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The Seasons of My Soul - A Poetic Diary
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Dear Friends,
These poems were simply my way of expressing the emotions that were overtaking me at different times in my life and yet filling me with wonder at other times. These “poems” were my safety valve—the outlet that let me release my unproductive emotions. They were also the way I was able to express my personal growth when those around me did not see things the same way I did. So, I bless them. . .warts and all! As you read the poems, you will notice that I have given you the date each was actually written, beginning in 1963 when I was 14 years old. I also shared the event or attitude that sparked the poem. After I discovered these expressions of mine tucked in-between the boxes and boxes of paper I had accumulated over the years, I absentmindedly put them in chronological order. That was when I realized it was an order that defined my spiritual journey with all its ups and downs, lessons ignored, and lessons learned. So at the top of each poem, you will see a running commentary. It is psychological in nature. With hindsight and hopefully greater wisdom, I have tried to present an inner perspective, showing my true journey from 1963 to the poem I wrote when I reached fifty. Friends who have read my compilation have uniformly told me that even though I had different experiences than some of them, they still recognized the emotions behind the different poems. They said that some evoked memories while others stirred up emotions they thought they had resolved. Whatever their effect on you, please know that I lay no claim to being a poet. I do believe, however, that we are all one, struggling to express ourselves and experiencing the same emotions with differing circumstances. If my journey can help you in any way, I am simply grateful. Dannye Williamsen |
Review by Greta Burroughs, author of Gerald and the Wee People
The Seasons of My Soul is a look inside the life of the author, Dannye Williamsen. Even though it is her personal thoughts on events that have taken place in her life - the emotions, trials and experiences can also relate to the reader. Dannye's thoughts on life's challenges, love, friendship and dealing with change echo some of the questions and challenges I have faced as well.
I really liked the way she introduced each poem with the date and the circumstances surrounding the piece. The first entry is from her teenage years and each successive poem follows her as she ages. Each poem can lead the reader to reflect on his/her past and to realized he/she has accomplished more than originally thought. It's a great way to get to know yourself.
Review by Sandy Wolters, author and blogger
Let me just start this review out by saying that I do not read poetry. I've never much cared for it, and I've never really understood it. I know that it touches many people, but it's never touched me. With that out of the way, one of my favorite authors, Dannye WIlliamsen, has published THE SEASONS OF MY SOUL, a book of poetry that she's written throughout her life.
I picked this book up because I'm such a fan of Ms. Williamsen's paranormal reads. She has a beautiful writing style that keeps the reader captivated, so I thought I'd give it a go. I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised by the poems in this book. Maybe it's because of the way they are presented. Ms. Williamsen makes this a very personal undertaking by describing events that were happening in her life when she stopped to take the time to write these poems. Maybe it's that format that made this such a beautiful read to me, why I was able to understand and feel the words so much more than other poetry I've tried to read. I was able to relate to many of the poems because all of us have found ourselves in many of the situations that Ms. Williamsen was in when taking pen to paper and writing these very thoughtful and at times heart wrenching thoughts about ebbs and flows in our lives.
The thing that made me happiest about this book of poems was the feeling I had after I read it. I was filled with hope that even though I may revert to my old way of thinking, there will come a time when I will be able to move forward again in a positive light.
Even if you are like me and do not normally read poetry, this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
The Seasons of My Soul is a look inside the life of the author, Dannye Williamsen. Even though it is her personal thoughts on events that have taken place in her life - the emotions, trials and experiences can also relate to the reader. Dannye's thoughts on life's challenges, love, friendship and dealing with change echo some of the questions and challenges I have faced as well.
I really liked the way she introduced each poem with the date and the circumstances surrounding the piece. The first entry is from her teenage years and each successive poem follows her as she ages. Each poem can lead the reader to reflect on his/her past and to realized he/she has accomplished more than originally thought. It's a great way to get to know yourself.
Review by Sandy Wolters, author and blogger
Let me just start this review out by saying that I do not read poetry. I've never much cared for it, and I've never really understood it. I know that it touches many people, but it's never touched me. With that out of the way, one of my favorite authors, Dannye WIlliamsen, has published THE SEASONS OF MY SOUL, a book of poetry that she's written throughout her life.
I picked this book up because I'm such a fan of Ms. Williamsen's paranormal reads. She has a beautiful writing style that keeps the reader captivated, so I thought I'd give it a go. I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised by the poems in this book. Maybe it's because of the way they are presented. Ms. Williamsen makes this a very personal undertaking by describing events that were happening in her life when she stopped to take the time to write these poems. Maybe it's that format that made this such a beautiful read to me, why I was able to understand and feel the words so much more than other poetry I've tried to read. I was able to relate to many of the poems because all of us have found ourselves in many of the situations that Ms. Williamsen was in when taking pen to paper and writing these very thoughtful and at times heart wrenching thoughts about ebbs and flows in our lives.
The thing that made me happiest about this book of poems was the feeling I had after I read it. I was filled with hope that even though I may revert to my old way of thinking, there will come a time when I will be able to move forward again in a positive light.
Even if you are like me and do not normally read poetry, this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
