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Into the Hearth, Poems-Volume 14
After a 20 year hiatus from writing poetry, Wendy composed 20 volumes of spiritual poetry which began during a trip to Scotland in 2001. This series of spiritual poetry awakens one to the Truth within as we walk the Path, the journey, and wake from the slumber of separation from parts of self and step into full union with self and divinity. The resulting self-forgiveness allows one to step forward in wholeness without the false archetype of perfection. When blame and self-judgment are transformed, healed, and cease to be, we have reawakened without the myth, the mythos, of separation. We are One.
- GenresPoetry
110 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2015
About the author
Wendy E. Slater
6 books454 followersAfter a twenty-year hiatus from writing poetry, Wendy E. Slater composed 20 volumes of mystically inspired poetry, which began in 2001 during a sojourn to Scotland.
The Traduka Wisdom Poetry Series® is a modern mystical poetry collection written by the poet, Wendy E. Slater, to bring healing to each reader in a unique way.
“Wendy’s poetry offers guidance which will last for all times.” - Reader Review
The compilation of poetry volumes was created for the purpose of taking the reader on a journey of the soul to inspire, mend, comfort and ignite one’s own self-discovery, self-realization, and transformation.
“In a world that clouds up our senses, her verse is a haven of solace.” - Reader Review
Slater’s modern transcendent poetry brings comfort, solace and balm in tumultuous times with the intent to heal, release, and transmute self-blame and judgement so that self-compassion may re-awaken within.
“Slater takes you on a journey of the soul that you will not want to leave.” - Reader Review
To know more about The Traduka Wisdom Poetry Series® and the poet, visit www.wendyslater.com
Connect on Twitter: @WendyESlater
Connect on Instagram: @wendyeslater
To listen to poetry readings on Wendy's youtube channel, visit http://bit.ly/tradukavideos
The Traduka Wisdom Poetry Series® is a modern mystical poetry collection written by the poet, Wendy E. Slater, to bring healing to each reader in a unique way.
“Wendy’s poetry offers guidance which will last for all times.” - Reader Review
The compilation of poetry volumes was created for the purpose of taking the reader on a journey of the soul to inspire, mend, comfort and ignite one’s own self-discovery, self-realization, and transformation.
“In a world that clouds up our senses, her verse is a haven of solace.” - Reader Review
Slater’s modern transcendent poetry brings comfort, solace and balm in tumultuous times with the intent to heal, release, and transmute self-blame and judgement so that self-compassion may re-awaken within.
“Slater takes you on a journey of the soul that you will not want to leave.” - Reader Review
To know more about The Traduka Wisdom Poetry Series® and the poet, visit www.wendyslater.com
Connect on Twitter: @WendyESlater
Connect on Instagram: @wendyeslater
To listen to poetry readings on Wendy's youtube channel, visit http://bit.ly/tradukavideos
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 21, 2016
Wonderfully life-affirming!
"Perfection is a false archetype."
- Wendy E. Slater.
"Learning to love yourself. It is the greatest love of all."
- Whitney Houston.
Wendy E Slater is an American poet and a real-life shaman who has the ability to connect with nature, spirit guides and angels.
Her powerful book is part of a series of spiritual poetry that seeks to awaken us to the Truth within.
Slater states that perfection is a false archetype, and that by surrendering who we think we should be, we can move forward to become who we are meant to be.
The 'Hearth' of which she speaks is the spiritual home that awaits us if we burn away what doesn't belong: namely, negativity, hatred, blame, self-loathing, selfishness and egotism.
Through the song of her metaphysical poetry, the author takes us on a journey from the drivel of superficial modernity to a jasmine land of stray dogs and humidity - where mornings are "resplendent with a rooster's call." Right there, the sense of freedom and liberation is palpable!
Slater isn't afraid to bear her emotional scars and there's a sensuality to her writing; she wants to touch souls with her words.
True poetry is intended to make us change the way we look and listen to the world: Slater achieves this with aplomb. Sumptuous and wondrous, her writing forces us to re-evaluate our own outlook on life.
At times, I sensed the spirit of Dylan Thomas, blinging up her writing style:
"The rooster with it's twit a twit chitchat."
"Whispers, laps, ripples, licking."
Wonderful use of auditory effects and visual imagery. Bloody gorgeous! I love it!
I enjoyed a most pleasant Sunday, allowing the author's spectacular poetry to wash over me, while I vaingloriously (and erroneously) interpreted each passage of symbolism.
You really sense that there is a fervid dislike of rules and restraint here; an unassailable truth is underscored that a tiger would rather roar in freedom - and risk a hunter's bullet - than spend its days snarling in a cage.
So, as you sit, trapped and aggrieved, in a traffic jam, while Whitney beseeches you from the car radio to "love yourself,"
Wendy Slater is at one with the universe,
and
the rain,
the clay,
the snake,
a bee sting.
A beautifully-told story of one woman's journey to spiritual awakening - and a salient lesson to us all.
"Perfection is a false archetype."
- Wendy E. Slater.
"Learning to love yourself. It is the greatest love of all."
- Whitney Houston.
Wendy E Slater is an American poet and a real-life shaman who has the ability to connect with nature, spirit guides and angels.
Her powerful book is part of a series of spiritual poetry that seeks to awaken us to the Truth within.
Slater states that perfection is a false archetype, and that by surrendering who we think we should be, we can move forward to become who we are meant to be.
The 'Hearth' of which she speaks is the spiritual home that awaits us if we burn away what doesn't belong: namely, negativity, hatred, blame, self-loathing, selfishness and egotism.
Through the song of her metaphysical poetry, the author takes us on a journey from the drivel of superficial modernity to a jasmine land of stray dogs and humidity - where mornings are "resplendent with a rooster's call." Right there, the sense of freedom and liberation is palpable!
Slater isn't afraid to bear her emotional scars and there's a sensuality to her writing; she wants to touch souls with her words.
True poetry is intended to make us change the way we look and listen to the world: Slater achieves this with aplomb. Sumptuous and wondrous, her writing forces us to re-evaluate our own outlook on life.
At times, I sensed the spirit of Dylan Thomas, blinging up her writing style:
"The rooster with it's twit a twit chitchat."
"Whispers, laps, ripples, licking."
Wonderful use of auditory effects and visual imagery. Bloody gorgeous! I love it!
I enjoyed a most pleasant Sunday, allowing the author's spectacular poetry to wash over me, while I vaingloriously (and erroneously) interpreted each passage of symbolism.
You really sense that there is a fervid dislike of rules and restraint here; an unassailable truth is underscored that a tiger would rather roar in freedom - and risk a hunter's bullet - than spend its days snarling in a cage.
So, as you sit, trapped and aggrieved, in a traffic jam, while Whitney beseeches you from the car radio to "love yourself,"
Wendy Slater is at one with the universe,
and
the rain,
the clay,
the snake,
a bee sting.
A beautifully-told story of one woman's journey to spiritual awakening - and a salient lesson to us all.
February 17, 2019
Into the Hearth is filled with profoundly moving stanzas. Wendy Slater is in touch with the universe and speaks to what lies at the heart of us. This volume tells of loss and healing, of love and longing. Her words led me to a deeper introspection.
Slater looks at the world through the eyes of an Earth mother. I would go back and reread poems, finding more meaning each time. Indeed, this is a collection that will be treasured. In a world that clouds up our senses, her verse is a haven of solace.
#1437
"Your arms,
You,
And my hope
That you have discovered the time,
The courage I thought you were
Lacking
May simply have been
Wounded battered heart
And soul
Withered parched
Desiccated
Such that veins of love
Raining
Scared me of both
The drought and the
Tsunami
All over again."
Slater looks at the world through the eyes of an Earth mother. I would go back and reread poems, finding more meaning each time. Indeed, this is a collection that will be treasured. In a world that clouds up our senses, her verse is a haven of solace.
#1437
"Your arms,
You,
And my hope
That you have discovered the time,
The courage I thought you were
Lacking
May simply have been
Wounded battered heart
And soul
Withered parched
Desiccated
Such that veins of love
Raining
Scared me of both
The drought and the
Tsunami
All over again."
February 19, 2023
“Did you know
The absolute Truth
Touched you yesterday?
And now,
Always
In grace
Fall into and
Veils will be swept away”
Oh, this poetry book sure has opened dimensions of my life I never saw before! I will be reading this book many times in future, I am certain! This poet honestly is my favorite poet, at par with Rabindranath Tagore!
