Poetry...A Neglected Art Form

Poetry is an amazing way to convey thought and emotion in a way that touches the soul like no other.  The primary genre in the Old Testament is poetry.  It affects greatly, yet it is surprisingly overlooked.  For example, the portrait on the right is of the Christian poet John Donne.  However, many do not even know of this great man or others like him.  So as we approach Holy Week I would like to inspire every so often with a poem by a great Christian poet.  As you can guess, below is a poem written by John Donne.  I would really like to discuss these poems with anyone interested.  We can do this through comments below, facebook, phone, or meeting over some coffee.  Also, if you have a poem that you believe would be appropriate please send it to me!  So without further ado...

Death be not proud, though some have called thee

Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;

For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow

Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,

Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,

And soonest our best men with thee do go,

Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.

Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,

And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;

And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well,

And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?

One short sleep past, we wake eternally,

And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.