The name Tennyson looms large in the world of poetry. But I hadn’t read his poetry until recently, when I picked up a copy of “In Memoriam.” “In Memoriam” is a series of 131 poems (plus a prologue and epilogue) Tennyson wrote for his friend, Arthur Hallam. Hallam died suddenly at 22 from a cerebralContinueContinue reading “In Memoriam”
Tag Archives: death
Tuba Mirum (Wonderful Trumpet)
“Christ is risen!” “He is risen indeed!” This exchange is traditionally heard between Christians of all stripes on Easter. Later this year, I plan to self-publish Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. This book will include a series of poems based on Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Requiem masses are Catholic funeral services and include themesContinueContinue reading “Tuba Mirum (Wonderful Trumpet)”
Just Another Day – Ray LaMontagne
Earlier this year, I was introduced to the music of Ray LaMontagne through the song “In My Own Way.” I was struck by the lazy vibe and ethereal beauty of the music. “In My Own Way” is from the album “Ouroboros”, so I decided to check it out. The term ouroboros comes from Greek andContinueContinue reading “Just Another Day – Ray LaMontagne”
Dyed in Faith
The semi-sabbatical I took in April is over. I was loath to see it end, but it was the time of rest and prayer I needed. As a result, I decided to reduce my schedule going forward so I can continue to give more space to God and my family. Years ago, I wrote aContinueContinue reading “Dyed in Faith”
Once More
April brings up a host of feelings for me. Warmer weather begins, which I love. Easter is often in April, infusing this month with the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the destruction of death. For now, death is still a reality we face, and April 2009 is when my dad died. Dad’s death has twoContinueContinue reading “Once More”
Shadow and Memory Now Available!
I’m pleased to say that my third book, Shadow and Memory, is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. This book represents an interesting juncture for me. As I explain in the book’s introduction, I’ve been in a season of leaving what is comfortable for me as writer: trying new poetic forms andContinueContinue reading “Shadow and Memory Now Available!”
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
In my last post, I mentioned the snow is flying where I live. It snowed most of last night, and we woke to 5 or 6 inches of fresh, powdery snow. Keeping with the theme of snow, I thought I’d post a favorite Robert Frost poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” This poemContinueContinue reading “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Summer’s End
It’s that time of year when it’s cool in the morning and warm during the day. I’d dress in layers but I run cold so I end up keeping my layers on 😉 The impending change of seasons reminded me of a poem in my second book, Event Horizon, called “Summer’s End.” It seemed aproposContinueContinue reading “Summer’s End”
Dream Land—Christina Rossetti
I became acquainted with Christina Rossetti’s poetry while reading The Oxford Book of Christian Verse earlier this year. While her poems were written before the age of free verse, I was struck by how natural her language is—she avoids awkward word order to fit a poem’s meter or rhyme scheme. Some of her imagery isContinueContinue reading “Dream Land—Christina Rossetti”
Event Horizon—Coming Soon!
I’m happy to announce that my second book of poems, Event Horizon, will be available on Amazon in the next week or so. I hope that readers will check it out and pick up a copy. Event Horizon will be available in paperback and Kindle versions. In anticipation of the book’s release, I thought I’dContinueContinue reading “Event Horizon—Coming Soon!”
A Wandering Minstrel 