During the period that followed her daughter's birth and relinquishment in 1966, birthmother Susan Van Sleet portrayed what she describes as "gut-sensing" artworks. Numerous portraits depict her own emotions as well as images of how she perceived her estranged daughter to have looked. Taken from her book, the painting and poem titled Frozen Emotions, is the first in a series of self-portraits with poetry.

Sixty-seven was the year
Weeks turned months
In private tear

Politely guarded ....programmed never to tell
Her numbed emotions
Were secreted well

Trapped and bewildered
Veiled in blue
A hollow feeling
Pierced her through

Convinced it was an act in kind
How could such guilt then ...plague her mind?

Credits: Susan Van Sleet