Currently reading
The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature (Canto)
Boys and Girls Learn Differently!: A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Ambition and Survival: Becoming a Poet
Deep River: The Life and Music of Robert Shaw
Daring, Trusting Spirit
The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities, and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church
The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia
Herbert: Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets)
I have always loved the poetry of George Herbert since I was introduced to it in my English lit class in high school. I have always been fascinated with his poems that visibly "look like" the title of the poem. "EasterWings", for instance, looks like wings! See http://www.ccel.org/h/herbert/temple/Easterwings.html for an example of how the poem is supposed to be positioned on the page. See also "The Altar" at http://www.ccel.org/h/herbert/temple/Altar.html . I love this visual poetry!George Herbert was godly Anglican priest who lived from 1593 to 1633. His time as rector of Fugglestone St. Peter near Salisbury was noted for his unfailing and loving care of his parishioners. He died of TB a mere 3 years after taking his orders. This collection of his poems is an excellent one. His poems are finely crafted jewels of language, imagery and conceits that were used by the metaphysical poets. Each can be held up to the sun and it sparkles and throws millions of rays of beauty and truth into the heart and mind of the reader! Now in re-reading his poems not as an academic exercise for school, I find instead great instruction as a spiritual exercise. That is indeed why he wrote them. They are wonderful for reading and contemplation.
