From the Shallow End to the Deep End

Drawing from deeply personal experiences, AJ Streator transforms pain and introspection into poetic artistry. Over a dark four-year span, Streator wrote ninety-seven Shakespearean sonnets—including a Prologue and Epilogue—that artfully blend traditional form with strikingly contemporary subjects. While the classic sonnet form has historically been associated with romantic themes, Streator repurposes it to delve courageously into more complex territory, addressing alcoholism, domestic abuse, class struggle, suicide, betrayal, and emotional recovery.

Beginning with a vivid childhood memory of nearly drowning and culminating in heartbreaking life events, these poems navigate the depths of human vulnerability and strength. The author’s deliberate choice of structure heightens the emotional intensity, creating powerful tension between formality and raw emotional truth. The result is a distinctive, emotionally resonant collection that speaks to readers navigating their own turbulent waters.

An original cover designed by the author's daughter adds visual depth, complementing this compelling exploration of loss and recovery, resilience in adversity, and the healing power of artistic expression.