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Cathedral: a collection
Cathedral is a collection of poetry and creative prose about beauty in the midst of grief and joy in the face of great sorrow.
oh brave one,
oh broken, beautifully brave one,
remember.
remember that no matter how tiny the fragments this time,
how far apart they are scattered,
how long you must search,
he will help you find the pieces of the person you once were
and the image you once bore.
// to the broken ones
oh brave one,
oh broken, beautifully brave one,
remember.
remember that no matter how tiny the fragments this time,
how far apart they are scattered,
how long you must search,
he will help you find the pieces of the person you once were
and the image you once bore.
// to the broken ones
- GenresPoetry
ebook
About the author
Maya Joelle
2 books101 followersI read classics, poetry, fantasy, philosophy, theology. I have been known to write fantasy and poetry on occasion.
fiat voluntas tua.
fiat voluntas tua.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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August 29, 2021buy Cathedral here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NT1562Z
I wrote this book in pieces, between the ages of 14-18, and it is an accurate snapshot of the girl I was then. I don't love it, but I'm very grateful to my younger self for caring enough to write down her thoughts and print them for others to read. Some of it still makes me cry. I think it's a very fitting piece of my growing, and I've learned to love sharing it with others instead of worrying they'll judge me. Everyone was 18 once.
I have said goodbye,
and I will say goodbye again,
over and over and over.
until the day when there are no more goodbyes.
and on that far shore,
as the music of the Ainur sings out strong,
may you all be there. may I gather you into my arms
and may we laugh together in the court of our King.
may this aching be replaced with dancing.
may myrtle grow where thorns now tangle.
may these endings lead to the greatest beginning of all,
and may our friendships
never
end.
I wrote this book in pieces, between the ages of 14-18, and it is an accurate snapshot of the girl I was then. I don't love it, but I'm very grateful to my younger self for caring enough to write down her thoughts and print them for others to read. Some of it still makes me cry. I think it's a very fitting piece of my growing, and I've learned to love sharing it with others instead of worrying they'll judge me. Everyone was 18 once.
I have said goodbye,
and I will say goodbye again,
over and over and over.
until the day when there are no more goodbyes.
and on that far shore,
as the music of the Ainur sings out strong,
may you all be there. may I gather you into my arms
and may we laugh together in the court of our King.
may this aching be replaced with dancing.
may myrtle grow where thorns now tangle.
may these endings lead to the greatest beginning of all,
and may our friendships
never
end.
December 8, 2021
If I wasn’t into poetry before, I am now.
I’ve read a few of Maya’s poems on her blog—“Borrowed Grief” is the one I remember the most—so I knew even before I began this anthology that she had talent.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the depth of it.
These poems...the prose...the emotions behind it all literally made my heart ache. I didn’t want to put it down for even a second (even though I did, because my sister wet the bed while I was reading last night); it just drew me in and consumed me until I felt like I was a part of these poems.
That’s what’s crazy. Connecting with the reflection of someone else’s heart and their experiences—most of which I don’t share—up to the point where I feel so invested and integrated into it.
(Okay, seriously, I just thought of “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake, and that distresses me.)
So, for this review, instead of trying to sum up all of these different—and yet so cohesive—pieces in one short “I enjoyed it,” I’d like to take a moment to give you my thoughts on each individual piece.
• borrowed grief—this was amazing on its own, but knowing the story behind it and how/why Maya felt this way just takes it to a whole new level and really gives me a great admiration for Maya and her heart. I honestly borrowed her borrowed grief while reading this poem.
• coming—man, reading from Death’s point-of-view is not something you wanna do before bed, and yet Maya captures the dark, greedy cravings and vile intentions of Death so expertly, almost making it beautiful. In this piece, she speaks more of spiritual death and sin, and the way she portrays that is so authentic and almost convicting.
• ghosts—though short-lived, the words Maya uses in this poem immediately invokes the most lovely imagery of ancient ruins and haunted castles. The symbolism of how memories, regrets, and sin haunt the soul much like a ghost follows up the previous poem almost like a reply.
• enough {I}—I remember reading this one on her blog several months ago, but it didn’t really strike me until now how much I relate, with how several of my friendships in the past have eroded away...and yet I felt no true grief. What I love the most is how she took something that should have been a symbol of death and turned it into a symbol of grace, love, and eternity.
