The Shape of a Poem, the Shape of a Life

A Consideration of Robert Herrick

By Lawrence “Mack in Texas” Hall

Yes, they are awkward, those poems written in shapes
But if God writes our lives as poetry
Limned and formed for our continuation
We ask that He shape us with clarity and charity

A line of verse is not a scattering of thoughts
Flung randomly as leaves upon the ground
But rather a thoughtful, heartful shaping of meaning
To forward life to its logical end

Yes, they are awkward, those poems written in shapes
But we are awkward, if not shaped with love

What do you think?