Friday, August 29, 2008

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.

5 comments:

Jenni Frencham said...

I still want a copy of your first anthology.

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!!! I'm definitely no author, but as a musician I know the vulnerable feeling of creating something and then sharing it with others. Did you read it to your students yet? Thanks for sharing!

Natalie said...

Thank you! I haven't read it to them yet, but I plan to after Spirit Week. It goes along with the poetic style I'm teaching and with the spiritual lessons I'm learning.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful poem, Natalie! I was so encouraged and uplifted reading it and thinking about our amazing God!!! I loved how you wove in the aspects of the Godhead! These are the truths that God wants us to understand more fully as we learn of Him.

Anonymous said...

Hey Miss Cary,
I really liked that. It was an encouragement! I think that you should write a book!