• shipwreck—of course, I would love the piece about a shipwreck, wouldn’t I? But this wasn’t your typical shipwreck—it was self-imposed, intentional, and I love how Maya used that. It’s a bit like giving up, giving in, in some way symbolic of killing oneself—whether literally or metaphorically—how one would when they had no hope for life and no true desire to weather the storms. The shipwreck one would bring upon themselves if they didn’t have Jesus to guide them. Despite the depressing undertones, I love the prose and how it reads like a novel...and yet it doesn’t. How she utilizes simple sentences to create something so vivid and lively.
• treasure—lay up your treasures in Heaven, the Bible says, and in this poem Maya asks what your treasures are, drawing from that verse in a way that makes one stop and think. Especially after the previous piece. The pirate vibes are off the charts at this point, people.
• you tell me, rejoice {I}—I could go on about this piece...but what strikes me the most is the chaos of it. The lines of three sentences, followed by a one-word line. The rush of unfiltered thoughts, followed by a shattering confession. Then...and yet/you tell me/to rejoice. The poignancy of that statement, halting the chaos like a lifted hand, really tied this piece together, and I love how real that was, how it followed the thought process.
• to the broken ones—y’all, the allegory in this was absolutely amazing. I loved it, how it was both this ethereal analogy and yet such a physical thing. If that makes sense. Ach, go read it!
• ring—autumn meets Heaven. Does it get any better than that? No, it doesn’t. I love how Maya entwined the walk-in-the-forest vibes with a simple yet profound worshipfulness (let’s just pretend that’s a word), almost like she was stepping into the Lord’s presence.
• brave—as a reader and writer, I adored this poem and the idea that libraries are brave.
• fire and awe—again, Maya astounds me with her understanding and just the beauty of her thoughts.
• enough {II}—God is enough. The words I think we all need to hear, written as a bit of a poem, a reflection of the author’s personal experience, and a bit of a letter to a broken heart. Honestly, my hearts just clenches reading over this again as I think of all the people I know—especially some of my friends—who need to hear this.
• piano recital—since my mom plays the piano and I’ve been dabbling a bit, I really connect with this one and the feeling of awe at watching someone’s hands fly across the keys in a wild dance that I doubt I could ever imitate.
• beacon—three lines, and yet they hold such profound wisdom.
• setting sail—I’m not sure if Maya meant this to follow up “Shipwreck,” but I think it does. And I love it.
• goodbyes—this one I also read previously, and I wonder if some of it’s entwine with “Enough {I}.” I’m not sure, but I do know that these poems and verses are charged with such tangible emotion that I just want to reach out to Maya and give her a hug.
• Odysseus—as strange as it sounds...this was my favorite. The moment I saw the title, I just grinned to myself, since I’m working (slowly) on reading Homer’s Odyssey and LOVED how Maya correlated it with Christ and just...augh. The beauty of this...the heartrending beauty...the way it echoes God’s many laments in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others of how Israel had turned away...amazing.
• walk around the pasture—how simple. A glimpse into the everyday. Yet...so enchanting. And the sweetness of little Sayer reminds me of my own younger siblings.
• dust—the Jack and the Beanstalk vibes were definitely here, but Maya turned this into a lovely story of creativity and dreams and new beginnings and courage. I love it.
• you tell me, rejoice {II}—a continuation of the first, I love how this shifts from the pain in the first piece to disbelief. And, of course, better things, but I’m pretty sure you can spoil poetry just as good as you can novels. So I’ll move on now...
• crown him—a poem based off of a hymn. Nuff said. (If you know me well, you’ll know I love hymns. So, yeah, now there’s really been enough said.)
All in all, there really aren’t words to express the depth and beauty of this collection and my awe and appreciation for Maya’s talent and how she so expressly and joyously uses it for the Lord. This was truly an honor and a privilege to read, one that I never would have expected or felt worthy to ask for.
Thank you, Maya, for providing me with a chance to read this! All opinions expressed are my own!
I’ve read a few of Maya’s poems on her blog—“Borrowed Grief” is the one I remember the most—so I knew even before I began this anthology that she had talent.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the depth of it.
These poems...the prose...the emotions behind it all literally made my heart ache. I didn’t want to put it down for even a second (even though I did, because my sister wet the bed while I was reading last night); it just drew me in and consumed me until I felt like I was a part of these poems.
That’s what’s crazy. Connecting with the reflection of someone else’s heart and their experiences—most of which I don’t share—up to the point where I feel so invested and integrated into it.
(Okay, seriously, I just thought of “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake, and that distresses me.)
So, for this review, instead of trying to sum up all of these different—and yet so cohesive—pieces in one short “I enjoyed it,” I’d like to take a moment to give you my thoughts on each individual piece.
• borrowed grief—this was amazing on its own, but knowing the story behind it and how/why Maya felt this way just takes it to a whole new level and really gives me a great admiration for Maya and her heart. I honestly borrowed her borrowed grief while reading this poem.
• coming—man, reading from Death’s point-of-view is not something you wanna do before bed, and yet Maya captures the dark, greedy cravings and vile intentions of Death so expertly, almost making it beautiful. In this piece, she speaks more of spiritual death and sin, and the way she portrays that is so authentic and almost convicting.
• ghosts—though short-lived, the words Maya uses in this poem immediately invokes the most lovely imagery of ancient ruins and haunted castles. The symbolism of how memories, regrets, and sin haunt the soul much like a ghost follows up the previous poem almost like a reply.
• enough {I}—I remember reading this one on her blog several months ago, but it didn’t really strike me until now how much I relate, with how several of my friendships in the past have eroded away...and yet I felt no true grief. What I love the most is how she took something that should have been a symbol of death and turned it into a symbol of grace, love, and eternity.
• shipwreck—of course, I would love the piece about a shipwreck, wouldn’t I? But this wasn’t your typical shipwreck—it was self-imposed, intentional, and I love how Maya used that. It’s a bit like giving up, giving in, in some way symbolic of killing oneself—whether literally or metaphorically—how one would when they had no hope for life and no true desire to weather the storms. The shipwreck one would bring upon themselves if they didn’t have Jesus to guide them. Despite the depressing undertones, I love the prose and how it reads like a novel...and yet it doesn’t. How she utilizes simple sentences to create something so vivid and lively.
• treasure—lay up your treasures in Heaven, the Bible says, and in this poem Maya asks what your treasures are, drawing from that verse in a way that makes one stop and think. Especially after the previous piece. The pirate vibes are off the charts at this point, people.
• you tell me, rejoice {I}—I could go on about this piece...but what strikes me the most is the chaos of it. The lines of three sentences, followed by a one-word line. The rush of unfiltered thoughts, followed by a shattering confession. Then...and yet/you tell me/to rejoice. The poignancy of that statement, halting the chaos like a lifted hand, really tied this piece together, and I love how real that was, how it followed the thought process.
• to the broken ones—y’all, the allegory in this was absolutely amazing. I loved it, how it was both this ethereal analogy and yet such a physical thing. If that makes sense. Ach, go read it!
• ring—autumn meets Heaven. Does it get any better than that? No, it doesn’t. I love how Maya entwined the walk-in-the-forest vibes with a simple yet profound worshipfulness (let’s just pretend that’s a word), almost like she was stepping into the Lord’s presence.
• brave—as a reader and writer, I adored this poem and the idea that libraries are brave.
• fire and awe—again, Maya astounds me with her understanding and just the beauty of her thoughts.
• enough {II}—God is enough. The words I think we all need to hear, written as a bit of a poem, a reflection of the author’s personal experience, and a bit of a letter to a broken heart. Honestly, my hearts just clenches reading over this again as I think of all the people I know—especially some of my friends—who need to hear this.
• piano recital—since my mom plays the piano and I’ve been dabbling a bit, I really connect with this one and the feeling of awe at watching someone’s hands fly across the keys in a wild dance that I doubt I could ever imitate.
• beacon—three lines, and yet they hold such profound wisdom.
• setting sail—I’m not sure if Maya meant this to follow up “Shipwreck,” but I think it does. And I love it.
• goodbyes—this one I also read previously, and I wonder if some of it’s entwine with “Enough {I}.” I’m not sure, but I do know that these poems and verses are charged with such tangible emotion that I just want to reach out to Maya and give her a hug.