This is my third poetry book by American poetess and real-life shaman, Wendy Slater, and the impact it had on me was indescribable. Every single poem in the book strings us back to who it is we really are inside---the self (what she named as “the hearth”)----the one always overlooked when roving eyes remain sunk and seduced by the fleeting glitters, acclaims, and sweet words of the world. Designed to direct our eyes to the many wonders of everything natural around us, the poems, without meaning to, inspire a very realistic revisitation to the days of childhood, when life was beautiful all the time and everything perceptible, a source of wonder. I spent hours just spacing out with good humor, into all the subtleties of the natural world many of the poems presented to me. I liken Wendy’s writing to a glacier--slow, serene, but magnificent, where each poem hums convincingly, to our sleeping consciousness, the truth that it really is one with everything and everyone, that it foolishly clings on to the passing beauteous or loses its undenied stamina for what appears as permanent loss (example: the death of a loved one), when the one losing and the one being lost are (as one comes to learn) absolutely the same.
There are mesmerizing comparisons throughout the book. Example, ‘authority figures’ were described thus:
“The grand wizard of Oz
Dwarfed by truth
Would wriggle out
Like the worm
Full of casings”
The way Wendy serves us this forgotten treasure through her verses is life-changing. One cannot miss the immediate impact the poems have on one.
One can experience a sense of wholeness within oneself and in turn, a sense of oneness with all of life just by reading and deeply contemplating over this book!
I will reiterate this: I will be revisiting this book many times in the future!!
The absolute Truth
Touched you yesterday?
And now,
Always
In grace
Fall into and
Veils will be swept away”
Oh, this poetry book sure has opened dimensions of my life I never saw before! I will be reading this book many times in future, I am certain! This poet honestly is my favorite poet, at par with Rabindranath Tagore!
This is my third poetry book by American poetess and real-life shaman, Wendy Slater, and the impact it had on me was indescribable. Every single poem in the book strings us back to who it is we really are inside---the self (what she named as “the hearth”)----the one always overlooked when roving eyes remain sunk and seduced by the fleeting glitters, acclaims, and sweet words of the world. Designed to direct our eyes to the many wonders of everything natural around us, the poems, without meaning to, inspire a very realistic revisitation to the days of childhood, when life was beautiful all the time and everything perceptible, a source of wonder. I spent hours just spacing out with good humor, into all the subtleties of the natural world many of the poems presented to me. I liken Wendy’s writing to a glacier--slow, serene, but magnificent, where each poem hums convincingly, to our sleeping consciousness, the truth that it really is one with everything and everyone, that it foolishly clings on to the passing beauteous or loses its undenied stamina for what appears as permanent loss (example: the death of a loved one), when the one losing and the one being lost are (as one comes to learn) absolutely the same.
There are mesmerizing comparisons throughout the book. Example, ‘authority figures’ were described thus:
“The grand wizard of Oz
Dwarfed by truth
Would wriggle out
Like the worm
Full of casings”
The way Wendy serves us this forgotten treasure through her verses is life-changing. One cannot miss the immediate impact the poems have on one.
One can experience a sense of wholeness within oneself and in turn, a sense of oneness with all of life just by reading and deeply contemplating over this book!
I will reiterate this: I will be revisiting this book many times in the future!!
September 4, 2019
Into the Hearth is a book of spiritual poetry which is breathtakingly hypnotising, sensual, and beautiful in every way. It is honest and brave. Wendy E. Slater invites the reader to pause and reflect, to learn to breathe without trepidation, to accept and to heal. However, even fear is acceptable as this poetry is about self-awareness and acceptance, without rules and restrictions and without the need of extrinsic validation which can debilitate rather than facilitate individual growth. It explores many different themes such as separation and longing, unconditional love, and many other themes are highlighted through the exploration of the inner-self, and our affinity and connection to nature — to the cosmos.
From the onset, as a reader, I wanted to devour every word, sometimes ravenously and other times peacefully, as the poetry covered a diverse range of topics. Even saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ — simple words and gestures which we all take for granted but use daily, are explored and open doors in the reader’s heart and soul. The mention of pretend conversations in the form of drivel that separate us from knowing the true self, also encouraged me to introspectively think. I could especially relate to the mention of early mornings — that feeling in the morning when one truly feels, as the stillness and also the movement and sounds of nature put things in perspective and speak to us at a higher level.
Slater’s poetry is about not judging ourselves; accepting and integrating all the rejected, disintegrated parts of one’s personality — we can only be whole if we accept all aspects. It is a journey though, so through this journey we can evolve without judgment, and this means not judging ourselves when we falter, as well as being free from the judgment and expectations of the outside world. I felt that this book gave me permission to be present-centred — to wash away shame and guilt. Similarly, it ignites the fire within us that makes us genuinely feel; not to merely exist — but to truly live and find inner contentment.
The references to nature were so soothing to read. I found that even the darkness described was comforting and enlightening because with it comes acceptance and forgiveness. While reading, I could feel, taste, smell, and visualise what was described. I could smell the sweet scented nectar, feel and smell the ocean, see and hear the sounds of nature and the birds fluttering in the environment that we share.
This is a book that you can read over and over again. I know that I will be visiting the pages of this book again, and I think that the more I read it, the more I will gain from it, as the poetry doesn't tell you how to feel; like great art, it invites us to ponder and interpret the words and that’s why it’s a book that will remain in my library for future reading.
I also want to highlight the author’s extensive knowledge regarding nature, the cosmos, and spirituality — her wisdom. Just like Slater’s poetry invites us to gain self-awareness as an individual, her poetry is what it is in its own right — it’s unique and comes from the author’s beautiful mind and soul.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It encouraged me to wake up from the comforting yet debilitating flow of routine that holds us hostage. As I read the last page, my breathing became lighter. I actually hugged my eReader when I completed it.
Into the Hearth is refined, modern spiritual poetry at its best. It is also intellectual and philosophical. The poems remind us that there is no such thing as perfection and that healing and evolving also entail stumbling as we each walk our own path — this is the way to truly heal and live in the moment — to get in touch with the true self — to stop hiding behind a false sense of perfection. Thanks to the author for a beautiful, insightful, inspiring and nurturing read.
From the onset, as a reader, I wanted to devour every word, sometimes ravenously and other times peacefully, as the poetry covered a diverse range of topics. Even saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ — simple words and gestures which we all take for granted but use daily, are explored and open doors in the reader’s heart and soul. The mention of pretend conversations in the form of drivel that separate us from knowing the true self, also encouraged me to introspectively think. I could especially relate to the mention of early mornings — that feeling in the morning when one truly feels, as the stillness and also the movement and sounds of nature put things in perspective and speak to us at a higher level.
Slater’s poetry is about not judging ourselves; accepting and integrating all the rejected, disintegrated parts of one’s personality — we can only be whole if we accept all aspects. It is a journey though, so through this journey we can evolve without judgment, and this means not judging ourselves when we falter, as well as being free from the judgment and expectations of the outside world. I felt that this book gave me permission to be present-centred — to wash away shame and guilt. Similarly, it ignites the fire within us that makes us genuinely feel; not to merely exist — but to truly live and find inner contentment.
The references to nature were so soothing to read. I found that even the darkness described was comforting and enlightening because with it comes acceptance and forgiveness. While reading, I could feel, taste, smell, and visualise what was described. I could smell the sweet scented nectar, feel and smell the ocean, see and hear the sounds of nature and the birds fluttering in the environment that we share.
This is a book that you can read over and over again. I know that I will be visiting the pages of this book again, and I think that the more I read it, the more I will gain from it, as the poetry doesn't tell you how to feel; like great art, it invites us to ponder and interpret the words and that’s why it’s a book that will remain in my library for future reading.
I also want to highlight the author’s extensive knowledge regarding nature, the cosmos, and spirituality — her wisdom. Just like Slater’s poetry invites us to gain self-awareness as an individual, her poetry is what it is in its own right — it’s unique and comes from the author’s beautiful mind and soul.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It encouraged me to wake up from the comforting yet debilitating flow of routine that holds us hostage. As I read the last page, my breathing became lighter. I actually hugged my eReader when I completed it.
Into the Hearth is refined, modern spiritual poetry at its best. It is also intellectual and philosophical. The poems remind us that there is no such thing as perfection and that healing and evolving also entail stumbling as we each walk our own path — this is the way to truly heal and live in the moment — to get in touch with the true self — to stop hiding behind a false sense of perfection. Thanks to the author for a beautiful, insightful, inspiring and nurturing read.
