Poets on the Psalms

by Lynn Domina

Book Overview

Reverential, celebratory, antagonistic, and even erotic, this remarkable collection of essays interprets the Psalms as a collection of poetry. Written by 14 acclaimed poets, the essays approach the Psalms from a personal, often autobiographical perspective, demonstrating how relevant they remain for today's readers. Alicia Ostriker examines the Psalms' glory and their terror in a moving essay that revels in their moods of joy while acknowledging the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595340483
• ISBN13: 9781595340481
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Trinity University Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Fresh Insights into the Most Intimate of Bible Voices

I think the all-time best Preface to Psalms is Bono's preface for the series that now is reprinted as "Revelations: Personal Responses to the Books of the Bible," a book that I also recommend. But that volume is far broader than the Psalms. And, I know from hearing many readers' reactions to Bono's "take" on the Psalms over the years that many of us welcome this kind of larger reflection on this timeless collection of poetry. So, if you're spiritually eager to hear more voices sharing their experiences with these ancient hymns, then grab a copy of this book and you'll find it richly rewarding as well. I should explain to prospective readers that this is a book on poetry without much poetry between the covers. There are a few snippets here and there, but these are much like Bono's now-famous preface to Psalms. These pieces are intended as personal guides along a dozen different pilgrimage routes into these words that have been voiced by billions over thousands of years. Why do we even want this kind of guidance? Because Psalms aren't like other scripture. Somehow, reflections from a pulpit don't scrape much beyond the surface of these lines. Psalms are visceral. Psalms are more than personal. Psalms are mysterious. Like music, Psalms are our own voices springing from us like a refrain we can't stop singing -- except in these words, they spring from us in the hope that some Listener out there will hear, as well. Given the intensity of that experience down through the millennia -- as you read this collection, you'll agree with some writers and argue with others. I did. But you'll also find gem-like moments that you'll remember after the book is done. Here's one, poet Janet McCann writing about this deep intimacy of Psalms: "What emerges for me finally is the total isolation of the self -- a minute particle of fire possessed with the desire to rejoin the flame." If that line speaks to you -- then you've found a book, here, that you need to read.

Although some poetry is included, the book is mainly poets speaking in essay form

The Bible has inspired more art, literature, and other creative endeavors more than any other single thing in history. "Poets on the Psalms" focuses on the Psalms, with countless poets speaking out on countless Psalms, discussing them with vivid imagery and examining why this ancient wisdom still holds some ground in the modern era. Although some poetry is included, the book is mainly poets speaking in essay form. Deftly compiled, "Poets on the Psalms" is highly recommended to community library poetry collections with a focus on religion.