SOULSCAPES

Lee’s early years were a whirlwind of excitement, marked by her journeys to various cities, as her parents were adventurous folks. The beauty of these travels lay in the opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures and religions and meet different people. Her book, a collection of poems, serves as a canvas for her perspectives on life, spirituality, societal dilemmas, and animals.

Among all the poems, one particularly resonated with me: a tale of an elephant in captivity, cherished by onlookers for her graceful swaying. The elephant, under the care of a man named Matthew, although it is living quite comfortably, yearns for more and is haunted by memories of her kin and dreams of freedom.

This book prompts contemplation on the detrimental impact of captivity, such as that found in zoos, on the animals. Each poem in the collection is told with engaging stories that will make you smile, ponder for a minute, or get emotional.

The account of Lee’s encounter with the Dalai Lama captivated me because I had read about him and was quite fascinated by him. While some may find poetry less enthralling than prose, I assure you that this collection is an exception. I can say that the author’s words succeeded in evoking personal memories and challenging my perceptions of spirituality.

Despite not identifying as religious, I found myself compelled by the author’s open-minded exploration of different faiths. Works like this compel me to ponder life’s purpose, the nature of existence, and our interconnectedness with the world around us, including nature, people, and animals. It’s a call to reassess our treatment of animals and acknowledge the numerous complexities of life as we navigate it through trial and error. Poetry serves as a way for authors like Lee to unravel their deepest emotions, and as a reader, I feel privileged to be part of the experience.

The book underscores the significance of forging meaningful connections and the capricious nature of human character. Lee Woodman’s writing style feels like a personal narrative, drawing from her life experiences and baring her soul. Her verses flow seamlessly, showcasing her mastery of poetry. While this is my first encounter with her work, I relished every moment spent with this collection. I am drawn to writing that challenges my perspective, and I am now a big fan. I’m looking forward to exploring other books by Lee Woodman. Whether or not you are a poetry enthusiast, Soulscapes by Lee Woodman promises to be an extraordinary, enlightening, and captivating read.