Find Hope, Beauty, and Connection in “Soul Flowers”

Soul Flowers by Cynthia Schumacher

"Soul Flowers is meant to touch and inspire, and Schumacher does just that."

With the new year comes a new sense of hope. I can think of no better time to embrace the beauty of poetry, especially in works such as Cynthia Schumacher’s seventh collection, Soul Flowers.

In this timeless collection, Schumacher explores with gifted verse those universal human emotions and experiences that unite us. Her poetry encourages a feeling of kinship with all readers — and writers and poets — across the ages, often turning to the natural world for inspiration.

Explores Vast Topics

The poetry in Soul Flowers encompasses a vast range of topics in an engaging flow from beginning to end, incorporating new pieces as well as some from older collections.

Many of her poems touch on the ideas of hope and resilience, such as those found in the brave spirit of the blooming clematis in “Nature Advisory” or the comforting wisdom of “Business Advise.”

Many poems address the threads that connect us to one another, especially those unseen. Like how the brave “Refugee” on the TV is connected to the “countless human eyes / that see you.” Like how the old blind woman in “Community Project” brings her community together to experience joy, and how we’re reminded of timeless lessons in “Childhood Philosophy.”

Powerful Reflections

Some of these threads cross over with the poet’s reflections on faith and scripture, like the connection and joy we feel in “Light Source,” or the gentle reassurance we feel from nature in “Harvest Gift.”

While “BIRTHDAY” provides a light-hearted, humorous look at the birth of Christ, “Mary Pondering” provides a profound and moving look at the life of a mother, one many of us might not have thought about before. “Mary Pondering” was one of my personal favorites.

Perhaps Schumacher’s most addressed topic is on the serenity found in aging, like in the bittersweet wisdom of “Alternative: Maturity” or the joy in “Retirement Party.” In multiple poems she reflects on the importance of seeking wisdom from those who came before — and the joy of sharing your journey with those who come after.

Lyrical Verse

Schumacher examines these various topics with a keen eye for detail, incorporating beautiful imagery of the natural world throughout the collection. It’s hard to read just one line without getting swept away in another, especially with poems like “Wake-Up Call” and “November Notice,” which effortlessly flow to create a scene of breathless beauty.

Even when not focusing on natural imagery, Schumacher’s use of language is refined and skillfully crafted to keep readers absorbed, like in the repetition and humor of “Grainglorious.” My favorite line comes from “Diminutive Defenders,” and reads: “When love surrounds, / the Fu dogs sleep, and in their dreams they smile.” Beautiful!

Some of my other favorites within the collection include “Sympathy Card,” which is short, sweet and moving, and “Catapult,” which is fun and heartwarming.

Appeals to All Audiences

The poems found in Soul Flowers are enjoyable and accessible for all audiences. As Schumacher calls it, her “word music” is meant to appeal to all those who find beauty and joy in poetry — not just poetry snobs.

Schumacher uses poetry as a form of exploration and self-discovery, and found a modern audience through her early published collections. What began as a therapeutic or spiritual exercise — and publishing, a form of record keeping — quickly became something more as Schumacher’s poems began to touch the lives of those who otherwise never consumed poetry.

Inspirational Poetry

Schumacher closes out the collection with a blessing to all her readers, one final message that’s sure to linger in every reader’s heart. Soul Flowers is meant to touch and inspire, and Schumacher does just that. I’m sure more than one reader will walk away with the encouragement they need to find the joy — and poetry — in everyday life.

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