Update

Welcome back to another week of poetry pie. As an update, I plan to reduce the frequency of these editions from once a week to once every two weeks. Since I've been teaching a poetry class at the FEC I have had less time for writing, including Poetry Pie. I'd still like to reserve more time for other writings, such as articles and poetry, so it seemed like Poetry Pie was the best place to cut back. At present, I plan to return to a weekly schedule once the class is finished in May.

With that in mind, I only have two selections for you today. Both, however, have enough meat to count for the rest that are missing. Enjoy!

The Destruction of Sennacherib

Lord Byron (1788—1824)

Written by a man not particularly known for religious poetry, this poem tells the amazing story found in Isaiah 37, when Assyria besieged Jerusalem during the reign of king Hezekiah. The story ends in dramatic fashion as God himself slays 185,000 of the Assyrian army in the middle of the night. This poem captures much of this drama, ending with a line that is glorious in the praise of God's strength:

And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!

I also love this poem because it is written in anapests (I mention them quite often). The unique rhythm this creates is highly enjoyable for me as I hope it is for you.

The Spacious Firmament on High

Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

This poem follows the pattern of Psalm 19, describing the "voice" of all Creation as it speaks of its Creator. The sun, the moon, the stars and planets all speak into "reason's ear" that:

"The hand that made us is Divine."

I hope you enjoyed these poems. See you in two weeks!