The Time War Takes: Poems

In her debut collection of poetry, The Time War Takes, U.S. Army veteran of the Iraq War, registered nurse, and mental health advocate Jessi M. Atherton explores themes of memory, resilience, and healing.

As a deployed Michigan Army National Guard soldier chancing upon a Baghdad bazaar in 2005, Atherton found what she was looking for, but hadn't known she needed: a crystalline moment of grace. A reminder to be kind and open, to oneself and to others.

The small, pink quartz elephant was a surprise, one crafted especially for her by a young street vendor named Mohammed (call me "Mo," he had said). On a journey of healing, the figurine has followed her ever since-through Colorado wildfires, trauma, divorce, and the daily challenges of motherhood.

Now a Minnesota-based nursing professional active in veterans and women's mental health, as well as suicide prevention, Atherton shares stories of healing and resilience through the power of poetry.