New Poem

This poem has been brewing in my head for a long time and I finally wrote it down last night. I hope it is an encouragement to you. At the least, I spent a profitable 3 hours or so pondering the nature of God. My poetic inspiration came from the Old English techniques of kenning (metaphoric compounds) and alliteration (rather than rhyme and meter) and Gerard Manley Hopkins' beautifully compact poems expressing deep truths about God. I wanted the poem to be tightly constructed and for the pace to be slow, because it's intended to make the reader stop and think about the character of the Trinity. Since God has so many astounding characteristics, I didn't want to repeat any words, which made process a little more difficult, but more rewarding. The scriptural inspiration is obvious, but I specifically drew on sermons Pastor Herron has preached in the last two years and on concepts about God that I've been thinking and reading about. I'm a little bit nervous about exposing my poor poem to the world, because I don't do this very often, but I hope it is a help to you. Almighty Maker, Holy Creator Creative Designer, Universe Shaper Galaxy Spreader, Star Hanger Planet Placer, Earth Former Atom Holder, Soul Sustainer Sovereign Lord rules over all. Merciful Savior, Grace Giver Law Completer, Prophecy Fulfiller Cross Bearer, Sin Taker Satan Defeater, Death Destroyer God Reconciler, Heavenly Mediator Incarnate Jesus sent for men. Life Instiller, Gift Bestower Guilt Deliverer, Sorrow Comforter Peace Bringer, Joy Supplier Heart Healer, Hope Provider Patient Teacher, Word Illuminator Blessed Spirit, live in me.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn

One of my favorite Russian authors, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, passed away on August 4, 2008. I was first introduced to his short stories in Modern Literature, and the simple, beautiful story with haunting images sent me on a hunt for his novels. I was not disappointed. Cancer Ward and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch left a profound impression on me and encouraged me to read other Russian authors. I currently have several other novels by Solzhenitsyn on my bookshelf that I look forward to reading: August 1914, The First Circle, and The Gulag Archipelago. To read a nice tribute and biography of Solzhenitsyn, click here.