Thought-provoking, lyrical, and enjoyable.
Heart of a Soul Comforter is a short collection of poems that speaks to the trials and tribulations we all face while trying to find our bearing in this turbulent world. Themes range from anxiety and depression to friendship and fun, all topics that resonate with a wide audience. Readers will feel that they’ve gotten to know the unguarded person behind the collection through intimate moments and articulate word choice. Whether maintaining the status quo in Orange Pants or struggling with loss in New Year, Kayla Muth shares much about herself with honesty and vulnerability. While some poems are crafted like stories, many things are left unsaid, with only veiled memories to shape the words. In Resentment & Forgiveness, she observes, “Pedestals shatter / Under the weight of expectation.” And then, “Resentment chokes the life out of love.” Whatever history inspired this poem is anchored by the stirring concluding line, “Yet the Gospel still demands we grant forgiveness.” These words are not only discerning, but they highlight another essential theme binding the entire collection together, the author’s spiritual journey. Fraught with missteps and discouragement, choosing the narrow path and learning deference isn’t easy, and Muth’s stripped-down verse is a confession of defeats and a celebration of victories.
They say experience is the best teacher, but that can be a painful way to learn. Why not allow Muth’s poetic adventures to be your heartfelt guide? Reading like a caring heart-to-heart, the collection is crisp and refreshing, showing tremendous strength in its simplicity. It doesn’t require much effort to feel the impact of the sentiment, “Life happens in-between social media posts / It’s not all sunsets, concerts, and travel.” Uncomplicated and pure, the words ring true and give audiences a sense of kinship and shared experiences, even though the personal details might differ. Perhaps this immediate sense of connection and ease is best summed up by the title of the collection itself, Heart of a Soul Comforter, an apt description bestowed by a friend. Epitomizing the ongoing conflicts within each one of us, Muth frequently uses rhythm as a powerful tool to chip away at the carefully crafted veneer of societal etiquette. This lends itself to a reading experience that is thought-provoking, lyrical, and enjoyable. If you are looking for a collection of poems that favors meaning over frills, Kayla Muth’s Heart of a Soul Comforter delivers.
