Soulscapes! Navigating the Eclectic of Being

By Marie Grace, Ph.D.

"Soulscapes: Navigating the Eclectic of Being," Marie Grace's debut collection, captivates from the outset. Each poem embarks on an exploration of love's fullness, the shadows cast by loss, and the profound ache of longing. Dr. Grace intricately weaves these experiences, rooting them in the deep connections that shape our existence. The legacy of her parents—encompassing love's teachings, the depth of their sacrifices, and unwavering support—permeates her poetry, drawing readers into a realm where resilience and affection forge the soul.

Reflecting on my own life, I'm reminded of evenings in the tiny kitchen, my father sharing stories from his youth, each infused with humor and life lessons. My mother, ever wise, showed me the beauty nestled in everyday moments. Their essence, entwined with my own, infuses my writing. "Soulscapes" extends beyond a mere collection; it's an intimate journey into being, celebrating poetry's power to transform and the enduring impact of familial love. Embark with me on this heart-driven odyssey, where the words leap off the page to resonate deeply within us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Graceful Press
• Release date: Feb 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224869329

Book preview

Dedication

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To My Beloved Mom and Dad,

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This collection of verses, each a fragment of my soul, is dedicated to you both. Your unwavering love and sacrifices have been the ink in my pen, the whispers behind my words. In every line, I see the reflections of your teachings, your laughter, and the safety of your embrace. You taught me the power of dreams and the courage to pursue them. This eclectic book of poems, my first but not my last, is a testament to your enduring love and belief in me. May these words mirror the beauty and strength you’ve instilled in me.

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With all my love and gratitude,

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Your Daughter

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Prologue

I.The Inner Landscape

A Dyslexic’s Canvas

Beyond the Mirror

In the Day

In the Night

Nothingness!

Certainty Unleashed

II. Echoes and Whispers

Echoes of Love and Legacy

Echoes of a Wandering Heart

Echoes of inquiry?

Echoes of Worn Soles

Whispers of Excellence

Sounds of ‘If Only’

III. Love, Loss, and Legacy

Shadows of Seduction

Dancing Hearts, Eternal Glances

Can you see me?

Lamps Along the Path

God in the Ordinary

The Tapestry of Purpose

Beauty from Ashes

V. Nature and Nurture

Running Through the Raindrops

The Tiny Tree’s Triumph

Lilies Among Thorns

VI. Human Condition

Isolation to Communion

Unseen Chains

The Art of Tripping Yourself

Soaring on Wings of Resolve

VII. Philosophical Musings

Beyond the ‘Bell Jar’

Toward Becoming

A Myriad March of Minuscule Marvels

Absurdities Adorned!

VII. The Quirks of Life

Happenstance!

The Grand Tale of Nada

Slant’s Sideways Saunter

IX. Revelations and Reflections

Questing the Unknown

Brews of Insight

Chocolate Confessions!

Unlocking Prosperity

X. Words and Worlds

Words Woven Right

Ripples in the Human Ocean

Epilogue

Appendices I

Poet’s Musing

About the Author

Acknowledgments

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In the creation of this book, I have journeyed through vast landscapes of thought and emotion, guided by the invisible hands of inspiration and the tangible support of those around me. With a heart full of gratitude, I acknowledge the contributions of each person who has been a part of this journey.

I extend my deepest thanks to the inspiration that whispers in the silence and speaks in the beauty of creation, as echoed in the foundational verse from Genesis 1:1-2. This scripture has not only inspired The Grand Tale of Nada but has been a guiding light through the entire process, reminding me of the boundless potential in every moment of creation.

To family, thank you for your unwavering love and encouragement, which have been my beacon in moments of doubt. To my friends, your laughter, discussions, and support have uniquely shaped this book. To the reader, your engagement with this work gives it meaning; may it be a companion in your exploration of the breath, length, depth, and height of life. This book is a tapestry of many threads, each essential to its whole, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Your support has been a profound blessing.

Prologue

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As I sit down to pen this prologue, dear reader, it feels like we are sitting across from each other in a cozy, dimly lit room, each with a cup of tea in hand, embarking on a journey together. Much like life, this journey is a tapestry of stories—woven with threads of experiences, emotions, and the essence of being. Soulscapes: Navigating the Eclectic of Being is not just another poetry book; it's a conversation between you and me, sharing our souls. In these pages, you’ll find pieces of me and, hopefully, pieces of yourself too. Each poem and story within is a fragment of the world as I see and feel it. Like Maya Angelou, whose words have always been a lighthouse in the storm for me, I strive to lay bare the truths of the human spirit—the joys, the sorrows, and the resilience that defines us.

Before we delve deeper into the heart of this writing, let me share a moment that encapsulates why this book came to be. Living with dyslexia, my relationship with words has always been fraught with a unique blend of challenge and beauty. There was an afternoon, amidst a whirlwind of thoughts and papers, that the vision for this book crystallized. In the dance of dyslexic letters, I discovered an unparalleled beauty in expression, realizing that my perspective could serve as a bridge. This bridge connects those who seek solace in the clarity of written language with those, like me, who experience the world through a different lens. From this vantage point and the heart of a person with dyslexia, Soulscapes: Navigating the Eclectic of Being was born.

The journey will be unique, as each word and line will resonate differently with you. My hope is that it touches your heart, stirs your soul, and perhaps offers a new lens through which to view the world. Maya Angelou eloquently said in I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.I have channeled untold stories and emotions onto these pages through poetry, hoping they resonate profoundly and find a cherished place within your heart."

So, as we turn these pages together, let’s embark on this eclectic journey. Let’s laugh, let’s cry, let’s ponder, and above all, let’s feel—sincerely and without reservation. Welcome to a space where words bridge the gap between my soul and yours.

I.The Inner Landscape

A Dyslexic’s Canvas

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But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Hi, I’m a gifted dyslexic.

My mind, a maze of tangled glyphs,

In my perception, letters twist and dance.

Elusive sparks that entrance.

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Spinning across my inner sight

Crafting worlds that delight.

For me, each page is a canvas.

That cradles the colors of my