What Poem Do We Need Right Now?
I need your help on this one
This year has put us and our society to the test, regardless of our allegiances (political or otherwise). Culturally, we tend to demonize or distract with mockery and memes.
With so much unrest and difficulty happening around the world, I have a question: What poem do we need right now?
It’s a simple question. It’s an honest question. And I’m genuinely asking you.
Many would argue that we don’t need art at a time like this. This looks like a time for pragmatism or political strategy. I don’t deny that as a necessary piece of the puzzle. We also need to go deeper than utility. We need transformation.
Here is a helpful word from Makoto Fujimura:
Art is ultimately not ‘useful.’ It serves no practical function. This is why it is indispensable, especially in the modern age. . . . We provide arts education so that we can have better teachers, doctors, engineers, mothers, and fathers. Arts are not a luxury but a path to educate the whole individual toward thriving.”1
Help me to thrive by answering: What poem do we need right now?
Please leave a comment with the poem or a link to it. It can be classic, modern, yours or someone else’s. Let it speak to us.
Here’s my attempt.
Peace2
Henry Vaughan (1621–1695)
My Soul, there is a country Afar beyond the stars, Where stands a winged sentry All skillful in the wars; There, above noise and danger Sweet Peace sits, crown’d with smiles, And One born in a manger Commands the beauteous files. He is thy gracious friend And (O my Soul awake!) Did in pure love descend, To die here for thy sake. If thou canst get but thither, There grows the flow’r of peace, The rose that cannot wither, Thy fortress, and thy ease. Leave then thy foolish ranges, For none can thee secure, But One, who never changes, Thy God, thy life, thy cure.
It’s your turn!
Makoto Fujimura. 2017. Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for Our Common Life. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Books.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45429/peace-56d2250b10901
Lately, whenever tragic events and almost-tragedies occur, I have thought about this poem-hymn by John Newton. It seems like it could be paired with 1 Peter 1:3-9, as we grieve with hope these "various trials," which plunge us deeper into the reality that Jesus is our greatest treasure.
VERSE 1
I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and ev’ry grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
VERSE 2
‘Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer,
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair.
VERSE 3
I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He’d answer my request
And, by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins and give me rest.
VERSE 4
Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev’ry part.
VERSE 5
Yea, more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe,
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Humbled my heart and laid me low.
VERSE 6
“Lord, why is this,” I trembling cried;
“Wilt Thou pursue Thy worm to death?”
“’Tis in this way,” the Lord replied,
“I answer prayer for grace and faith.”
VERSE 7
“These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”