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Lee Kiblinger's avatar

This is amazing, as are all of Jesse's sonnets. I can't wait to own a book of sonnets that are pastoral, devotional, and simply beautiful.

John Howard Gerber's avatar

Lee. This is a marvellous poem by Jesse. As someone else has said in the comments, we feel both his despair and his hope, his awareness of his own sinfulness and God’s abundant grace.

For a book of pastoral sonnets, have you tried Malcolm Guite? Sounding the Seasons is a book of sonnets meant to work with the liturgical year of the Church of England. They are a beautiful matched set! Also his cycle of sonnets inspired by and interpreting George Herbert’s sonnet, “Prayer”. Blessings.

Lee Kiblinger's avatar

Thank you John! I think I have most of Guite’s books of sonnets. They are lovely. I know my friend Jesse B would love to be compared to Guite!

Heather Cadenhead's avatar

So many good lines in this one: "twist my talk to till / Up trouble," "seeding soulish soils," "mute, as any mouthing might / Make known..." I appreciate the invitation into this moment.

Rebecca Hunsberger's avatar

Yay! I always love seeing your poems released into the world. Thanks, Jesse!

Serene's avatar

I feel the desire and the despair in this pastor.

Karen Wells's avatar

Brilliant, Jesse. Grateful for your words.

Jerry Foote's avatar

Yes. Finding the single source.