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Holy Week Sonnets
A rarity in American letters, "Holy Week Sonnets" offers a cycle of sacred verse. Further, this new collection of 24 sonnets by Philip Rosenbaum evokes the last worldly experiences of Jesus Christ and those who knew him, as described in the New Testament. It is sublime reading for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. The foreword, by the noted evangelist Joni Eareckson Tada, highlights the importance of this book for active Christians. She writes, "Poetry may demand our intellect, but these poems command our undivided heart. 'Holy Week Sonnets' speak to our innermost being, revealing the beauty and brilliance of our Savior in the most unexpected way." "Holy Week Sonnets" describe such moments as Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, Martha’s devotion to Jesus, His Passion itself, and Thomas the doubter’s conviction. The book, deftly designed by the distinguished graphic designer Kathleen Sims, displays each poem on a right-hand page, with relevant Bible citations printed in red on the facing page. Complete Bible passages appear in an appendix. Hardbound in red and smaller than standard size, the lovely volume sits lightly in the hand and has a ribbon bookmark.
- GenresPoetry
105 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 18, 2019
A wonderful collection of sonnets and a beautiful little book.
December 24, 2007
This is one of my picks for "six small press poetry books that soar".
This elegant hardback collection of sonnets is a rare treat. Well-written formal poetry, complete with meter and rhyme, is like a swift breeze of invigorating air in a world that all too often scorns the riches of tradition. And these sonnets are indeed well-written: the alliteration, rhythm, and imagery work together to move the reader to reflection, as he or she embarks on a Holy Week journey from the costly anointing of Christ, through the crucifixion, to the resurrection. I could name many favorites in this volume, but I will content myself with a few. "A Single Stone" inspires empathy for the often overlooked Martha; "Good Friday, 1987" shows how intellectual confusion can be happily consumed by childlike faith; and "The Signature" reminds us of the beautifully brutal way Christ sealed His contract with us. These are beautiful poems to read aloud, and this is the kind of collection that can bear repeated reading each year during Lent. The poems are complemented by scripture references, which are printed in their entirety in the second half of the book, so that you may use the volume as a kind of devotional.
This elegant hardback collection of sonnets is a rare treat. Well-written formal poetry, complete with meter and rhyme, is like a swift breeze of invigorating air in a world that all too often scorns the riches of tradition. And these sonnets are indeed well-written: the alliteration, rhythm, and imagery work together to move the reader to reflection, as he or she embarks on a Holy Week journey from the costly anointing of Christ, through the crucifixion, to the resurrection. I could name many favorites in this volume, but I will content myself with a few. "A Single Stone" inspires empathy for the often overlooked Martha; "Good Friday, 1987" shows how intellectual confusion can be happily consumed by childlike faith; and "The Signature" reminds us of the beautifully brutal way Christ sealed His contract with us. These are beautiful poems to read aloud, and this is the kind of collection that can bear repeated reading each year during Lent. The poems are complemented by scripture references, which are printed in their entirety in the second half of the book, so that you may use the volume as a kind of devotional.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews