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Melanie Weldon-Soiset

Melanie Weldon-Soiset

Connecting curious people with prayer and poetry so that we can find our true homes

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Poetry as Cure for Being Gaslit

October 29, 2020January 23, 2021 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Poems (and psalms) alone are not sufficient to address injustice. But they can be a first step in the right direction.

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God in the Throat: An Interview with Malaysian Poet Ezra Jalin

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

A discussion about the poetry scene in Malaysia, as well as poetry's role in activism, mental health, and faith.

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Why I Swapped Postcard Poetry with Strangers This Summer

October 8, 2020November 17, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Hint: it has something to do with the prophetic voice, wonder, and fire pits.

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Bodies Are Cottages

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

A found poem created from cut up magazine words/phrases.

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Days of Awe: A Gentile Discovers Jewish Poetry

September 23, 2020September 25, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ 1 Comment

My recent enchantment with the long poetic tradition surrounding the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

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Poetry as Healing Art: An Interview with Nurse Poet Veneta Masson

September 14, 2020October 6, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Veneta Masson discusses how nursing turned her into a poet, as well as the medical community's increased interest in poetry.

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Prayer of Blessing Over a Website

September 3, 2020September 15, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

A prayer to bless the virtual rooms of an online home.

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The Poems Keep Me Humble

August 27, 2020December 24, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Despite my best efforts, I can't always control the results of a poem.

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Isaiah’s Invite

August 6, 2020September 15, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

A poem about working at an abusive church.

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My name is Melanie, and I’ve worn many labels over the years: poet, pastor, teacher, student, immigrant, #ChurchToo survivor. I’ve learned, however, that the label that fits best is “child of God.” One day that phrase will be my epitaph. Until then, you’ll find me at my best resting in a hammock, biking on local DC green ways, or enjoying a fire by the hearth on a cold winter’s night.

Categories of Poetry Posts

Tags

abuse artist's role Bible birth canal blessing book review Calvinism caregiving changing season China Chinese lantern chronic conditions clinician commentary critique cut up poem darkness Days of Awe diversity EastLit ekphrastic poetry Elul embodiment feedback groups fire pit found poem gaslighting healer healing art high priest Holy of Holies home interview Isaiah 11 JP Newell Judaism lock down Malaysia medical humanities mental health narrative medicine nephesh noosphere owl pantoum parallel chart piyyuttim poem poetry feedback group poetry process postcard poems Postcard Poetry Fest postcards prayer prophetic voice Rabbi Rachel Barenblat reference range remembrance rojak Rosh Hashanah rough draft Selva Casal September shofar slam sparks spoken word suicide ideation tea Temple trauma Veneta Masson website writing prompt Yom Kippur

Instagram

Labyrinth. Spiritual Practice. What do these words mean to you? Whether it’s in Oxford, England, Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Williamsburg, Virginia, I’ve had transformative experiences journeying through labyrinths that all act as “thin places” where the veil between heaven and earth seemingly dissolves. I’ve recently written a poem called “The Next Labyrinth Journey” (#linkinbio) that not only chronicles a particular labyrinth practice in nearby College Park, Maryland, but also contrasts that labyrinth practice with previous ones. No two labyrinth journeys are the same, yet somehow when I look down at my feet at the opening of any labyrinth, time and place melt away.
Happy National Poetry Month! I’ve recently written an article on the sacred value of poetry feedback groups (article link in bio). This blessing concludes the article. Have you ever participated in a poetry feedback group? If so, what did you think? If not, what hopes, fears, and/or questions do you have? I’ve found God in a unique way through leading poetry feedback groups this year, and my article (and blessing) speak to that encounter. I’d love to hear what you think! #nationalpoetrymonth #nationalpoetrymonth2021 #poetryprocess #poeticprocess #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #poetryofinstagram #poetryislife #blessings #blessing #blessings🙏 #poetrymonth #poetry#artandspirituality #artandfaith #poetsofinstagram #poetsofig #poetscommunity #contemplativeprayer #contemplativelife #contemplative #contemplativechristianity #contemplativepractice #contemplativewriting
A Miracle’s Tension
Does not wisdom call,
As someone with Irish ancestry, I wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! #clover #clovers #haiku #haikupoetry #haikusofinstagram #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #poetryofinstagram #poetryislife #poetryofig #poetryislove #stpatricksday #cloverleaf
I've had the honor of reviewing "Art + Faith: A Theology of Making" by Makoto Fujimura, and my review is in the latest issue of @vita.poetica (link in my profile). For artists, poets, and contemplatives who feel bothered by metrics of "efficiency" and "usefulness," this book is good news indeed. I feel empowered to trust the knowledge of God that I gain through the creative process, as well as to share that knowledge with others. This review is a first, good step in that direction.
Labyrinth. Spiritual Practice. What do these words mean to you? Whether it’s in Oxford, England, Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Williamsburg, Virginia, I’ve had transformative experiences journeying through labyrinths that all act as “thin places” where the veil between heaven and earth seemingly dissolves. I’ve recently written a poem called “The Next Labyrinth Journey” (#linkinbio) that not only chronicles a particular labyrinth practice in nearby College Park, Maryland, but also contrasts that labyrinth practice with previous ones. No two labyrinth journeys are the same, yet somehow when I look down at my feet at the opening of any labyrinth, time and place melt away.
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© Melanie Weldon-Soiset, 2021. This web site is the online home for my creative endeavors. The content offered here does not necessarily reflect that of my church, and/or any other employment that I have. To quote excerpts online, please link back to my original article. For all other uses, please contact me. Thank you. 

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