December 25, 2022
'Into the Hearth' is a wonderful & fresh poetry collection for those readers seeking ascension or even transcendence. The book is tiny but an earnest reader will take a long time to go through the intricacy & beauty of each sentence, phrase & word penned in this collection. Thus, the book will prove to be an emotional & soul-searching read which can even act as celestial calming lyrics to the mind that is disturbed. There is a miraculous feeling at times in the reading of the text when one tends to wonder whether the poet Wendy Slater had the reader in mind personally when writing the collection. I had personally felt this many times in the beginning stages of the collection. 'Into the Hearth' can really soothe the aching soul & make one realize the importance of living your authentic self in a world gone mad. But this need not be the only interpretation of this collection, there can be several others because the poems were not made to fit a particular set of persons, but the entire cosmos of individual souls aching for their union with what conceived them in the first place. All the lines are meaningful & all can take your breath away. I was especially touched with those parts of the early poems dealing with at least, what I thought to be estranged love or unrequited love. Some of my favorites were poems 1402, 1413, 1415,1416, 1420,1431 & 1439. Other themes that caught my eye were themes of mystical Union with the Creator & community living. The book seems to be based in India because there is the mention of the same in the text which captivated my attention even more. In fact, Indian readers will really be able to appreciate this collection of Wendy Slater's mesmerizing & soul-soothing poetry as we are always living in a culture where religion, ascension, moksha & transcendence play an important & almost regular part of our lives. This therefore would make the book a wonderful gift to an Indian poetry lover who is trying to balance his active work life with his truly inner core life. One can come very changed & relaxed from this collection whether your from the East or West, therefore it is highly recommended. In poem 1439, I really felt that the poet Wendy Slater was talking to me, a person who the world constantly abuses because of being plus-size; those lines touched me the most. There was a verse in poem 1402 about the eternal love one can have for one's lover in spite of all the heart-break, lies & pain which cried out to my soul. What were these lines? Find out by picking up a copy of 'Into the Hearth' by noteworthy, blessed & talented Wendy Slater. If you've been having a hard day at the office? Home? College? Church? Come & get this book & read it & clear the debris. Slater is a miracle poet! 'Into the Hearth' gets 5 stars from me.
September 13, 2018
Great poetry conjures up images, sounds, tastes, and smells. It takes you into new universes of reality and has a way of bringing us insights and awareness heretofore hidden. This is such a book.
Wendy Slater uses minimal words to expose deep truths, layered perspective, and surprising awareness. I found myself reading some poems two or three times and then reading them aloud to hear the words as it stirred my feelings.
Someone once said poetry is the music of our souls, and that is what Slater has done in this volume of work. These are poems to be shared with others, to be discussed and relished.
Wendy Slater uses minimal words to expose deep truths, layered perspective, and surprising awareness. I found myself reading some poems two or three times and then reading them aloud to hear the words as it stirred my feelings.
Someone once said poetry is the music of our souls, and that is what Slater has done in this volume of work. These are poems to be shared with others, to be discussed and relished.
August 8, 2020
Poetic Rhapsody
Wendy connection with the reader is brilliant . The depths of her imagination, clarity and passion are soul-touching . I enjoyed this book immensely. I found myself stopping after each story to reflect, to really appreciate the depths her words . I personally found it as a discovery of inspiration I am looking forward to reading her entire collection.
OUTSTANDING
Wendy connection with the reader is brilliant . The depths of her imagination, clarity and passion are soul-touching . I enjoyed this book immensely. I found myself stopping after each story to reflect, to really appreciate the depths her words . I personally found it as a discovery of inspiration I am looking forward to reading her entire collection.
OUTSTANDING
April 11, 2024
“Did you know
The absolute Truth
Touched you yesterday?
And now,
Always
In grace
Fall into and
Veils will be swept away”
Oh, this poetry book sure has opened dimensions of my life I never saw before! I will be reading this book many times in future, I am certain! This poet honestly is my favorite poet, at par with Rabindranath Tagore!
This is my third poetry book by American poetess and real-life shaman, Wendy Slater, and the impact it had on me was indescribable. Every single poem in the book strings us back to who it is we really are inside---the self (what she named as “the hearth”)----the one always overlooked when roving eyes remain sunk and seduced by the fleeting glitters, acclaims, and sweet words of the world. Designed to direct our eyes to the many wonders of everything natural around us, the poems, without meaning to, inspire a very realistic revisitation to the days of childhood, when life was beautiful all the time and everything perceptible, a source of wonder. I spent hours just spacing out with good humor, into all the subtleties of the natural world many of the poems presented to me. I liken Wendy’s writing to a glacier--slow, serene, but magnificent, where each poem hums convincingly, to our sleeping consciousness, the truth that it really is one with everything and everyone, that it foolishly clings on to the passing beauteous or loses its undenied stamina for what appears as permanent loss (example: the death of a loved one), when the one losing and the one being lost are (as one comes to learn) absolutely the same.
There are mesmerizing comparisons throughout the book. Example, ‘authority figures’ were described thus:
“The grand wizard of Oz
Dwarfed by truth
Would wriggle out
Like the worm
Full of casings”
The way Wendy serves us this forgotten treasure through her verses is life-changing. One cannot miss the immediate impact the poems have on one.
One can experience a sense of wholeness within oneself and in turn, a sense of oneness with all of life just by reading and deeply contemplating over this book!
I will reiterate this: I will be revisiting this book many times in the future!
The absolute Truth
Touched you yesterday?
And now,
Always
In grace
Fall into and
Veils will be swept away”
Oh, this poetry book sure has opened dimensions of my life I never saw before! I will be reading this book many times in future, I am certain! This poet honestly is my favorite poet, at par with Rabindranath Tagore!
This is my third poetry book by American poetess and real-life shaman, Wendy Slater, and the impact it had on me was indescribable. Every single poem in the book strings us back to who it is we really are inside---the self (what she named as “the hearth”)----the one always overlooked when roving eyes remain sunk and seduced by the fleeting glitters, acclaims, and sweet words of the world. Designed to direct our eyes to the many wonders of everything natural around us, the poems, without meaning to, inspire a very realistic revisitation to the days of childhood, when life was beautiful all the time and everything perceptible, a source of wonder. I spent hours just spacing out with good humor, into all the subtleties of the natural world many of the poems presented to me. I liken Wendy’s writing to a glacier--slow, serene, but magnificent, where each poem hums convincingly, to our sleeping consciousness, the truth that it really is one with everything and everyone, that it foolishly clings on to the passing beauteous or loses its undenied stamina for what appears as permanent loss (example: the death of a loved one), when the one losing and the one being lost are (as one comes to learn) absolutely the same.
There are mesmerizing comparisons throughout the book. Example, ‘authority figures’ were described thus:
“The grand wizard of Oz
Dwarfed by truth
Would wriggle out
Like the worm
Full of casings”
The way Wendy serves us this forgotten treasure through her verses is life-changing. One cannot miss the immediate impact the poems have on one.
One can experience a sense of wholeness within oneself and in turn, a sense of oneness with all of life just by reading and deeply contemplating over this book!
I will reiterate this: I will be revisiting this book many times in the future!
February 14, 2019
Poetry has never been a favorite genre of mine. In fact, it probably ranks rather high on my list of least favorites…until now.
INTO THE HEARTH by Wendy E. Slater is more than a book of poetry. It is a book about life, love, purpose and reality. This is not a volume to read once, put on your shelf and feel certain that you have been enriched, before moving on to something else. This is a rare book to treasure and reread for a lifetime, for it is a journey of self, heart and soul –of discovery, and one’s place in relation to all that is in this vast universe, and what that truly means.
I am certain I will enjoy INTO THE HEARTH again and again, and thus discover and understand new truths and meaning at each reading.
INTO THE HEARTH by Wendy E. Slater is more than a book of poetry. It is a book about life, love, purpose and reality. This is not a volume to read once, put on your shelf and feel certain that you have been enriched, before moving on to something else. This is a rare book to treasure and reread for a lifetime, for it is a journey of self, heart and soul –of discovery, and one’s place in relation to all that is in this vast universe, and what that truly means.
I am certain I will enjoy INTO THE HEARTH again and again, and thus discover and understand new truths and meaning at each reading.
November 25, 2021
Profound and Universal
This collection is one I’ll be keeping by my bedside. No words are wasted. Each with unique nuances, breathtaking imagery, and ‘blow the top of your head off’ (Emily Dickinson)! The feelings evoked will haunt you, yearning for peace, a respite, love, contentment…and beautiful raw emotion on each and every page! MOST highly recommended!!
This collection is one I’ll be keeping by my bedside. No words are wasted. Each with unique nuances, breathtaking imagery, and ‘blow the top of your head off’ (Emily Dickinson)! The feelings evoked will haunt you, yearning for peace, a respite, love, contentment…and beautiful raw emotion on each and every page! MOST highly recommended!!
January 31, 2018
Into the Hearth by Wendy E. Slater is transcendent. Her words are magic, capable of transporting you to a peaceful and meditative state. The poems have the power to stir the heart moving the reader from tears to joy but always offering comfort.
