how people survive their losses. Conveying the emotions and experiences of a bereaved spouse, the concise poems of Searching for Clarity achieve occasional elegance

Foreword Clarion Review

Gene Zimmerman’s poetry collection, Searching for Clarity, details his five-year journey caring for his wife, who eventually died. . . The fleeting nature of time, his most precious commodity as time with his wife runs out, is skillfully portrayed. . . The speaker subsequently describes the sun moving as he watches his wife sleep, beautifully relaying his gentle yearning for what cannot be. . . Those experiencing the loss of a loved one. . . especially caregivers, will appreciate Zimmerman’s look at the particular emotions it brings: despair, heartbreak, helplessness, yet also communion and intimacy

Blueink Review

Challenges, grief, turmoil—at some point in life, we will all be visited by such hardships. They are necessary elements of a life fully lived. And yet, there are no road maps to navigate out of the dark places they can take you to.

As one who has faced a multi-year struggle of a spouse dying—at the same time their two children were growing into young adulthood—Gene Zimmerman has been fully enveloped by such life-altering events. He experienced not only the heartbreaking devastation of losing his best friend and life partner but also discovered and relished the small, spectacular moments of beauty that revealed themselves throughout the process.

This collection of poems offers readers insightful pathways into grappling with change, loss, inner struggle, and uncertainty, ultimately leading to acceptance of how life is now. For those currently going through such difficult journeys—as well as their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers—Gene’s words offer a glimpse into this mostly unexplainable part of life.

Preface
Poetry came to me during the most challenging time of my life. I had never studied nor read much poetry, and I certainly had never tried to write it before. But then my wife, Claire, struggled with an illness that ultimately took her life and I was immensely moved to put my thoughts and feelings on paper. I’ve continued to write and study poetry ever since.

When life brings hardships and massive challenges it’s hard to get through what needs to be done or even determine what needs to be done. No play book is issued. It can be the loneliest of experiences, regardless of how many people are around. At such times, it’s difficult to understand yourself and what’s happening, much less explain it to others.

This collection, written during those years of hardship, is offered to those who find themselves in a life-altering situation not experienced by most. My hope is that the following poems may give some relief simply by sharing the immense grief, loss, stress, financial devastation, and overwhelming feelings that can be experienced when being with a critically sick or challenged loved one.

GENE ZIMMERMAN had a thirty-year business career in various sales and sales management positions within the
consumer electronics, home video, and financial industries before his wife, Claire, was diagnosed with a tumor in her
spinal cord. For nearly five years, Claire fought courageously as Gene became her caregiver and then, when her illness demanded full-time professional care, he became her constant companion, supporter, and advocate.

It was during this time of love and struggle that Gene was strongly moved to write poetry. Since Claire’s death,
Gene has continued to study, take classes, and write poetry.

SEARCHING FOR CLARITY