Backward Mutters

Category: poetry

  • William and Emily

    “William and Emily” from Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. My bride and I recited this in a produced recitation of a collection of readings from the work as a whole over twenty years ago. There is something aboutDeath like love itself!If with some one with whom you have known…

  • Death Be Not Proud

    I immersed myself in Donne’s poetry while an undergraduate because I found in his poetry an interweaving of two very important things in my life: my Christianity and my love of beauty. “A Hymn to God” and “Batter My Heart” spoke to my experience in struggling to believe. Another favorite…

  • Hebrews Poetic Commentary: Hebrews 1:1-3

    In an attempt to distill my thoughts and engage creatively in the communication of the gospel, I’ve been attempting to write a poetic commentary (since ’96 actually) on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Here’s a renewed first stab at Hebrews 1:1-3 Today, the last dayGod said it allThrough the Heir…

  • Proverbs 5 and Great Poetry, Part 3

    A VALEDICTION FORBIDDING MOURNINGby John Donne As virtuous men pass mildly away,And whisper to their souls to go,Whilst some of their sad friends do say,“Now his breath goes,” and some say, “No.” So let us melt, and make no noise,No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move ;‘Twere profanation of our joysTo tell…

  • Proverbs 5 and Great Poetry, Part 2

    Here’s another John Donne treasure. In it Donne employs his mastery of conceit. By conceit, we mean a cleverly employed metaphor which is unusual. Here, comparing his beloved to fish bait. The Bait by John Donne. Come live with me, and be my love,And we will some new pleasures proveOf…