Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"About God & Things" is a poem by Wanda Coleman that was first published in her collection "Mercurochrome: New Poems" in 2001. The poem explores the theme of the complexities of faith and the ways in which the speaker grapples with the concept of God.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker questioning the nature of God and their place within the divine order. The speaker reflects on the ways in which their faith has been shaped by their experiences and the ways in which their understanding of God has evolved over time. The poem also explores the theme of the importance of questioning and exploring one's own beliefs in order to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The poem consists of four stanzas of varying lengths.
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid visual imagery that evokes the experiences of the speaker, as well as emotional imagery that describes the speaker's feelings of uncertainty and questioning.
• Allusion: The poem makes reference to biblical stories and religious concepts, such as the story of Adam and Eve and the concept of original sin.
• Theme: The poem explores the themes of the complexities of faith, the importance of questioning one's beliefs, and the ways in which our understanding of God and the divine can evolve over time.

Conclusion:

"About God & Things" is a thoughtful and introspective poem that explores the complexities of faith and the ways in which our understanding of God and the divine can evolve over time. The poem's use of vivid imagery, allusion, and introspection creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the experiences of the speaker, while its underlying themes of questioning one's beliefs and the importance of exploring one's faith underscore the value of seeking a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Poem Snippet:

"I believe in God

because I have sinned

and felt God's grace.

I believe in God because

I cannot explain the wind."