• Odysseus—as strange as it sounds...this was my favorite. The moment I saw the title, I just grinned to myself, since I’m working (slowly) on reading Homer’s Odyssey and LOVED how Maya correlated it with Christ and just...augh. The beauty of this...the heartrending beauty...the way it echoes God’s many laments in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others of how Israel had turned away...amazing.
• walk around the pasture—how simple. A glimpse into the everyday. Yet...so enchanting. And the sweetness of little Sayer reminds me of my own younger siblings.
• dust—the Jack and the Beanstalk vibes were definitely here, but Maya turned this into a lovely story of creativity and dreams and new beginnings and courage. I love it.
• you tell me, rejoice {II}—a continuation of the first, I love how this shifts from the pain in the first piece to disbelief. And, of course, better things, but I’m pretty sure you can spoil poetry just as good as you can novels. So I’ll move on now...
• crown him—a poem based off of a hymn. Nuff said. (If you know me well, you’ll know I love hymns. So, yeah, now there’s really been enough said.)
All in all, there really aren’t words to express the depth and beauty of this collection and my awe and appreciation for Maya’s talent and how she so expressly and joyously uses it for the Lord. This was truly an honor and a privilege to read, one that I never would have expected or felt worthy to ask for.
Thank you, Maya, for providing me with a chance to read this! All opinions expressed are my own!
December 2, 2021
I’m going to slide away from my normal review format for this one :)
This was beautiful! I don’t read a lot of poetry (okay, I rarely ever read poetry), but I found that these poems (and the sections of prose) flowed well and were easy for me to understand. I loved the transition from hopelessness to hope. And I also loved how the poems and prose built on each other. The emphasis on the goodness of God even when we don’t understand what’s going on was great!
If you’re looking for an authentic, raw, and thoughtful collection of poetry and prose, you need to read Cathedral.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was beautiful! I don’t read a lot of poetry (okay, I rarely ever read poetry), but I found that these poems (and the sections of prose) flowed well and were easy for me to understand. I loved the transition from hopelessness to hope. And I also loved how the poems and prose built on each other. The emphasis on the goodness of God even when we don’t understand what’s going on was great!
If you’re looking for an authentic, raw, and thoughtful collection of poetry and prose, you need to read Cathedral.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 1, 2022
A lovely collection of soulful and thought-provoking poetry. I love how Maya wove the words so profoundly in each one to capture a specific emotion, and how each poem is like a tiny piece of stained glass that fits into the overall picture. Truly a work of art. ✨
December 12, 2021
Updated Review (12/23/24): This is my third time reading Cathedral and it remains one of my favorite collections of poetry. I recently gifted it to a friend who sent me photos of pages and lines that stood out to him. It reminded me of all the reasons I loved the collection in the first place, and how well Joelle captures the ache and the weight of life while clinging to hope and truth. It made me want to read it again—and I'm glad I did. My appreciation for Cathedral has grown as I've read and listened to more of the authors and artists Joelle references as inspiration for certain pieces (Peterson, Wilson, Chesterton, etc.). And in general, it's just an encouragement to know that someone else has been thinking these things, has been wrestling with the truth, and was brave enough to put her thoughts into a book for the world to read.
Original Review (12/7/21): Cathedral combines deep thoughts, lyrical writing, and raw, accessible truth in a way that's truly masterful. Every piece has its own meaning, some so real and relatable they were painful to read... yet woven together as they are, they create a beautiful whole that's threaded with hope. Reading Cathedral, I felt like I was reading my deepest struggles in poetry... and it brought me to tears, time after time, to relive them, but also to be reminded of how God redeems them.
This is a very special book - unassuming, humble, but with a quiet power and beauty. I think that you'll find it well worth your time if you choose to pick it up.
Original Review (12/7/21): Cathedral combines deep thoughts, lyrical writing, and raw, accessible truth in a way that's truly masterful. Every piece has its own meaning, some so real and relatable they were painful to read... yet woven together as they are, they create a beautiful whole that's threaded with hope. Reading Cathedral, I felt like I was reading my deepest struggles in poetry... and it brought me to tears, time after time, to relive them, but also to be reminded of how God redeems them.
This is a very special book - unassuming, humble, but with a quiet power and beauty. I think that you'll find it well worth your time if you choose to pick it up.
December 19, 2021
Oh my goodness and grace, this short but powerful poetry book is a blessing!