It is not a collection to be read swiftly or lightly. I savored each phrase, each story, each moment that left me with a heavy or light heart but always with a sense of love and hope. What I found truly amazing was Slater’s ability to get me, a type-A, high strung personality, always on the go kind of person, to pause, reflect, meditate- something I had the desire to learn and appreciate but couldn’t imagine taking the time to be still, quiet and centered. Thank you for letting me feel like it’s okay to sit in calm silence taking in all of my doubts, hopes, and dreams.
Slater has the ability to move readers with this beautiful collection guaranteed to feed your heart and transcend your soul. I related to her words and connected to her poems. Some hit home and those I’ve marked with sticky tabs so I can enjoy them over and over.
Volume 1448 (spoke to the fire sign in me)
Flame is not as evident
In day
But smoke is in full sight,
By night
Fire is evident as
Vibrancy of colors
That sing the song
Of flowering petals
From heart, womb
And eyes
I speak in song.
Volume 1442 (spoke to the writer in me)
To recede at 2:00 a.m.
As the pack
Yaps and howls,
I wonder of their story line
With mine
Baying and yapping
To sing the song in freedom
Of distress
Each poem holds something special but here are some of the volumes that especially reached me- 1406, 1410, 1414, 1418,1441. I was deeply touched by volumes 1454 and 1467.
I was delighted Slater shared a special poem in volume 1446. I read it as a dedication to herself and an acceptance of her talent. The first letter at the beginning of each line spells out vertically WOW I AM A POET. Yes, you most certainly are, with the power to make us weep and laugh at ourselves and search inward for the true meaning of what it is to aim high, love ourselves, and find our own truth.
W endy
O nce
W onderful
I s
A t
M y
A nnouncement
P oetic
O mni
E legance
T otally
It is not a collection to be read swiftly or lightly. I savored each phrase, each story, each moment that left me with a heavy or light heart but always with a sense of love and hope. What I found truly amazing was Slater’s ability to get me, a type-A, high strung personality, always on the go kind of person, to pause, reflect, meditate- something I had the desire to learn and appreciate but couldn’t imagine taking the time to be still, quiet and centered. Thank you for letting me feel like it’s okay to sit in calm silence taking in all of my doubts, hopes, and dreams.
Slater has the ability to move readers with this beautiful collection guaranteed to feed your heart and transcend your soul. I related to her words and connected to her poems. Some hit home and those I’ve marked with sticky tabs so I can enjoy them over and over.
Volume 1448 (spoke to the fire sign in me)
Flame is not as evident
In day
But smoke is in full sight,
By night
Fire is evident as
Vibrancy of colors
That sing the song
Of flowering petals
From heart, womb
And eyes
I speak in song.
Volume 1442 (spoke to the writer in me)
To recede at 2:00 a.m.
As the pack
Yaps and howls,
I wonder of their story line
With mine
Baying and yapping
To sing the song in freedom
Of distress
Each poem holds something special but here are some of the volumes that especially reached me- 1406, 1410, 1414, 1418,1441. I was deeply touched by volumes 1454 and 1467.
I was delighted Slater shared a special poem in volume 1446. I read it as a dedication to herself and an acceptance of her talent. The first letter at the beginning of each line spells out vertically WOW I AM A POET. Yes, you most certainly are, with the power to make us weep and laugh at ourselves and search inward for the true meaning of what it is to aim high, love ourselves, and find our own truth.
W endy
O nce
W onderful
I s
A t
M y
A nnouncement
P oetic
O mni
E legance
T otally
July 30, 2022
Spirituality lies within the ordinary and behind
My first impression was that those beautiful poems were about the meaning of the ordinary, such as goodbye, arrival, hello, staying, mornings, fire, flame, nothingness, past and present, and more. Then the second impression was the exact opposite; yes, one could experience all those nuances in own life but nothing really over after all these are gone. This uplifts my spiritual content to an upper level of being optimistic.
Though the book was published in 2015, poem #1424 gives an interesting perspective to the Webb telescope photos in 2022:
“…I leave no trace, no cosmic Imprint, and only purity
Arrives in my heart
And leaves
Only, only, only
Our universe
And we are so small
And the breath so large
Such that sky and stars
Are simply beyond our Imagination of vastness—…”
In particular, I loved those poems which started with a question or having a question mark within. A brilliant way to activate the reader’s mind and actually being engaged to a profound philosophical question within a given poem.
Here is one example of lines from the terrific poem #1425. A bit sarcastic and amusing:
“What is gravity of love?
If it is out of this orbit,
Then is it gravityless?
Ridiculous?”
I gave the rest of the excellent poems a 5-star rating.
My first impression was that those beautiful poems were about the meaning of the ordinary, such as goodbye, arrival, hello, staying, mornings, fire, flame, nothingness, past and present, and more. Then the second impression was the exact opposite; yes, one could experience all those nuances in own life but nothing really over after all these are gone. This uplifts my spiritual content to an upper level of being optimistic.
Though the book was published in 2015, poem #1424 gives an interesting perspective to the Webb telescope photos in 2022:
“…I leave no trace, no cosmic Imprint, and only purity
Arrives in my heart
And leaves
Only, only, only
Our universe
And we are so small
And the breath so large
Such that sky and stars
Are simply beyond our Imagination of vastness—…”
In particular, I loved those poems which started with a question or having a question mark within. A brilliant way to activate the reader’s mind and actually being engaged to a profound philosophical question within a given poem.
Here is one example of lines from the terrific poem #1425. A bit sarcastic and amusing:
“What is gravity of love?
If it is out of this orbit,
Then is it gravityless?
Ridiculous?”
I gave the rest of the excellent poems a 5-star rating.
September 3, 2018
Beautiful & Brilliant
I cannot express just how much I enjoyed reading this soul-kissing collection. Deeply moving and relatable, these poems connect with all aspects of the human spirit (the higher and lower self) without reservation. Honest & thought-provoking, well worth a read. Five stars.
I cannot express just how much I enjoyed reading this soul-kissing collection. Deeply moving and relatable, these poems connect with all aspects of the human spirit (the higher and lower self) without reservation. Honest & thought-provoking, well worth a read. Five stars.
February 8, 2025
Reading Into the Hearth by Wendy E. Slater felt like stepping into a quiet, sacred space, one where words don’t just sit on the page but breathe, resonate, and ripple through the soul. This book was more than poetry for me; it was a conversation, a gentle awakening, and at times, an intense reckoning with myself.
From the very first poem, there was this undeniable pull, Slater’s words had a rhythm that felt ancient, like wisdom whispered through time, yet they also carried the freshness of personal revelation. Every poem seemed to be a doorway, inviting me in, urging me to explore emotions, thoughts, and truths I had left untouched. Some verses felt like a mirror, reflecting pieces of myself I hadn’t acknowledged in a while. Others felt like a balm, soothing the quiet aches that I hadn’t even realized were there.
What struck me most was how Slater seamlessly wove the personal with the universal. There were lines that felt so intimate, so deeply rooted in her own journey, yet they resonated as if they had been written for me. That’s the beauty of her poetry, it doesn’t dictate how you should feel; instead, it allows you to find your own meaning within its depths.
One of my favorite things about this collection was its connection to nature. The imagery of the elements, the cosmos, and the cycles of life made each poem feel organic, alive. It reminded me of why I’ve always felt drawn to forests, to open skies, to the quiet wisdom of the natural world. Her words captured that same energy—raw yet refined, simple yet profound.
There were moments while reading where I had to pause, close my eyes, and just feel. Some lines hit like revelations, making me reconsider things I thought I had long understood. Others were so beautifully phrased that I found myself rereading them, not just to understand but to experience them again. The interplay of loss and love, longing and fulfillment, pain and healing, all of it felt incredibly real, as if Slater had reached into the very essence of what it means to be human.
I know this is a book I will return to, not just once but many times. It’s the kind of poetry that evolves with you, what you take from it today might not be the same as what you find in it a year from now. And that, to me, is the mark of something truly special.
Into the Hearth is not just a collection of poems; it’s an experience, a meditation, a journey inward. And for that, I am grateful.
From the very first poem, there was this undeniable pull, Slater’s words had a rhythm that felt ancient, like wisdom whispered through time, yet they also carried the freshness of personal revelation. Every poem seemed to be a doorway, inviting me in, urging me to explore emotions, thoughts, and truths I had left untouched. Some verses felt like a mirror, reflecting pieces of myself I hadn’t acknowledged in a while. Others felt like a balm, soothing the quiet aches that I hadn’t even realized were there.
