Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
It's not unusual for people to face the dynamic of "crisis-struggle-renewal" sometime during their adult years. This process comes into play when life quickly changes direction on account of unanticipated events like the loss of one's health, the death of a spouse, or divorce. Can art cushion the blow of such transformational events?
For centuries, poetry has given voice to the spectrum of human experience. This thoughtful and perceptive book features selections chosen by Gretchen Schwenker from the work of some prominent 30 U.S. and British poets. Their work gives voice to the emotions that accompany your journey through the crisis-struggle-renewal cycle.
Additional features include an introduction to each section, hints for using poems as a form of meditation and prayer, indexes of authors and first lines, and a brief biography of each poet.
Synopsis
Poetry cushions the blows of life-changing events. During the "in-between time" of emotional and spiritual instability that follows unexpected loss, poetry is a balm that soothes bruised souls.
The 30 United States and British poets featured in this book teach us that it is possible to recover from loss with a deeper awareness of how life emerges from death and with gratitude for what we've learned--for the hidden graces.
Additional features of Hidden Graces: Poems for Crisis, Struggle, and Renewal include an introduction to each section, ways to use poetry in meditation and prayer, indexes of authors and first lines, and a brief biography of each poet.
Whether read privately or with a group, these poems will help you navigate your emotions and learn from your journey of loss and recovery.