Poems for a World on Fire: Meditations on Hope

Poems for a World on Fire: Meditations on Hope grew out of the author's concern about global warming, the destruction of our environment and the caustic political environment pitting us against each other, sometimes for reasons we can't even understand. She had begun collecting poems for this book in 2019 and titled it Poems for a World on Fire before the devastating fires on the west coast. The arrival of the novel coronavirus brought the realization of the true crises we are facing, challenging all of us to pull together and bring about our own healing as well as the healing of the earth. These poems speak about our courage in the face of adversity, the need to listen to the prophetic voices of our day, and to seek discernment for all out actions. But above all, they are about hope, not a childish wish for something better, but the hope that comes from years of meditation, of taking the long view of life, and knowing from experience that though there be chaos around us, we can find serenity and trust within as we take the time to connect with what is the deepest part of our humanity.

Writing poetry has been a constant in Helen's life. It is where she first found a voice. As a young nun, her poems became songs, and she published three albums. She has also written essays and reflections for the local paper, always finding inspiration in the world around her and in the simplest things, like hummingbirds at the feeder. Helen has her bachelor's and master's degrees in Theological Studies. She was a nun for thirty years and is now an ordained Interfaith Minister. (That journey is a story for another time.) She is a trained spiritual director to help people's faith journeys, no matter their beliefs. She also is certified in the Amherst Writers and Artists method to lead writing groups. Her hobby is carving block prints and designing tea towels. She can be reached at www.helenrousseau.com