Joy Instead of Mourning

Poetry for all Seasons by New Zealand contemplative poet Ana Lisa de Jong is a journey of the senses. While being both deeply human and intuitively spiritual, Ana Lisa's poetry inspires, moves and encourages in equal measure.

The four titles, A Garment of Praise, Joy instead of Mourning, Release from Darkness and Beauty for Ashes, provide a collection of books inspired by the seasons of summer, winter, spring and autumn, giving the reader a contemplative retreat of poetry for the full calendar year and an opportunity to immerse in the beauty and power of poetry to speak to us, strengthen and restore.

Ana Lisa's daily verse is a gift for the senses, mind, heart and spirit as she draws on the eternal themes of nature and the seasons, the ordinary wonders and challenges of life, and an awareness of an overarching and undergirding eternal presence, articulated with insightful wisdom and moving imagery.

The awareness and sensitivity that enables Ana Lisa to speak through her own experience to that of others brings a sense of both community and communion through her words.