THE SIXTEEN POETS ABOVE were selected as
a sample initial population for an upcoming Audio Anthology of
Contemplative Poetry. They do not share very much in common
(except that three were Jesuit priests, who were not chosen,
however, because of their religious vocation). They do share the
character of contemplation. In a sense most lyrical poetry has as
its cause experiences "recollected in tranquility"
[Wordsworth]. . . |
and produces an audible and
visible result that we know as intimate and deeply personal poetry over
against heroic, dramatic, narrative and light verse.
However, we use the expression
"contemplative poetry" to represent a smaller segment in which
the presence of "eternal being" is almost palpable, whether
deities are invoked or not. Careful listening will paint a better
picture of the meaning of the term than my pitiful analytical attempts
could ever do. Listen. |