backbone: a book of poetry.
“there is no organization, no story line, no beginning to end, and no happy ending.” –Makayla (m.k.) Roumph
Makayla (m.k.) Roumph’s debut novel, “backbone” takes the reader on a journey with her to self-love and healing. This is done through a series of poems and excerpts that speak on the topics of womanhood, mental health, relationships, racism, and the mistreatment of others. The pressure of aches and pains on one’s spine, is a feeling that many of us have felt at one point in time during our lives. How can we find the strength to stand tall, when our backbone is feeling the weight of the world?
“My backbone is a reminder of where I have been, where I am now, and where I want to be; a reminder of what I have felt, what I am feeling, and what I want to feel.”
The road to finding balance within your wellbeing is seldom a straightforward process, many times it can feel much like a rollercoaster—riding up and down, with twists and turns. Makayla speaks her truth so that the reader can find space between the pages of this book, to share in the lightness that she has now found. I too, revisited my past of childhood memories; lessons from previous lovers and friends; and hardships faced due to the color of my skin, all while reading this book. No matter if you brought Makayla pain or relief, you contributed to the person she is right here, right now. This book can help you on your discovery of self, for it has done just that for me.
/ Follow Makayla on Instagram at @m.k.roumph and pick up your copy today on Amazon.
Contributors
Brandi Long-Frank is a content creator and writer based in Omaha, NE.
Emma Morem is an editorial and lifestyle photographer based in Omaha, NE.