The following essay is adapted from Chapter 3 of “The Fortunes of Poetry in an Age of Unmaking.” Those who love literature, or at any rate have a vested interest in making sure great works of literature are taught at universities and that radical politics are not, could only find the conquest . . . . Continue Reading »
Our contributor and next years' honoree for the Annual Poetry Reading, Dana Gioia, was just named California's Poet Laureate. Here's an illustration of why:Prayer at Winter SolsticeBlessed is the road that keeps us homeless. Blessed is the mountain that blocks our way.Blessed are hunger . . . . Continue Reading »
Their headstones now have sunken into sand,amid tall weeds, some cholla, scattered sage,the writing visible, but not at hand.Their years among the dead compose my age.That which they did was well done, be it said.Their journey, both of reason and ideal,was beautiful, if odd—one step ahead,one . . . . Continue Reading »
There, in the hay’s warmth and the steaming sty,The Word born to the frailty of fleshCracks our mortality with a weak cryAnd seals our life within his endlessness.The Word born to the frailty of flesh,He lies wrapped in the cloths of mystery,And seals our life within his endlessness,In infant . . . . Continue Reading »
Let us nail ourselves to him, resistingthe temptation to stand apart or to joinothers in mocking him.” —Pope Benedict XVILet us nail ourselves to him and resisttemptation’s lure to mock the onewho loves us most. Surely thisis the serpent’s curse: angel outdoneby temptation’s lure. We mock: . . . . Continue Reading »
Sabbath: You make demandsupon my heart, upon my hands,and, certainly, upon my mind:a quietness, profound, benignwhere receptivity will findits satisfaction: fruitfulness flowsfrom this place of deep . . . . Continue Reading »
This is a book about how poetry can save you. More specifically, it is a book about how poetic rhythm can reset the harmony of your body and soul. In his powerful and original reading of Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy, Stephen Blackwood uncovers a sustained musical therapy during which the imprisoned poet moves from baffled despair at the world’s injustice to contemplative joy over providential order.
In light of our upcoming poetry event on October 25, here's an introduction to Christian Wiman's verse.
What makes literature permanently praiseworthy? Continue Reading »
Subscribe
Latest Issue
Support First Things
