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Writing A Bible-Based Poem
Timeless Bible stories can generate timely poems that speak to and for your readers. For instance, this poem, published in the 2007 issue of Bridges, comes from the biblical accounts in Genesis 15 and Numbers 12 yet offers a word about the contemporary idea of sibling rivalry.
The Object Of Conversation
by Mary Harwell Sayler
They’re talking about you, Miriam. They’re
talking about how you should have married and
had a family of your own instead of hovering
over the one drawn from the water, long ago.
They’re talking about you as though you’re
absent -- as though no female prophet, past or
present, could count herself as blessed as any
man who speaks, face to face, with God.
Outside the camp of jealousy in the weak site
of leprosy, can you forgive your brother Moses
for having to intercede for you and pray when
you would prefer it to be the other way around?
Neither forgiveness nor forgetfulness will come
by your welcoming death, so save your breath!
And just so you'll know, this talk goes on and
on in Bible circles where we discuss how rivalry
erupted, corrupting your pores with your longing
to speak for God -- to stand alone and yet belong
among the prophetically great leaders of the world.
So we interpret you as we see fit: appraising right,
assessing wrong, but even now we sing your song.
Translating Bible Poems Into Your Own Language
Over the centuries, countless people and committees of translators have brought ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic texts of Holy Scripture into the English language without changing the context or original intent. You can do this too! As an example, this version of the following Bible verses appeared in a 1998 issue of Upsouth.
Psalm 62:1, 2
by Mary Harwell Sayler
For God alone
in silence waits
my soul.
From Him alone
in strength waits
my salvation.
My Rock! My Fortress!
I shall not be moved.
In God alone
my soul shall not be shaken.
From Bible Verse To Bible-Based Verse
This longer free verse poem below somewhat changes the Bible verses found in I Corinthians 13, but it does so on purpose. The idea was not to mar the meaning but to direct the Bible-based poem toward a readership of Christian writers and Christian poets, such as those who originally read the poem in a 2000 issue of Cross & Quill.
Taking A Bible Stanza
by Mary Harwell Sayler
Though I speak with the most angelic voice
heard in the hearts of men….
Though I resound as a clear bell calling
all readers to ring with praise….
Though I prophesy with power,
decipher mysteries, acquire
insight, & utter wisdom well….
Though I have faith to move
mountains of people with perceptive words
& cast rejection into deep depths of the sea….
Though I write all I have been given
& hand over my body of work without
reimbursement or acknowledgment….
Though I may boast of publication & best-sells….
Without love for God & readers, my work is nothing.
The loving writer-poet must be patient,
kind – not proud.
The loving writer-poet must not insist
“My work, my way!” nor be
manuscripted with resentment,
but rejoice, rejoice in giving voice to truth.
The loving writer-poet bears all
disappointments, believes all
timing comes from God, & has all
hope to end: endure.
The loving writer-poet knows
we know in part, but every part
of every reader needs
The Loving Word of God.
This love story, theme, or purpose
never ends.
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