What struck me most was how Slater seamlessly wove the personal with the universal. There were lines that felt so intimate, so deeply rooted in her own journey, yet they resonated as if they had been written for me. That’s the beauty of her poetry, it doesn’t dictate how you should feel; instead, it allows you to find your own meaning within its depths.
One of my favorite things about this collection was its connection to nature. The imagery of the elements, the cosmos, and the cycles of life made each poem feel organic, alive. It reminded me of why I’ve always felt drawn to forests, to open skies, to the quiet wisdom of the natural world. Her words captured that same energy—raw yet refined, simple yet profound.
There were moments while reading where I had to pause, close my eyes, and just feel. Some lines hit like revelations, making me reconsider things I thought I had long understood. Others were so beautifully phrased that I found myself rereading them, not just to understand but to experience them again. The interplay of loss and love, longing and fulfillment, pain and healing, all of it felt incredibly real, as if Slater had reached into the very essence of what it means to be human.
I know this is a book I will return to, not just once but many times. It’s the kind of poetry that evolves with you, what you take from it today might not be the same as what you find in it a year from now. And that, to me, is the mark of something truly special.
Into the Hearth is not just a collection of poems; it’s an experience, a meditation, a journey inward. And for that, I am grateful.
May 14, 2024
I found Into the Hearth a collection of breathtaking, heartfelt, emotionally raw, and eloquently written poetry. Slater opens her heart and exposes her innermost thoughts and perceptions with such elegance, finding the perfect words to evoke feelings of love, loss, loneliness, joy, forgiveness, healing, acceptance and so much more. I love poetry, but I never feel qualified to do its beauty justice in a review. I can only express how it makes me feel. There were so many poems that resonated with me and brought me to tears.
1414 Excerpt
“I had to come far out of the self,
To ground into the knowing:
I will not and cannot abide
In another’s domain
By rules that make domination
Even from the sincerest of heart
Can hold a false precept---
For me,”
1445
I awoke
To the realization
That I slept with the door
Wide open
Heart with no fear
A relaxation into self,
In the home and of
The hearth.
I particularly loved the poems that exquisitely expressed our oneness and the simplicity of nature with its natural ebbs and flows. I noted so many poems to reread to find encouragement, solace, and inspiration to begin my day. The title of this beautiful collection is aptly named. They are warm and nurturing. I highly recommend.
1414 Excerpt
“I had to come far out of the self,
To ground into the knowing:
I will not and cannot abide
In another’s domain
By rules that make domination
Even from the sincerest of heart
Can hold a false precept---
For me,”
1445
I awoke
To the realization
That I slept with the door
Wide open
Heart with no fear
A relaxation into self,
In the home and of
The hearth.
I particularly loved the poems that exquisitely expressed our oneness and the simplicity of nature with its natural ebbs and flows. I noted so many poems to reread to find encouragement, solace, and inspiration to begin my day. The title of this beautiful collection is aptly named. They are warm and nurturing. I highly recommend.
March 7, 2026
'INTO THE HEARTH' BY WENDY SLATER
A Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2026
Great Poetry! It embraces warmth, calmness and acknowledges entropy.
What appeals uniquely to me about the verses of Wendy is that it uses everyday, recognizable images and phrases. And when you read the verses it is rhythmical like the sound and movement of the waves waltzing on the shore.
And yet, its messages courageously delve into life complexities in substance and in depth. It recognizes warmth and joy; and yet it talks about cold and desolation. It embraces calmness and peace; and yet it never fails to acknowledge entropy and chaos, all as part of the elements in navigating life. It highlights the paradoxes for which we keep on dealing and we keep on prevailing.
Examples of lines from this book:
It hurts
That you haven't called
Or found me to say goodbye.
And yet you've taught
Me
Chalk to board
Eye to eye...
'Into The Hearth' as another crystallized reflection of wisdom verses by poet Wendy Slater is soul nurturing and spiritually uplifting. Great poetry! Highly recommended, a well-deserved five stars!
A Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2026
Great Poetry! It embraces warmth, calmness and acknowledges entropy.
What appeals uniquely to me about the verses of Wendy is that it uses everyday, recognizable images and phrases. And when you read the verses it is rhythmical like the sound and movement of the waves waltzing on the shore.
And yet, its messages courageously delve into life complexities in substance and in depth. It recognizes warmth and joy; and yet it talks about cold and desolation. It embraces calmness and peace; and yet it never fails to acknowledge entropy and chaos, all as part of the elements in navigating life. It highlights the paradoxes for which we keep on dealing and we keep on prevailing.
Examples of lines from this book:
It hurts
That you haven't called
Or found me to say goodbye.
And yet you've taught
Me
Chalk to board
Eye to eye...
'Into The Hearth' as another crystallized reflection of wisdom verses by poet Wendy Slater is soul nurturing and spiritually uplifting. Great poetry! Highly recommended, a well-deserved five stars!
April 20, 2018
Into the Hearth by Wendy E. Slater is a poetic journey into self, a comment on self-discovery from flame to love to home and hearth. Though it has been marked as spiritual poetry but it addresses the most basic truths connected with life, probably suggesting that spirituality begins from within. Hurts merge with reconciliation, as “your absence means neither anything nor everything,” yet “I will always sing to your heart and you mine.” Emotions recede like waves, get restored in the heart, where they ebb and discover a new path, sometimes taking solace in the superficial sounds.
Slater’s poems have to be read gently to discern their depth. The imagery is drawn from the universe…waves, stars, moon, music are mere instruments that ignite the fire to understand our harmony with the blue and the green, into which our souls would merge one day.
From the softness of lotus that unfolds slowly to “Sahara, all me” - are the symbols of the struggle with passion and solitude, eventually arriving at only one conclusion…“There can no attachment, it’s all within.” This is a brilliant anthology of poems and I would recommend it to all poetry lovers.
Slater’s poems have to be read gently to discern their depth. The imagery is drawn from the universe…waves, stars, moon, music are mere instruments that ignite the fire to understand our harmony with the blue and the green, into which our souls would merge one day.
From the softness of lotus that unfolds slowly to “Sahara, all me” - are the symbols of the struggle with passion and solitude, eventually arriving at only one conclusion…“There can no attachment, it’s all within.” This is a brilliant anthology of poems and I would recommend it to all poetry lovers.
October 7, 2021
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Wendy Slater's 'Into the Hearth' is so beautiful, so raw, so POWERFUL, that for the first time in what feels a lifetime I've started writing about a poet's work when I'm only six pages in.
If you are a fan of the contemporary works often published by Button Poetry, so I'm talking about authors like Neil Hilborn, Sabrina Benaim, Rudy Francisco for example, then this is a book for you. Think Andrea Gibson, Yrsa Dailey-Ward, Richard Siken to name a few. Think spoken word, think split-up sentences which split open your skin. Think splinters, think splintered, think splintering. Inspire, inspired, inspiring. I've read six pages and I want to write verse for the first time in six years. This poetry will connect and reconnect with you. It goes brilliantly with relaxing music in the background and maybe a scented candle, too: lavender, jasmine, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, vanilla, chamomile, whatever helps you really relax.
For those who love poetic devices, Wendy Slater does it all. Sibilance, assonance, plosives, alliteration, internal rhyme, enjambment, metonymy and metaphor, synecdoche..... her first three poems in themselves are a movable feast for the senses and a seven course banquet for the soul. If you are a fan of good, and I mean GOOD poetry, then you seriously need to get yourself a copy! Whether you're a stickler for sestinas and sonnets, a fan of the Romantics, Neo-Classical or Post-Modern; I'd still urge you to give this a go. This work is incredible; and I will be shocked if you don't like it.
I have honestly tried now for over an hour to write about just one or two of Wendy's poems, and alas, I am stumped. Thematically she covers everything: nature, love, life, loss, rebirth, femininity, masculinity, beauty, travel, biology, anatomy, cosmology... the list is endless but in no way exhaustive. As I'm sure you are all too aware at this point, I am utterly in love with her writing style and narrative voice. That being said, it truly is difficult to hone in on just the one piece of poetry. I ended up reading (and re-reading) Wendy's collection twice within the hour, and they flow so beautifully, so harmoniously, from one to the other regardless of subject matter; it truly feels akin to floating. Even taking a step back from the poetry side to just focus on her writing skills, I honestly believe that if Wendy were to write short stories, novellas and/ or even novels then they could quite easily rival the works of Virginia Woolf, Angela Carter, Jeanette Winterson and Margaret Atwood.
There are not enough praises in this lifetime for such a collection of work. I do not possess enough words, in all of my languages combined, to describe the beauty of Wendy's work. Phenomenal. Absolutely. Buy it.
