Poetry collection aims to take back power in discussing sexuality, relationships

Francophone poet Amber O’Reilly dove into old journals that she wrote as an adolescent to write her first book, a collection of poetry.

“The poems that came from them, I hold onto,” says the author of Boussole franche. “Today, I am no longer the same person. There is a distance. I needed that in order to heal. These experiences really made me who I am today.”

Born in Yellowknife, where her parents moved from Ontario for work, she has also spent time in British Columbia, Montreal, and Latin America. Of Yellowknife and the North, she says, “I need this place. The rhythm of life is different there, with more to do outside of work.”

But she also has a great network in Winnipeg, where she now lives. With a virtual launch for her book, a project with community radio station Envol 91 FM recording her poems, and her book included in a program of study at Université de Saint-Boniface where she earned her bachelor of arts with a major in international studies, she is very appreciative, saying, “The community gives me so much support.”

She explains the title of her book, which means frank or candid compass. “Poetry is a bit like the compass for all of my life experiences, guiding me. It’s a very honest work. I looked at the seasons of my life, with some examples from childhood, adolescence, my 20s, and the places that really influenced my life.”

In her poetry, she writes about the breakup of couples and about her relationship with her body.

“I talk a lot about sexuality, intimate relationships with partners,” says O’Reilly.

“I wanted to speak about this, the things we don’t hear enough about. In Franco-Manitoba, this is often absent. I encourage other women to claim their experiences and to think about sharing them. Female sexuality is often interpreted by men. This is a chance to take back your power in sharing certain aspects. We can never do this enough. This normalizes things.”

Adolescence is not easy and it takes the examples of others, and people to confide in, so women can learn and grow. “These confidences influence us and stay with us. We carry a bit of the universe within,” O’Reilly says.

“Poetry is very therapeutic. I write for myself. If my writing resonates with others, it’s even better. I have taken control of my life. If young people find inspiration and strength in that – I don’t want to put any expectations on it, but if they do, I will be very happy.”