CBB Review – Sonnets from the Spirit

I recently had the opportunity to read a book I normally wouldn’t read. So goes the life of a book reviewer! I am glad I was afforded this opportunity and hope you do the sane. The book Sonnets from the Spirit is a masterfully written collection of poetry by Christopher Villiers and one like no other.

The book consists of fifty-two poems based upon major and familiar events from Sacred Scripture. Christopher utilizes the ancient practice of midrash in this book to compose these. Midrash is a method of interpreting Biblical stories that fills in the gaps of the Biblical narrative in regards to events and persons involved. It has it roots in Judaism and was a common practice of the Rabbi’s to help the faithful better understand the stories.

Each of the fifty-two poems is accompanied by a classic piece of sacred art. The combination of the two really makes this book a winner. The art serves as a bonus as I felt Christopher did a wonderful job painting the event in the mind’s eye with his words. The only way I know to effectively show this is to share one of the poems from the book. Christopher draws from both the Old and New Testament. I am using his poem from the New Testament on the agony in the garden below.

Gethsemane

The cup of pain brought to My lips this night,

Ordained offering of bitter wine,

Tomorrow’s battle grips My stomach tight,

Dread and obedience in prayer combine.

I must drink it’s dregs, swallow searing gall,

Dozing disciples take their callous nap,

While I stay to be betrayed by all,

Denials rising up like burning sap.

Alone, no cheering crowds, hosannas loud,

Just My Father’s will, the heaviest crown,

His graveyard garden and sky’s sunless shroud,

I wait for them to come and take him down.

Now is the power of darkness, now glances,

Glint at My face – now Judas advances.

If you like poetry than this book is a must. If you have never really spent much time reading poetry, like myself, I urge you to give Sonnets from the Spirit a try. A wonderful companion for meditation and prayer time, Christopher Villiers takes the reader on a journey through Scripture in an original way that you will undoubtedly enjoy.

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I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.