We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Leaves of Life Chapbook Contest: Totality by Julia Paul.
This powerful collection of poems confronts one of life’s most profound tragedies—the death of a child—through a lens of clarity, vulnerability, and raw honesty. Totality invites readers into an emotional landscape that is both heart-wrenching and beautifully rendered.
The collection as described by contest judge Kathleen Hellen masterfully bookends the experience with “vivid imagery of a red leaf—one that is swept away by the wind, a poignant metaphor for loss, and another that clings tenaciously to the “fragile weavings” of a spider’s web,” symbolizing the delicate nature of grief and memory.
In a world where such topics are often shrouded in silence, Totality breaks through with a voice that resonates with authenticity and depth. The poems challenge us to confront our own experiences with loss, while also offering solace and understanding to those navigating similar journeys.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Julia Paul for this significant achievement and look forward to sharing more of her work with you. Totality will soon be available for purchase on our Fallen Tree publications website. We encourage you to experience this fervent collection for yourself.