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Avoid Eye Contact

Norwegian title: Unngå øyekontakt

Nora Aschim

Suicide is one of the most frequent reasons for youth and young people dying. And suicidal thoughts are far more common than what we would like to believe. Catalysts can be heartbreak, family conflict, academic failure and problems at school; almost always in interaction with the young persons sensibility and vulnerability facing the world. Suicide notes often tell the tale of unbearable feelings of shame and worthlessness. About self-blaim, loneliness and longing. In Nora Aschims debut collection; we are not told the exact reason for why the 24 year old girl has decided to end her life. But we are welcomed into the Last of Days. Filled with a greater calm than one might imagine. Clarity of sorts. That makes the poems not only sad.

Watch me dancingalonein ballerinasand silk ribbonsin my hairthis will not be the last timei wear pink

Nora Aschims debut does not put the blaim of the endlessly tragic on someone. It rather moves in and sit beside a young girl that for a variation of reasons has had enough of life and herself.

"Beautiful poems that hit you in the heart, the lungs and the head. Even if it hurts, you do not want to let go when the book is finished."HAMAR ARBEIDERBLAD