I've written before that I've attempted to read more poetry with the goal of slowing down. I usually read fast, consuming dozens of books every year. But poetry can't be read (or at least read well) at a fast clip.
I've tried reading poetry online, since there are some great email newsletters (such as The Curator and Rabbit Room Poetry) that share great poetry each week, but the truth is, I read differently on paper (and you probably do too). So I've decided to invest in a few new poetry books each year. It is an inexpensive splurge to value rest. My goal is to read a page or so of poetry every day - a goal that I fail at dismally. Though a poetry book resides by my bed all year long, too often it doesn't get opened. But for the last couple years, I've been sharing a poem with friends every day in April (on a screen!) for Poetry Month. This makes me prioritize opening up my poetry books (as well as searching for new poems online - yes, I'll still keep reading poetry on a screen!)
Here are three books that I'm presently enjoying.
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Tracing Lines by Lori Hershberger
I enjoy reading Lori's newsletter. Her poems are inspired by the prairie of her homeland in Kansas and her present home in the mountains of Thailand. Her words have a lush poignancy that makes me go back and reread them.
I was thrilled when Lori made a new collection of her poems in a book. Even though some of these I've read before, I love having a paper copy. Whether she is writing about moths or sparrows, grief or sunrises, jet lag or Amish hymns - I always relish Lori's words.
You can read Lori's poetry on her blog or order her new book from Lori or Amazon.
Cup My Days Like Water by Abigail Carroll
Many Christians would pick Psalms as their favorite book of the Bible. The words of Psalms have brought comfort to countless believers, giving words to life joys and sorrows. Even those who would say they don't enjoy poetry, may enjoy Psalms.
Abigail Carroll has written a collection of poems inspired by the first half of the book of Psalms. Each poem includes a phrase, sometimes only a few words, from a Psalm. Each morning this month I've been beginning my day by reading the next Psalm in a version that formats the chapter as a poem. Then I read Carroll's poem based on that Psalm. Her poetry always feels fresh and reviving. She is a master at metaphors from nature and I usually go back and reread the Psalm with a fresh perspective.
I'm hoping that Carroll is working on completing the last half of Psalms in a future book.
You can read some of Carroll's poems on her website or order one of her book.
An Axe for the Frozen Sea: Conversations with Poets about What Matters Most by Ben Palpant
A couple years ago, I had an epiphany that I didn't need to like every poem I read, just as I didn't need to enjoy every published book. I narrowed down my preference of poetry to modern poets who are followers of Christ who write about Scripture or nature. That doesn't mean that I enjoy all modern poetry written by Christians. Or that I don't like some old poets. Or enjoy some poetry written by nonChristians. But to narrow down the genre has helped me find some poets that seem to hit my sweet spot. And I could ditch the pressure of liking a famous poets who others seemed to enjoy.
Two years ago, Ben Palpant interviewed seventeen poets about their life, work, and faith. He compiled their conversations into a book, called An Axe for the Frozen Sea. Only a few of the poets were familiar to me, but I came to the book hoping to find a few more favorite poets.
These were informal conversations. At times I wished they included essays by the poet, instead of a rambly conversation. But the interviews give a comfortable feeling of sitting in the poet's living room, or at a park or coffee shop and talking about family, vision, suffering, and more.
Many, maybe most, of these poets are older, some in their eighties and nineties. Though I'd certainly disagree with some of these poets' stance on doctrine, I appreciate their long term faithfulness to God and desire to build His kingdom. I read this book last year, and immediately wanted to reread it, but saved it for this spring to reread in Poetry Month.
One warning, though each interview includes at least one poem by each poet, this book is likely to give you a longing to buy more poetry books to read more of their poems.
You can listen to book for free on the Rabbit Room Press Presents podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Or purchase a paper copy at the Rabbit Room or Amazon.
Do you have a favorite poet or poetry book? I'd love to get some more book recommendations!
