In the 1950s, the phrase "confessional poetry" gained popularity initially with Robert Lowell, Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton. This form of the written word gave artists a way to discuss private, painful events in their own lives without actually sharing every minute detail with the world. In My Shoes poetically portrays Lyn Crain's journey through cancer, as well as physical and emotional abuse. Her poetry is written from the heart and can be titillating or terrifying in a world that is often more black than white. Crain felt the need to use her voice to share her story and, in turn, open the discussion for women suffering under similar circumstances. Crain is grateful that domestic violence is not a taboo subject anymore, however very few poets have addressed the subject in any length. Silence enables, but by raising voices, it is possible to also raise awareness that domestic violence will no longer be accepted as the norm.