If you are a fan of the contemporary works often published by Button Poetry, so I'm talking about authors like Neil Hilborn, Sabrina Benaim, Rudy Francisco for example, then this is a book for you. Think Andrea Gibson, Yrsa Dailey-Ward, Richard Siken to name a few. Think spoken word, think split-up sentences which split open your skin. Think splinters, think splintered, think splintering. Inspire, inspired, inspiring. I've read six pages and I want to write verse for the first time in six years. This poetry will connect and reconnect with you. It goes brilliantly with relaxing music in the background and maybe a scented candle, too: lavender, jasmine, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, vanilla, chamomile, whatever helps you really relax.
For those who love poetic devices, Wendy Slater does it all. Sibilance, assonance, plosives, alliteration, internal rhyme, enjambment, metonymy and metaphor, synecdoche..... her first three poems in themselves are a movable feast for the senses and a seven course banquet for the soul. If you are a fan of good, and I mean GOOD poetry, then you seriously need to get yourself a copy! Whether you're a stickler for sestinas and sonnets, a fan of the Romantics, Neo-Classical or Post-Modern; I'd still urge you to give this a go. This work is incredible; and I will be shocked if you don't like it.
I have honestly tried now for over an hour to write about just one or two of Wendy's poems, and alas, I am stumped. Thematically she covers everything: nature, love, life, loss, rebirth, femininity, masculinity, beauty, travel, biology, anatomy, cosmology... the list is endless but in no way exhaustive. As I'm sure you are all too aware at this point, I am utterly in love with her writing style and narrative voice. That being said, it truly is difficult to hone in on just the one piece of poetry. I ended up reading (and re-reading) Wendy's collection twice within the hour, and they flow so beautifully, so harmoniously, from one to the other regardless of subject matter; it truly feels akin to floating. Even taking a step back from the poetry side to just focus on her writing skills, I honestly believe that if Wendy were to write short stories, novellas and/ or even novels then they could quite easily rival the works of Virginia Woolf, Angela Carter, Jeanette Winterson and Margaret Atwood.
There are not enough praises in this lifetime for such a collection of work. I do not possess enough words, in all of my languages combined, to describe the beauty of Wendy's work. Phenomenal. Absolutely. Buy it.
November 21, 2021
This is actually my second reading of this collection of verse, and what surprised me most was that I never reviewed it. Was I too stunned? Was I, as I always am when I read Slater’s poetry, too in awe of her lyrical writing? Or was I immediately thrust into wanting to write under the influence of this utterly transcendent poet? Perhaps it was all of these reasons. But now I will say a few words about Into the Hearth.
Slater’s juxtaposition of her all-embracing awareness of the natural world with our physical universe and mysticism equal her poetic invitation to expand self-awareness of brain, body, spirit. She gifts us fluidity of movement in space—it is at once ethereal yet concrete.
To say I admire her ferocity in being able to make the connection of the essence of humanity with the spiritual is an absurd understatement. She’s a master, and I humbly applaud her. Don’t take my word for it—read her work to become enslaved by it.
Slater’s juxtaposition of her all-embracing awareness of the natural world with our physical universe and mysticism equal her poetic invitation to expand self-awareness of brain, body, spirit. She gifts us fluidity of movement in space—it is at once ethereal yet concrete.
To say I admire her ferocity in being able to make the connection of the essence of humanity with the spiritual is an absurd understatement. She’s a master, and I humbly applaud her. Don’t take my word for it—read her work to become enslaved by it.
October 8, 2017
While I don’t read poetry very often, when I find good poetry, it speaks to me in ways like nothing else. This book of poetry has such variation that almost everyone will find something in it to cherish. It is a book meant to be read a little at a time, savored and felt instead of reading it straight through like something to be finished. Some poems bring you directly in touch with the author, you can feel her there, putting heart and soul into the words on the page. Other poems take you to places you didn’t imagine before, bring you feelings you had forgotten. This is a book I will save and read again.
June 22, 2022
Wendy Slater’s poetry is alive and breathes life on every page. I have not been moved like this in a long time or felt a deeper connection to my soul since reading her work. It’s given me pause, and I’m filled with reflection and hope while being introspective and feeling my humanness in this life on this planet. Her words are the feelings in every moment, the pauses, and the before and the afters. The memories of the past and the wonder of the future somehow exist in the present and the stillness of the here and now resides in her poems. I am forever grateful I’ve found her.
March 25, 2023
Can the written word truly act as a catalyst for meaningful and everlasting change?
A transformation from the here and now into something new and inexplicably hidden from plain sight. Waving to us in the background.
Anyone who doubts that the written word carries such power only needs to read Wendy Slater’s poetry collection, Into the Hearth, to see the folly of their ways.
A breathtaking collection of poems that takes readers on a mystical and spiritual journey of awakening and healing.
Subscribed
The word “journey” is a perfect descriptor for this anthology. The poet begins the work by portraying the often banal reality of modern society. This quickly ignites feelings of familiarity and a longing for escape in the reader.
However, this temptation to run from the mundane is soon transformed. A desire to obtain something more and reach a new understanding about our existence is soon triggered. Slater absolutely delivers as the pages are turned in this emotional, literary expedition.
Each poem is a work of art, carefully crafted to evoke emotions and provoke thought in the readers. The author manages to masterfully weave together the themes of spirituality, healing, and the natural world. This in turn creates a tapestry of words that is both beautiful and meaningful.
The exploration of archetypes adds another layer of depth to the poetry. The author skillfully delves into the esoteric and known symbols that represent the human experience and condition.
By drawing on these archetypes, the author invites readers to embark on their own spiritual journey of awakening and healing, thus connecting with their innermost selves and to the world around them.
In order to achieve all of this, the poet flawlessly strings her words together. There is a beautiful flow that is accompanied by poetic devices that bring a ringing clarity and resonance to the work.
Overall, Into the Hearth is an emotionally evocative collection of poetry that will inspire and reach out to touch the hearts of readers. Wendy Slater’s words are both powerful yet gentle and offer a unique perspective on the healing power of nature and the human experience.
After having the privilege of reading this work, I look forward to exploring the other titles by the author.
5 out of 5 Healing Stars for this one!
A transformation from the here and now into something new and inexplicably hidden from plain sight. Waving to us in the background.
Anyone who doubts that the written word carries such power only needs to read Wendy Slater’s poetry collection, Into the Hearth, to see the folly of their ways.
A breathtaking collection of poems that takes readers on a mystical and spiritual journey of awakening and healing.
Subscribed
The word “journey” is a perfect descriptor for this anthology. The poet begins the work by portraying the often banal reality of modern society. This quickly ignites feelings of familiarity and a longing for escape in the reader.
However, this temptation to run from the mundane is soon transformed. A desire to obtain something more and reach a new understanding about our existence is soon triggered. Slater absolutely delivers as the pages are turned in this emotional, literary expedition.
Each poem is a work of art, carefully crafted to evoke emotions and provoke thought in the readers. The author manages to masterfully weave together the themes of spirituality, healing, and the natural world. This in turn creates a tapestry of words that is both beautiful and meaningful.
The exploration of archetypes adds another layer of depth to the poetry. The author skillfully delves into the esoteric and known symbols that represent the human experience and condition.
By drawing on these archetypes, the author invites readers to embark on their own spiritual journey of awakening and healing, thus connecting with their innermost selves and to the world around them.
In order to achieve all of this, the poet flawlessly strings her words together. There is a beautiful flow that is accompanied by poetic devices that bring a ringing clarity and resonance to the work.
Overall, Into the Hearth is an emotionally evocative collection of poetry that will inspire and reach out to touch the hearts of readers. Wendy Slater’s words are both powerful yet gentle and offer a unique perspective on the healing power of nature and the human experience.
After having the privilege of reading this work, I look forward to exploring the other titles by the author.
5 out of 5 Healing Stars for this one!
August 13, 2018
How often do we hear people say, "oh, well, I'm not really a poetry person". I know I've said that myself on occasions, but one thing I do like to do, as a reader and as a reviewer is dip my toes into genres and areas that I would not normally choose. To me, this is one of the greatest joys of reading; to move outside your comfort zone and read something that is unusual, challenging and different to you.
As an author, I've always had a quiet respect for poets and their ability to play with word and evoke feelings and reactions with minimal word usage. I often refer to poets as wordsmiths, simply because they are able to create such intense emotions by manipulating words in such a way as to touch us deeply. Certainly Wendy Slater has that ability. This collection of what are generally short and pithy poems, take us on a journey, a journey of self-discovery and a journey of questioning what it true and what is important in our lives. I will attest that some of her poems went over my head, somewhat, but I suspect what is required here is a thorough re-reading of the material to garner what is there, for me personally.
