Whispers of the Soul: New and Selected Poems

A collection of poems that range from expressions of gratitude for the gifts of nature, to musings about aging and the fragility of life, to insights about women’s issues and concerns, to observations about the complexities of family dynamics, to reflections about writing and therapy.

From the Author

I have always loved poetry, loved the power of words and of images, the power of feelings and thoughts that can be evoked. And I have written poetry most of my life. The typical angst of early teenage years, the philosophical musings of college time, the happiness and sadness of daily life, the joys of being a mother and grandmother, the challenges of women’s issues, the trials of serious illness and aging – all these were opportunities for reflection. “Wording the process,” I call it.

Why?
Sometimes to make sense, to make meaning, to make a memory.
Sometimes to comment on something,
to disagree or to condemn or to praise or to give thanks,
to point out a wrong,
or to affirm a right.

Mostly it has been just for myself.
When I have an experience that settles in me somehow, causing an inner reaction, I have often felt the need to express it.
And that has usually been in the form of writing a poem.
Just for myself.
Kind of an inner dialogue with the world,
or my experience of the world.

Why a book of poetry now?
Though I have written for myself over the years, I think many of my observations and perceptions will resonate with others and I wanted to share them. I hope that you, the reader, will find meaning in them as well, perhaps a sense of something similar that you have experienced, or an insight, or a shared feeling of anger or fear or joy or peace or gratitude.

Words are powerful.
They can call attention to parts of ourselves that we may have ignored, pushed away, refused to acknowledge.
They can summon feelings that are deep down, waiting to be called forth.
They can call us to action, sometimes, or call us to move away from too much action to go deeper inside.

These poems are conversational in tone, accessible and relatable.
They are about everyday experiences, sometimes seen with a more focused light.
They are words for the heart, for the spirit, for the soul.

About the Author

Patricia Greer, MA, PhD, is a retired psychotherapist and Jungian analyst who has worked primarily with women for more than thirty-five years. She has listened to their stories and has felt privileged to walk with them on their paths of individuation, of becoming more fully and authentically themselves.

She is the author of two previous books: “Breast Cancer, A Soul Journey”, an exploration of the potential insights and wisdom that may be gained from a life crisis, and the companion volume, “Soul Play, A Workbook to Inspire and Guide Your Soul Journey”.

In her work, in her writing, and in her life, she has long been a seeker of soul, a journeyer who looks into and underneath ordinary moments to access a depth of understanding and meaning.

Jungian Books