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Mystics Recourse: A Poetic Journey
Mystics A Poetic Journey is a profound collection of verse that navigates the personal and spiritual landscape of life-altering challenges. Dedicated to cancer survivors and those lost to the disease, this book offers a raw yet hopeful exploration of survival, compassion, and the fundamental changes that come with confronting one’s mortality.
Drawing on the author's deep connection to wild places and natural processes, the poems reflect on the healing power of nature and the pursuit of creative and spiritual expression amidst adversity. This "poetic journey" serves as a recourse for the introspective soul, reminding the reader to look well to the present day and to find a vision of hope in the face of immense struggle. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a call for greater compassion for the sick and the well alike.
Drawing on the author's deep connection to wild places and natural processes, the poems reflect on the healing power of nature and the pursuit of creative and spiritual expression amidst adversity. This "poetic journey" serves as a recourse for the introspective soul, reminding the reader to look well to the present day and to find a vision of hope in the face of immense struggle. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a call for greater compassion for the sick and the well alike.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 16, 2026
Knowing the author’s story of fighting for his life for years when struck with cancer, I was expecting his poetry to reflect the obvious plights of that journey of fear, pain, suffering, loss, and be weighted with the tones of depression and despair. This collection was far from that. It landed on the other side of that dark night of the soul full of the hard-won wisdom that comes from the ego’s being burned to death and rising up from the ashes. Out of the darkness came the amplification of his own light expressed through a deep connection and abiding love relationship with nature and all its gifts and blessings. It demonstrated the redemptive qualities of cultivating and practicing a deep and intimate loving relationship with nature and the present moment. It is at once a record of his own transformation and inner healing and a road map with guideposts signs that guide the way to our own.
I reveled in his ecstasy. I was lifted by the lightness of his being, as reflected in his words.
His messages of the importance of being here now, present to and grateful for all there is, knowing all too well that the end could come at any time. He teaches us to “slow down and appreciate more”. It is enough to be alive, aware and appreciative of for what you have and to not let oneself lament what is not, or never will be.
Robert has his own style but a few of his poems reminded me of the brilliance and metaphors of Mary Oliver and the wisdom and meter of Rumi, two of my favorite, more well-known poets.
His poems are thoughtful, soulful, and full of moments that linger long after the page is turned. He moves effortlessly between the earth and the cosmos, what is and what’s possible.
For his first published book of poems, he has set a high mark.
Read it once and you will feel the hints of love and light and wisdom caressing your soul…read it again and you will fall in love with it.
I look forward to his next collection.
I reveled in his ecstasy. I was lifted by the lightness of his being, as reflected in his words.
His messages of the importance of being here now, present to and grateful for all there is, knowing all too well that the end could come at any time. He teaches us to “slow down and appreciate more”. It is enough to be alive, aware and appreciative of for what you have and to not let oneself lament what is not, or never will be.
Robert has his own style but a few of his poems reminded me of the brilliance and metaphors of Mary Oliver and the wisdom and meter of Rumi, two of my favorite, more well-known poets.
His poems are thoughtful, soulful, and full of moments that linger long after the page is turned. He moves effortlessly between the earth and the cosmos, what is and what’s possible.
For his first published book of poems, he has set a high mark.
Read it once and you will feel the hints of love and light and wisdom caressing your soul…read it again and you will fall in love with it.
I look forward to his next collection.
May 20, 2026
Knowing Robert Strasser’s battle with cancer, I expected this collection to be heavy with grief and despair. Instead, Mystics: A Poetic Journey surprised me with its warmth, wisdom, and quiet light.
These poems feel deeply lived. Rather than dwelling in darkness, they reflect what can emerge after it gratitude, reflection, healing, and a profound connection to nature and the present moment. There’s something calming and restorative about the way Robert writes, as though the poems were shaped not just by suffering, but by survival and acceptance.
What I appreciated most is the sincerity. The poetry never feels forced or overly intellectual. It speaks honestly about being human, fragile, hopeful, and alive. At moments, I was reminded of the reflective beauty of Mary Oliver and the spiritual gentleness of Rumi.
This is more than a poetry collection. It’s the kind of book that quietly stays with you after you close it.
These poems feel deeply lived. Rather than dwelling in darkness, they reflect what can emerge after it gratitude, reflection, healing, and a profound connection to nature and the present moment. There’s something calming and restorative about the way Robert writes, as though the poems were shaped not just by suffering, but by survival and acceptance.
What I appreciated most is the sincerity. The poetry never feels forced or overly intellectual. It speaks honestly about being human, fragile, hopeful, and alive. At moments, I was reminded of the reflective beauty of Mary Oliver and the spiritual gentleness of Rumi.
This is more than a poetry collection. It’s the kind of book that quietly stays with you after you close it.
July 9, 2026
This books offers a refreshing look at a very serious and old problem: cancer. The poet includes perspectives from before, during and after a case of stage 4 lymphoma, major back surgery and stem cell transplant. While there are a few poems of despondency and depression, there is mostly positive in this book of 50 poems. Nature, philosophy, mysticism offer arguments on the side of open mindedness while Strasser explores spirituality on his ongoing quest for meaning and purpose in life. And if life is writing poetry, this volume will be a precious addition to any library whose owner takes notice of the small and large things in life that make such a difference. You must read to understand. Life is always changing. Come along on the ride.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews