Drvena duša

The poetry collection Drvena duša (Wooden Soul, 2025) by poet Dragica Reinholz is a moving and evocative lyrical work in which an authentic sense of native heritage merges with deep spiritual and intimate reflections. At the heart of her poetic world, the author places the motif of the tree—a symbol of roots, endurance, resilience, and quiet strength—using it to speak of the human soul, the transience of time, and the unbreakable bond between humanity, the native land, and nature. Through a warm, melodic, and linguistically rich style (interweaving elements of the Kajkavian dialect with standard language), Dragica Reinholz paints pictures of Zagorje landscapes, old wooden houses, tools, traditional life, and quiet moments of inner searching. The titular "wooden soul" is neither cold nor lifeless; instead, it embodies the warmth of home, suffering, the memories of past generations, and a simple, uncorrupted wisdom. The collection is imbued with nostalgia, yet also with a profound sense of industriousness, forgiveness, and gratitude. Thanks to its vivid imagery, sincerity, and distinct musicality, Drvena duša represents a highly valuable contribution to contemporary Croatian regional and dialect poetry, appealing to all who cherish nature, tradition, and mature, intimate lyricism.