My favorite message that appeared throughout Cathedral was: "you are not enough, but God is enough and can fix your brokenness." I loved the emotional imagery and how it felt like a journey.
I think the only thing I dislike is that I felt that the pieces where the author drew inspiration from other sources, she lost her own voice a bit. The ones where the author draws on her own experiences are much better.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite message that appeared throughout Cathedral was: "you are not enough, but God is enough and can fix your brokenness." I loved the emotional imagery and how it felt like a journey.
I think the only thing I dislike is that I felt that the pieces where the author drew inspiration from other sources, she lost her own voice a bit. The ones where the author draws on her own experiences are much better.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2021
I have no words to describe how lovely this book is.
Maya Joelle can write as though she sees souls. She is one of the best young writers I have ever read, and I am so grateful that she is allowing the world to read her work.
Cathedral makes me remember this, that we are not alone. You are not the only person hurting for things you dare not dream of. I am not the only one sometimes drowning in loneliness yet surrounded by those I love. We are not alone.
***
My favorite piece in this book: ghosts.
ghosts is a testimony to our own flaws, the tendency to sin again and again. And somehow the memory of these sins, our failings, come back to haunt us. It is as though Satan is taunting me, making me relive my guilt over and over.
Is it a sin to choose not to embrace the truth, that God has set those who believe in him free, and instead continue running those sad memories through my mind?
you tell me, rejoice is another favorite.
When I was younger I did not doubt you, and I thought I never would.
But now I do, and my fears are crystal sharp in my mind. Breaking me.
I am broken.
And in my brokenness, I break things.
...
And yet
you tell me
to rejoice.
goodbyes is so pure and bittersweet. I fear the day I will say goodbye to my past, my childhood, and step into my future. But this poem reminds me there is hope.
***
The above three poems are just a small sample of the poems and short stories in Cathedral. I highly recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Cathedral in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Maya!
Maya Joelle can write as though she sees souls. She is one of the best young writers I have ever read, and I am so grateful that she is allowing the world to read her work.
Cathedral makes me remember this, that we are not alone. You are not the only person hurting for things you dare not dream of. I am not the only one sometimes drowning in loneliness yet surrounded by those I love. We are not alone.
***
My favorite piece in this book: ghosts.
ghosts is a testimony to our own flaws, the tendency to sin again and again. And somehow the memory of these sins, our failings, come back to haunt us. It is as though Satan is taunting me, making me relive my guilt over and over.
Is it a sin to choose not to embrace the truth, that God has set those who believe in him free, and instead continue running those sad memories through my mind?
you tell me, rejoice is another favorite.
When I was younger I did not doubt you, and I thought I never would.
But now I do, and my fears are crystal sharp in my mind. Breaking me.
I am broken.
And in my brokenness, I break things.
...
And yet
you tell me
to rejoice.
goodbyes is so pure and bittersweet. I fear the day I will say goodbye to my past, my childhood, and step into my future. But this poem reminds me there is hope.
***
The above three poems are just a small sample of the poems and short stories in Cathedral. I highly recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Cathedral in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Maya!
December 3, 2021
This is a collection of poetry I will read and quote and remember over and over and over again.
It makes me feel known. Understood. Like I’m not the only one who hurts and feels and dreams so fiercely. It portrays darkness poignantly, letting the light shine through in a such a brilliant and hopeful way.
I can’t recommend it enough!!
(I did receive a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.)
It makes me feel known. Understood. Like I’m not the only one who hurts and feels and dreams so fiercely. It portrays darkness poignantly, letting the light shine through in a such a brilliant and hopeful way.
I can’t recommend it enough!!
(I did receive a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.)
October 14, 2021
So I made a Goodreads account solely for the purpose of leaving a review on Cathedrals.
That in and of itself ought to say a lot about my feelings for the book, especially considering that I never expect to use this account much again, haha.
I can't say much about it, because it isn't published yet, but any internet wanderers that happen to read this review: do yourself a favor and read this book, when it comes out. I've been privy to all the iterations of it, and it is a masterpiece, in every sense of the word--and I can't wait for the world to see that. And I don't say that simply because I'm friends with the author. ;) I say that because it's the truth. This. is. a. masterpiece. Dia is muire duit and tallyho, friends!
