Lost in Madness: Poems from the Mind of a Mad Woman

Lost in Madness: Poems from the Mind of a Mad Woman

Lost in Madness is a raw, radiant collection of poetry that traces the journey from heartbreak to healing, from silence to voice, from ruin to reclamation. With unflinching honesty and lyrical grace, M.L. Shirley writes for the ones who have been dismissed, betrayed, incarcerated, addicted, abandoned—and still found a way to rise. These poems speak to the woman who stayed too long, the man behind bars who still believes in redemption, the child who grew up too fast, and the soul who wonders if they’ll ever be enough. Divided into ten thematic sections, this collection explores grief, loyalty, rage, resilience, chosen family, and the quiet power of becoming. Whether honoring lost parents, confronting toxic love, or lifting up the unheard voices of the incarcerated, Shirley’s words are both balm and battle cry. This is not just poetry—it’s testimony. It’s for the ones who carry fire in their bones and tenderness in their scars. It’s for you. If you’ve ever felt invisible, this book will remind you You are seen. - You are heard. - You are still becoming.