Life has a way of imitating art.

Such has been the case for Bermuda-based poet Melodye Van Putten.

Each and every one of her poems centres around issues that impact her daily life — be it love, purpose, identity or gratitude.

Mrs Van Putten has been writing poetry for most of her life and has recently released a new collection of works, called More Sacred Thoughts: Standing In The Light. She shared with The Royal Gazette about what inspired the book and how poetry has a way of bringing about emotional and spiritual healing.

What in particular inspired you to write your latest book of poetry?

Life. I’m always writing about what touches and moves me, whether it’s the majesty of nature or the injustice of racism. I write and write and then a book emerges. I write to live, giving voice to the human experience in poetic form.

You write about a variety of topics in this book, including health and wellness. Why is that something of interest for you?

I am deeply interested in healing — healing from life’s wounds, whether they are personal, from childhood, from social conditions of injustice — whatever. Seeking health and wellness is a lifelong journey that encompasses the physical, emotional, mental, intellectual and, without a doubt, spiritual. The desire to be conscious, healed, whole and live a life of purpose and meaning is ultimately what I am writing about.

Which poem sticks out as your favourite? Why does that one resonate with you?

This is a very difficult question to answer! Truth be told, all of my poetry resonates with me as I’m experiencing what I am writing about. However, if I had to pick one poem it would be There Will Not Be Time Always. This poem is a reminder and a declaration — acknowledging that one’s time on the planet is indeed limited. For me, it provides the opportunity to be very intentional about what I do with the time I have. Or, to say it another way, whatever you say you want to do or need to do, you better be doing it as there will not be time always.

Why do you hope people will pick up this book? And what do you hope they will take from it?

Poetry is a very exquisite art form as it has the ability and potential to communicate various truths that cause people to think deeply and, possibly, make a personal shift — a change in thinking and behaviour. I hope that people who are seeking other ways of perceiving reality and deeper ways of knowing, get the book to assist them on their seeking path. For others, the poetry will be an affirmation and a motivator, celebrating their journey and encouraging them to continue to find ways to make a difference. And for yet others, it will be a window to explore, contemplate, understand and then, move forward incorporating a new understanding toward greater empowerment, compassion, gratitude and/or the desire to be of service to humanity.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Pretty much forever! Like many people, I was initially introduced to poetry in grade school and would write little poems. But the seriousness of my work as an African-centred educator and its implications for living required that I find an outlet for catharsis — to release, contemplate, heal, affirm and rejuvenate myself for the ongoing (sometimes difficult, often joyous) life journey. I am indebted to a small cadre of dear family and friends who listened to my unpublished work and another very dear friend who insisted that I pursue publication of my poetry. So now, the writing of poetry serves to communicate, underscore, illustrate and reinforce various truths, assisting people of all persuasions to think in a richer, deeper way about the life journey we are all on. It’s a tremendous blessing to be able to channel my thoughts creatively and share them with the world.

Mrs Van Putten will host two book signings — one at Brown & Co on Saturday from 1pm until 3pm and another at the Bermuda National Library on November 20 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.