Catharsis: A Poetic Purge by Robert Wood Catharsis: A Poetic Purge is just that: a cathartic purging of emotions through poetry. The poems themselves utilize unique and creative methods to convey their meaning, such as stream of consciousness or internal conversations between the author and his inner voice, while utilizing both free form and rhyming meter. The meaning of the poems cover a wide array of topics from the author’s life, including alienation, depression, rage, grief, loss – and yes, even joy. The poems explore these themes out of necessity, as the author has lived a life marred by mental illness, substance abuse and pain. Hopefully this cathartic expression offers similar relief to others who experience the same.