In the Dark Before Dawn: New Selected Poems

by Thomas Merton, Lynn R. Szabo (Editor), Kathleen Norris (Foreword)

A new view of the innovative poetry by the late, great Trappist monk and religious philosopher.

Genres: Poetry, Christian, Spirituality

253 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Thomas Merton, religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. In December 1941 he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and in May 1949 he was ordained to priesthood. He was a member of the convent of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.

Reviews

[Lisal Kayati Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love poetry. This was hard going for me. The imagery was stunning at times but largely disjointed. I never felt any continuity or connectedness to the subject or the poet. It seemed esoteric and unapproachable. Perhaps I am simply not interpreting his message. To me- Merton is a brilliant theologian and mystic on many levels - perhaps his poetry is beyond the ken of my sensibilities.

[Cooper Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skipped big chunks of this. The earlier poems frequently feel too belabored and “metaphysical,” as well as more conventionally religious than I normally enjoy. The later work is more open, more inviting, more concrete. I think the thematic grouping was a mistake—yes, it allows comparison of similar poems but also makes them seem too same-y. But still the fine poems are quite fine (and I wonder if he influenced Robert Bly and James Wright), and I probably missed some good work in my impatience with the more “intellectual” pieces.

[Michelle’s Vintage Library]

I don’t feel like I’ve spent enough time with this collection of poetry to give it a star rating. I will probably reread it (or parts of it) at some point.

There were a few really good poems in it and there were many that would only be of interest if you were studying Merton.

[Ann Hein]

I'll blame it on Covid-19 brain. It was not easy for me to appreciate.

[Rob]

As a longtime admirer of Merton in his many roles as monk, intellectual, poet, human being with all the weaknesses and temptations and failures that we all have I am enjoying reading his poetry again. Some of the poems are breathtaking in their visual acuity and they show what a truly gifted poet he was. His poem written for his brother who went missing in action in WW2 is so poignant and yet so full of the hope that a deep faith in Christ gives. I am enjoying dipping in and out of this volume, reading them aloud so that the full sonic beauty of the verse is clear. Wonderful! Uplifting!

[Matt Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these poems feel more polished than others, but polished or rough, his best works reflect Merton's characteristic simplicity and humility that surprise the reader with their clarity. This might be a strange choice for my first to read of his collections, but I'm glad I chose it.