As with any collection of poems, there are some that stood out and gripped me instantly. Unlike most poetry collections, Slater's works are unnamed, just delineated by numbers, and often one poem or the essence of the idea would flow into the next. Three poems that really stood out for me, among many, were: 1/ Number 1419, a gentle reminder that we are all one, all the same under heaven and earth, regardless of who we are and that we can all reside in peace. 2/ Number 1426, a poem that took me on a journey through life and that described for me perfectly the pitfalls and pleasures to be discovered along the way, as we finally come to the realisation of life's purpose. 3/ Also, number 1465, which although short spoke of the family and the importance of being together.
This is a selection of poetry that flows, with an unending rhythm that will speak something different to each person that reads it and even something different each time you read it, again. I suspect this is a book that is worth going back time and time again to browse as you will get something new and meaningful from it, each time.
As an author, I've always had a quiet respect for poets and their ability to play with word and evoke feelings and reactions with minimal word usage. I often refer to poets as wordsmiths, simply because they are able to create such intense emotions by manipulating words in such a way as to touch us deeply. Certainly Wendy Slater has that ability. This collection of what are generally short and pithy poems, take us on a journey, a journey of self-discovery and a journey of questioning what it true and what is important in our lives. I will attest that some of her poems went over my head, somewhat, but I suspect what is required here is a thorough re-reading of the material to garner what is there, for me personally.
As with any collection of poems, there are some that stood out and gripped me instantly. Unlike most poetry collections, Slater's works are unnamed, just delineated by numbers, and often one poem or the essence of the idea would flow into the next. Three poems that really stood out for me, among many, were: 1/ Number 1419, a gentle reminder that we are all one, all the same under heaven and earth, regardless of who we are and that we can all reside in peace. 2/ Number 1426, a poem that took me on a journey through life and that described for me perfectly the pitfalls and pleasures to be discovered along the way, as we finally come to the realisation of life's purpose. 3/ Also, number 1465, which although short spoke of the family and the importance of being together.
This is a selection of poetry that flows, with an unending rhythm that will speak something different to each person that reads it and even something different each time you read it, again. I suspect this is a book that is worth going back time and time again to browse as you will get something new and meaningful from it, each time.
June 1, 2026
Having read several of this poet’s breathtaking work in the past, I was eager in dive into this volume of poetry. To do this collection justice, I waited until I had a couple hours of clear calm, to be able to truly soak in the words and imagery that each poem offers. Hours of clear calm aren’t too frequent these days, but I finally found one.
There’s so much I get from this poet, but when I “review,” I’m never quite sure to say. Like most of us, we understand what a poem makes us feel, but we can’t truly know inspired the words. And I think that’s the beauty of poetry by a poet as gifted as Wendy Slater.
“Drivel drives me mad / And dulled to / Be in its presence / Which is all too present In this aeroport,/ Departures, closing the gap / With strangers and known / Entities with random / Muted nothingness.”
I related to this so well … there is an entire series of books that could be conjured up simply by these vibrant, descriptive lines. I sat with this one for a while.
In every poem, there is something that struck a chord with me. Whether what emerged in my consciousness has any similarity to the poet’s or to her readers, I have no idea.
As someone who loves nature, #1424, the longest in this book, really resonated with me. The scents, smells, feelings, perceptions, and so much more about being in nature stirred so much inside. Also, as a person who’s recently become fascinated by crows, I loved their presence in this amazing poem. Honestly, someone could spend a long time with just this poem and experience an unexpected awakening.
In another poem, the following words attracted and unsettled me simultaneously:
“A random voice over / The crowded room / Will claim authority / When the mimic / Is / A clown in a business suit,/
I wrote down many favorite lines, but I fear I’ve shared too much.
To sum it all up, this beautiful collection takes the willing reader on a journey to awaken the self.
There’s so much I get from this poet, but when I “review,” I’m never quite sure to say. Like most of us, we understand what a poem makes us feel, but we can’t truly know inspired the words. And I think that’s the beauty of poetry by a poet as gifted as Wendy Slater.
“Drivel drives me mad / And dulled to / Be in its presence / Which is all too present In this aeroport,/ Departures, closing the gap / With strangers and known / Entities with random / Muted nothingness.”
I related to this so well … there is an entire series of books that could be conjured up simply by these vibrant, descriptive lines. I sat with this one for a while.
In every poem, there is something that struck a chord with me. Whether what emerged in my consciousness has any similarity to the poet’s or to her readers, I have no idea.
As someone who loves nature, #1424, the longest in this book, really resonated with me. The scents, smells, feelings, perceptions, and so much more about being in nature stirred so much inside. Also, as a person who’s recently become fascinated by crows, I loved their presence in this amazing poem. Honestly, someone could spend a long time with just this poem and experience an unexpected awakening.
In another poem, the following words attracted and unsettled me simultaneously:
“A random voice over / The crowded room / Will claim authority / When the mimic / Is / A clown in a business suit,/
I wrote down many favorite lines, but I fear I’ve shared too much.
To sum it all up, this beautiful collection takes the willing reader on a journey to awaken the self.
March 29, 2025
⭐ The Perspective of the Constellation, Poems – Volume 17 by Wendy E. Slater ⭐
After a 20-year hiatus, Wendy E. Slater’s poetic voice reignited like a celestial firestorm, birthing 20 volumes of spiritual poetry. The Perspective of the Constellation is more than a book—it’s a portal to self-discovery, healing, and the dissolution of separation. 🌀✨
🔥 A Journey Beyond Illusion
Slater’s words strip away the layers of self-blame and judgment, revealing the quiet truth beneath: we were never separate to begin with. These poems are not instructions; they are invitations—to remember, to release, and to step into the wholeness that has always been there. 🌿💫
🌍 A Map Back to the Authentic Self
Each poem pulses like a heartbeat, guiding the reader through the landscapes of their soul. Here, there is no demand for perfection—only the gentle call to return to yourself, without myth, without burden, without false expectations. 🧘♂️💖
🌌 Poetry That Awakens
Slater’s verses do not just speak; they transform. Word by word, she dismantles the walls we’ve built between ourselves and divinity, between our past wounds and our present freedom. The result? A luminous remembrance—one where separation fades and only unity remains. ☀️🌊
💬 What Readers Are Saying:
📖 “Each poem is a constellation—separate yet connected, forming a breathtaking whole.”
📖 “Slater’s poetry doesn’t just soothe—it ignites, revealing truths long buried.”
📖 “A book that doesn’t just tell a story—it awakens something within you.”
Let The Perspective of the Constellation be your north star—guiding, comforting, and illuminating the path home. 🌟📜
After a 20-year hiatus, Wendy E. Slater’s poetic voice reignited like a celestial firestorm, birthing 20 volumes of spiritual poetry. The Perspective of the Constellation is more than a book—it’s a portal to self-discovery, healing, and the dissolution of separation. 🌀✨
🔥 A Journey Beyond Illusion
Slater’s words strip away the layers of self-blame and judgment, revealing the quiet truth beneath: we were never separate to begin with. These poems are not instructions; they are invitations—to remember, to release, and to step into the wholeness that has always been there. 🌿💫
🌍 A Map Back to the Authentic Self
Each poem pulses like a heartbeat, guiding the reader through the landscapes of their soul. Here, there is no demand for perfection—only the gentle call to return to yourself, without myth, without burden, without false expectations. 🧘♂️💖
🌌 Poetry That Awakens
Slater’s verses do not just speak; they transform. Word by word, she dismantles the walls we’ve built between ourselves and divinity, between our past wounds and our present freedom. The result? A luminous remembrance—one where separation fades and only unity remains. ☀️🌊
💬 What Readers Are Saying:
📖 “Each poem is a constellation—separate yet connected, forming a breathtaking whole.”
📖 “Slater’s poetry doesn’t just soothe—it ignites, revealing truths long buried.”
📖 “A book that doesn’t just tell a story—it awakens something within you.”
Let The Perspective of the Constellation be your north star—guiding, comforting, and illuminating the path home. 🌟📜
February 9, 2025
Wendy E. Slater’s extraordinary poetry collection, “Into the Hearth,” takes the reader on a mesmerizing journey aimed “to tenderly awaken the self (1426).” The poet’s words remind me of a lily unfolding its petals and revealing that “the truth of the universe unfolding can only be taught by painting, words, artistry of soul that heals the wounds, brings forth gently the questions and transmutes the holding (1456).”
