A Leaf In The Wind: Poems by Jaro Majer, Artwork by Rose Marie Prins

A Leaf in the Wind: Poems by Jaro Majer, Artwork by Rose Marie Prins is a combination of the artwork of mother, Rose Marie Prins, and poetry of son, Jaro Majer. After the death of her son, she moves through her grief by creating these wonderful watercolor and Sumi ink paintings. This loving memorial is a broad look into the larger-than-life mind and personality of Jaro and his unique, touching view of the world around him. Jaro was diagnosed with schizophrenia later in his 20s, a few years after he lived in the spiritual community and wrote those poems. His work is a mixture of raw candidness and spirituality; the poems move effortlessly from the challenges of the earthly plane to the hope of the spiritual realm.

This beautiful book of artwork and poetry shows the way people with mental illness struggle to find meaning in a world that wasn’t built for them. “I want to share this love, this brilliant exposure of soul, with another who is willing to let go of all that society thinks is worth gold, but is like mere yellow-colored dust on the side of life’s road.” He sheds light on how difficult it is to be vulnerable in a society that is so linear and rule-based that it dismisses people with mental illness because of the negative associations of mental illness and violent, destructive behavior. Through his poetry, Jaro bares his soul to the world and shows that we are all just having our own human experience and coping with it the best we can. He searches for meaning through spirituality, preferring to live in the light of God than in a world that rejects him.

“I wish to shed this cocoon of disgrace, this lack of understanding, and emerge a beautiful butterfly.”

I believe the ultimate aim of these poems is to show how inaccessible the world is to people who are vulnerable because of their mental illness and the extra work that they must put in every day to fit in and find peace and optimism in this world that wasn’t properly structured for them.

Putting all that aside, I also believe these poems shed light on the beautiful connection one can have with a higher power. Despite often feeling alienated, Jaro finds solace in God and connects to the higher power in such a deep way. It’s almost as if he is floating between the physical and spiritual world. His greatest wish is to be free.

The books, and digital prints of the images in the book, are available for purchase online here and here. You can also purchase it at:

• The Gift Shop at the Morean Arts Center in St Pete
• The Dunedin Fine Art Center (until 12/23)
• The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, Largo, until December 20. No prints at the latter but several of the original artworks are on view and for sale.

 Sign up to receive our virtual magazine in your inbox! We send free resources, art and journal prompts, wisdom from our practitioners, and more. Click here to get on the mailing list. 

Starting with a creative written voice and a BA in English from ASU, Alli Cravener has become so much more than Integrative Counsel’s voice! Not only is she a writer who is passionate about connecting concepts and content, Alli is also currently a grad student working towards her Master’s in Counseling. She is also the editor-in-chief, office manager, AND intake specialist at Integrative Counsel. When you call us, you’ll talk to Alli! Alli’s interests include painting, history, learning about other people, and wearing the color pink. She likens herself to a “mouse in a palm tree”, and she loves it that way.