An Altogether Different Language

by Anne Porter

Book by Porter, Anne

Genres: Poetry

132 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 1995

Reviews

[David Bjorlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I picked up Porter's work and read a few poems, I mistook the simplicity for a cliched unoriginality. However, as I kept reading I found the simplicity to be more akin to a shaker chair: austere, yes, but beautiful in its simplicity - shorn of any excess that would impede upon its core image. And in an age where stating what one believes, thinks, or feels without irony is considered passe, her unabashed Christian spirituality is refreshing in its straight-forward themes of love, beauty, and hope. These traits can all be seen in the poem from which the book takes it's title, "An Altogether Different Language":

There was a church in Umbria, Little Portion,
Already old eight hundred years ago.
It was abandoned and in disrepair
But it was called St. Mary of the Angels
For it was known to be the haunt of angels,
Often at night the country people
Could hear them singing there.

What was it like, to listen to the angels,
To hear those mountain-fresh, those simple voices
Poured out on the bare stones of Little Portion
In hymns of joy?
No one has told us.
Perhaps it needs another language
That we have still to learn,
An altogether different language.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry Book. Although these poems are simple they are also profound. I loved the way that the poetess described what she saw around her, and especially nature, and looked for spiritual lessons. These poems were written in the final season of her life when she is looking toward Heaven. From the poem Leavetaking.

Nearing the start of the mysterious last season
Which brings us to the close of the other four,
I’m somewhat afraid and don’t know how to prepare
So I will praise you.

I will praise you for the glaze on buttercups
And the pearly scent of wild fresh water
And the great crossbow shapes of swans flying over
With that strong silken threshing sound of wings
Which you gave them when you made them without voices.

[Katie Mangum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorites:
Living Things
Native Americans
For My Son Johnny
Thérèse
For Joshua, One Month Old
A Short Testament
Song for the Town of Assisi
In Chartres
A List of Praises
Four Seasons Carol
Cause of Our Joy
Winter Twighlight
Oaks and Squirrels

[Kristi Mast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply lovely, accessible, but full of wonder. Anne Porter was the precise companion I needed in months filled with disappointment and and world-weariness. Her bright words helped me stay grounded in the simple, good reality of God’s world.

[Kenady Toombs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little collection touching on daily life, motherhood, and faith. With her knack for relating the infinite to the finite, Porter's descriptions and imagery remain refreshing and surprising. She considers how the earth is immersed in the divine in ways that are thought-provoking and revelatory of God. Well worth the read.

For someone who wants to go a bit deeper than interpretation, I will say that the collection would be enhanced by including a better biography of the author, an thematic analysis, and perhaps a timeline of publication/ footnotes explaining her occasional poetry.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few poetry books I have read yet it was so enriching to read Ann Porter's words describing nature, divinity, and light. They really do open your eyes to really "see" beauty in simplicity and love in others.

[Mariah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This turned out to be religious themed poetry, which isn't something I enjoy.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot say enough about how very sweet and good this little volume is. Loved it.