That in and of itself ought to say a lot about my feelings for the book, especially considering that I never expect to use this account much again, haha.
I can't say much about it, because it isn't published yet, but any internet wanderers that happen to read this review: do yourself a favor and read this book, when it comes out. I've been privy to all the iterations of it, and it is a masterpiece, in every sense of the word--and I can't wait for the world to see that. And I don't say that simply because I'm friends with the author. ;) I say that because it's the truth. This. is. a. masterpiece. Dia is muire duit and tallyho, friends!
December 11, 2021
Read my book review on my blog: https://sjbarnard.blog/2021/12/11/cat...
December 5, 2021
This is a small collection of poetry and prose musing on death and life, suffering and joy. I enjoyed the prose the most. The evocative and haunting "Coming", told from the perspective of Death, was my favorite prose piece, and "Odysseus" was my favorite poem--I loved the connection between Christ and Odysseus (which sounds a bit sacrilegious to say considering Odysseus' character, but you'll just have to read Maya's poem to understand). I think several of the poems could have been longer and more in-depth; some of the expressions seemed a bit cliche to me. Really, my biggest complaint is that I wanted more. Overall though, Cathedral is an inspiring little anthology that I recommend to those who enjoy encouraging, "lower-case" poetry.
I also loved that Maya included a booklist and playlist at the end.
"But if you come
I will be waiting for you
I will welcome you home"
-- "Odysseus", Maya Joelle
NB: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I also loved that Maya included a booklist and playlist at the end.
"But if you come
I will be waiting for you
I will welcome you home"
-- "Odysseus", Maya Joelle
NB: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
Let me just start this review by saying I’m not someone who really enjoys reading poetry. Don’t get me wrong, I think poems can be beautiful. It’s just that sitting down and reading poems isn’t really my cup of tea.
Cathedral has completely changed my opinion of poems. I got a copy of it while I was in the middle of an English assignment and sat down to read the first poem. Thirty-nine pages later and I was absolutely shook and in awe. These poems are written from the depths of the heart in a beautiful, meaningful, intricate way. The topics these poems touch on like grief, sorrow, beauty, and joy are so relatable to the human heart and are written in such a way that touches on the innermost thoughts and weaves beauty into questions and sorrows we all have.
Constantly, as I was reading these poems and prose I was amazed at how hard things I’ve walked through in my life and questions I’ve pondered late at night were written so raw and beautifully in the form of a certain poem.
The message behind Cathedral is wonderful; the idea that beauty and joy can be found in the midst of sorrow and grief. And the poems/prose so perfectly share this message.
Maya Joelle is an amazing author and every poem she wrote was wonderfully written. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t read a lot of poems, but even so, it was easy to follow along and be captured into every poem I read. Some of the prose was a little harder to read, but it didn’t have anything to do with Maya’s skill of writing, just because I’m not used to reading prose and haven’t gotten used to that style of writing.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a deeper, inspiring read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cathedral has completely changed my opinion of poems. I got a copy of it while I was in the middle of an English assignment and sat down to read the first poem. Thirty-nine pages later and I was absolutely shook and in awe. These poems are written from the depths of the heart in a beautiful, meaningful, intricate way. The topics these poems touch on like grief, sorrow, beauty, and joy are so relatable to the human heart and are written in such a way that touches on the innermost thoughts and weaves beauty into questions and sorrows we all have.
Constantly, as I was reading these poems and prose I was amazed at how hard things I’ve walked through in my life and questions I’ve pondered late at night were written so raw and beautifully in the form of a certain poem.
The message behind Cathedral is wonderful; the idea that beauty and joy can be found in the midst of sorrow and grief. And the poems/prose so perfectly share this message.
Maya Joelle is an amazing author and every poem she wrote was wonderfully written. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t read a lot of poems, but even so, it was easy to follow along and be captured into every poem I read. Some of the prose was a little harder to read, but it didn’t have anything to do with Maya’s skill of writing, just because I’m not used to reading prose and haven’t gotten used to that style of writing.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a deeper, inspiring read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2022
lovely, just lovely
Read
December 27, 2022A lovely little collection.
December 29, 2023
I loved this! Beautifully contemplative poetry that provided some good "food for thought." I would recommend working through the (small) collection slowly, a lot is missed otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews