Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Photo taken by contributor Cla-c, a 45-year-old wife and mother of four who was diagnosed with Cyclothymia a year ago. She has battled severe depression, paranoia, and fearfulness throughout her life, and has always felt like an outcast. After she lost a much loved cousin to suicide, she knew she had to face her demons. Growing up in Africa in the 70’s and 80’s, going to a therapist was not part of the culture. Instead of dealing with her feelings and shame related to childhood trauma, she merely existed. She never felt like she had a voice, something that she struggles with even today. Her sensitivity has at times led her to isolate, which is especially challenging as a portrait photographer. She has come to both fear and love people at the same time. Today, she has a small but amazing support system. She dreams of having a cabin in the woods with the butterflies.

About this photo:

My Pain
I’ve never felt so lonely like today, like yesterday, like tomorrow
but then I found you
I’ve never felt so much pain like today, like yesterday, like tomorrow
but then I found you
they smile at me you know, but it’s not real, I know
I see how their faces changes from morning to night,
Not one of them looks the same, by moonlight
My heart always hopes it’s real it’s the real them 
I give so much of myself to them, but I am transparent to them,
light moves right through me 
and so do they,
I cry for myself 
but mostly I cry for them 
but then I found you … 

_____

View & share all 15 videos from our ‘Through The Lens’ awareness campaign (1-3 mins each) at: http://www.youtube.com/c/BrokenLightPhotographyCollective

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

*Facebook & Twitter @BrokenLighCo & @DanielleHark. Follow for e-mail notifications.


8 responses to “My Pain”

  1. escharae Avatar

    Wonderful, both the photo and the poem. Best wishes

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thank you so much

      Liked by 1 person

  2. ksbeth Avatar

    beautiful

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thanks much xx

      Liked by 1 person

  3. lmarea3070 Avatar
    lmarea3070

    Beautiful photo

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thank you so much dear

      Like

  4. Rayne Avatar

    Absolutely beautiful. ❤

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thank you so much Rayne I so appreciate

      Liked by 1 person

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