The beautiful verses throughout the book are filled with unique, often hypnotic, descriptions of our deepest thoughts. The ache of loneliness is expressed simplistically yet powerfully: “It hurts that you haven’t called or found me to say goodbye (1402).” Perhaps one of the most fundamental poems in this collection is “Into the hearth is knowing that the flame is rampant and spontaneous, vivid and contagious, and it does not abide by dictate, doctrine, or constraint. (1413).” A hearth is often considered a sacred place and is associated with cleansing ourselves or starting over. The poet also reminds us of the importance of self-responsibility: “Find your own matches and gather your wood and tend to it lovingly. If you do not know and were never taught to kindle your own, then ask…(1425).”
My favorite poem from “In the Hearth” is:
“And this love that is always
Makes me know that being in the now
Is being in the open expanse always
Such when the grace of you walks near
I will see and know and so will you,
Won’t you?
Said the sun to the moon.”
The beautiful verses throughout the book are filled with unique, often hypnotic, descriptions of our deepest thoughts. The ache of loneliness is expressed simplistically yet powerfully: “It hurts that you haven’t called or found me to say goodbye (1402).” Perhaps one of the most fundamental poems in this collection is “Into the hearth is knowing that the flame is rampant and spontaneous, vivid and contagious, and it does not abide by dictate, doctrine, or constraint. (1413).” A hearth is often considered a sacred place and is associated with cleansing ourselves or starting over. The poet also reminds us of the importance of self-responsibility: “Find your own matches and gather your wood and tend to it lovingly. If you do not know and were never taught to kindle your own, then ask…(1425).”
My favorite poem from “In the Hearth” is:
“And this love that is always
Makes me know that being in the now
Is being in the open expanse always
Such when the grace of you walks near
I will see and know and so will you,
Won’t you?
Said the sun to the moon.”
June 14, 2025
I stepped into Into the Hearth by Wendy E. Slater like someone stepping barefoot onto warm earth after a storm. The poems didn’t rush me; they invited me to sit quietly and listen to the soft voices of my own heart. Each line felt like an ember, glowing with wisdom that asked nothing but presence.
As I read, I felt the words moving like waves — sometimes calm, sometimes crashing, always pulling me deeper. These poems didn’t just speak of healing; they were healing. They made space for my questions, my wounds, and my hopes, as if the book itself understood that we all walk with hidden aches.
I noticed how Wendy’s verses didn’t try to teach or preach. Instead, they offered mirrors — showing me the parts of myself I had forgotten or tried to hide. The journey through these pages felt like walking a spiral path, coming closer and closer to something true inside me.
The beauty of this book is how it blends the seen and unseen. The poems felt rooted in the earth but reached for the stars. They reminded me that we are not separate — not from nature, not from each other, not from whatever we call the Divine. Every word felt like a bridge.
Into the Hearth didn’t end when I closed the last page. Its warmth stayed with me, like the last light of dusk that lingers even after the sun has set. This is a book I’ll return to — not just to read, but to feel. A true gift for anyone seeking quiet strength and gentle guidance.
As I read, I felt the words moving like waves — sometimes calm, sometimes crashing, always pulling me deeper. These poems didn’t just speak of healing; they were healing. They made space for my questions, my wounds, and my hopes, as if the book itself understood that we all walk with hidden aches.
I noticed how Wendy’s verses didn’t try to teach or preach. Instead, they offered mirrors — showing me the parts of myself I had forgotten or tried to hide. The journey through these pages felt like walking a spiral path, coming closer and closer to something true inside me.
The beauty of this book is how it blends the seen and unseen. The poems felt rooted in the earth but reached for the stars. They reminded me that we are not separate — not from nature, not from each other, not from whatever we call the Divine. Every word felt like a bridge.
Into the Hearth didn’t end when I closed the last page. Its warmth stayed with me, like the last light of dusk that lingers even after the sun has set. This is a book I’ll return to — not just to read, but to feel. A true gift for anyone seeking quiet strength and gentle guidance.
May 20, 2025
Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just speak — it sings to the soul. Into the Hearth by Wendy E. Slater is one such creation. Through mystical, meditative poetry, the author offers a sanctuary of words — a place where emotions are seen, wounds are soothed, and the spirit is gently awakened.
Each poem feels like a soft whisper from the universe — intense yet calming, raw yet divine. With deep sincerity, Slater explores themes like self-discovery, healing, forgiveness, and the inner transformation of one’s being. Her verses invite readers to step inward, look deeper, and connect with their truest selves.
The magic of this book lies in its spiritual rhythm — a quiet alchemy that transforms pain into peace. The poems lead the heart from darkness to light, from self-judgment to self-acceptance. It’s a sacred journey of remembering our oneness with the universe, nature, and the Divine.
Perfect for those craving comfort, reflection, or soulful stillness, Into the Hearth is more than a poetry collection — it’s a companion for healing. With every turn of the page, readers are reminded that love, truth, and peace have always been within. A poetic embrace for the heart and soul.
Each poem feels like a soft whisper from the universe — intense yet calming, raw yet divine. With deep sincerity, Slater explores themes like self-discovery, healing, forgiveness, and the inner transformation of one’s being. Her verses invite readers to step inward, look deeper, and connect with their truest selves.
The magic of this book lies in its spiritual rhythm — a quiet alchemy that transforms pain into peace. The poems lead the heart from darkness to light, from self-judgment to self-acceptance. It’s a sacred journey of remembering our oneness with the universe, nature, and the Divine.
Perfect for those craving comfort, reflection, or soulful stillness, Into the Hearth is more than a poetry collection — it’s a companion for healing. With every turn of the page, readers are reminded that love, truth, and peace have always been within. A poetic embrace for the heart and soul.
March 19, 2025
Into the Hearth, Poems-Volume 14 by Wendy E. Slater feels like an epic quest for truth, wisdom, belonging, the things unspoken and a journey through the eyes of another. It's multi-layered poetry with mysterious subtext and tons of emotion. Throw in another layer for the nature imagery and you're in for an experience.
A few of my highlights: 1402 "into the infinite Holding fishes, ecosystems, And the electric eel, sulphur..."
1406 "Polite, mundane, politics of Superficial fabric That tears the skin With its voice."
1421 "The rage is coming up to go So that peace can Truly fold in, As the bulls-eye folds up To recede."
There is a lot more to what you initially notice on the page, and I spent time outside thinking about the words and how they moved and stirred emotions in my spirit.
If you are seeking a poetry book that understands your need for solitude, distance, and quiet spaces to grow and move forward in your life, I highly recommend and encourage you to read in small increments and journal afterwards or take a walk outside. If you want to hear the poet reading her work, look for her you tube channel, but buy the book too. You will be very glad you did.
A few of my highlights: 1402 "into the infinite Holding fishes, ecosystems, And the electric eel, sulphur..."
1406 "Polite, mundane, politics of Superficial fabric That tears the skin With its voice."
1421 "The rage is coming up to go So that peace can Truly fold in, As the bulls-eye folds up To recede."
There is a lot more to what you initially notice on the page, and I spent time outside thinking about the words and how they moved and stirred emotions in my spirit.
If you are seeking a poetry book that understands your need for solitude, distance, and quiet spaces to grow and move forward in your life, I highly recommend and encourage you to read in small increments and journal afterwards or take a walk outside. If you want to hear the poet reading her work, look for her you tube channel, but buy the book too. You will be very glad you did.
September 6, 2025
Into the Hearth: Poems Volume 14 by Wendy E. Slater is not just a poetry collection—it’s an invitation to step into your inner world. Each verse feels like a spark of wisdom that warms the soul, offering both comfort and clarity.
What struck me most is how her poems flow with sincerity and depth, making you pause and reflect. They don’t just touch the heart; they gently nudge you toward self-discovery, healing, and acceptance. It’s rare to find poetry that feels so intimate yet universal.
Wendy E. Slater’s words have a mystical quality—almost like whispers of the divine. Some poems stirred emotions so deeply that I found myself teary-eyed, while others uplifted me with pure joy. It’s the kind of book you return to, again and again, finding new meaning each time.
If you’re searching for poetry that heals, inspires, and awakens your spirit, this is the book you need. A collection that feels timeless, soulful, and magical—Into the Hearth is a true treasure for anyone on a journey of inner transformation.
What struck me most is how her poems flow with sincerity and depth, making you pause and reflect. They don’t just touch the heart; they gently nudge you toward self-discovery, healing, and acceptance. It’s rare to find poetry that feels so intimate yet universal.
Wendy E. Slater’s words have a mystical quality—almost like whispers of the divine. Some poems stirred emotions so deeply that I found myself teary-eyed, while others uplifted me with pure joy. It’s the kind of book you return to, again and again, finding new meaning each time.
If you’re searching for poetry that heals, inspires, and awakens your spirit, this is the book you need. A collection that feels timeless, soulful, and magical—Into the Hearth is a true treasure for anyone on a journey of inner transformation.
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