The Role of the Moon: Poems

Step into a captivating poetic conversation that spans centuries. The Role of the Moon explores the timeless themes of faith, loss, transcendence, and renewal, echoing the intricate metaphors of John Donne, George Herbert, and their 17th-century contemporaries. Inspired by the rich tradition of Metaphysical Poetry, this collection weaves together spiritual depth and lyrical brilliance, offering reflections that speak to the modern soul and challenge readers to think deeply about life's big questions.

Engaging with the works of Milton, Shakespeare, and Jonson, as well as later poetic giants like Gerard Manley Hopkins, Emily Dickinson, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, these verses create a "New Metaphysical" voice--bridging the past with the present.

Through evocative imagery and masterful language, The Role of the Moon contemplates divine encounters, human frailty, light and darkness, and the mysteries of existence. Perfect for readers who love classic poetry, literary meditations, spiritual poetry, and philosophical verse, this collection invites you to explore the profound beauty of poetic tradition in a fresh and modern way.

Perfect for readers of:

• Metaphysical Poets (Donne, Herbert, Marvell)
• Classic Poetry (Shakespeare, Milton, Jonson)
• Spiritual & Philosophical Poetry (Hopkins, Dickinson, Browning)
• Modern Poetic Reflection on Faith & Transcendence

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THE ROLE OF THE MOON (from "Metaphysicals IX")

If I were bolder I'd cry out
complain of your inattention
yet who am I to dispute? You know
me as well as you knew the hand
reaching for the fruit

"The Role of the Moon comprises D.S. Martin's moving homage to the Metaphysicals, using metaphor as they did to grapple with supernal truths. Few beside Martin himself could, without the least pretension, undertake to emulate such grand predecessors. We readers are blessed that he did. " --Sydney Lea, Vermont Poet Laureate (2011-2015)

"The most distinctive gift of this collection is the sustained conversation with John Donne and the tradition he represents, producing a series of witty, poignant, searching interactions that bear many re-readings. A formidable achievement" --Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury (2002-2012)

"D. S. Martin's The Role of the Moonis a conversation with the tradition of English-language Christian poetry--a strikingly creative one. Many are the books that play off of earlier poets, but few are those that, as here, achieve real originality and relevance. Notable for agilely shifting tones, phrase-making ability, and an inventive combination of freedom and formality, these are alert and profound, memorable, often quotable poems." --A. F. Moritz, Griffin Poetry Prize Winner