On Monday, October 13, nationally recognized poet Barbara Fant visited the women at Amethyst, an Alvis recovery program that helps women overcome substance use disorders and rebuild their lives.
Fant shared selections from her latest book, Joy in the Belly of a Riot, a powerful collection that explores themes of trauma and resilience—topics deeply relevant to women in recovery. Her warm presence and dynamic performance captivated the audience, even those who had not previously connected with poetry.
“Poetry has the power to heal,” Fant remarked as she introduced her work, and the room quickly filled with nods of agreement.
The visit was more than a reading—it was an interactive experience. Several clients eagerly shared their own poems with Fant and the group, creating a vibrant exchange of creativity and courage. Smiles stretched across faces as voices rose in affirmation and self-expression.
Fant was thanked enthusiastically for her inspiration, guidance, and insightful explanations of her craft. Her ability to make poetry come alive left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Client Spotlight: Billiejean’s Poem
One of the highlights of the event was a reading by Billiejean, an Amethyst client and poet, who shared her piece titled “The Trade.”
The Trade
by Billiejean W.
Life is crazy on a daily
But it’s my time to be a lady
No more guns, drugs, or dirty money
Shying away from those acting funny
Saying good-bye thug
That’s not the me I love
There is no return
No time for the counterfeit
What I’m on is for my own benefit
My whole life all I did was quit
Quit the good for the bad
I was so low selling dope to my dad
If you knew me forget what you think we had
Me I’m glad
No longer letting myself be a monster
To me my former self was an imposter
Taking lives – stealing souls
Letting it get to my head
Surprised every day that I’m not dead
Even when dude put the gun to my head
I told him pull the trigger
God could my head be any bigger
Prison got me
Not once but thrice
Screaming God is this really my life
Losing everything
But finding me
How bad can that trade
Truly be
Barbara Fant’s visit reminded us that creative expression is a powerful tool for healing and transformation. At Amethyst, opportunities like these help women rediscover their voices and reclaim their stories.