Walking With Thomas Merton: Discovering His Poetry, Essays, and Journals

by Robert G. Waldron

Discovering the Unknown Merton Merton as poet is one of the least known and most under-appreciated aspects of his life. In preparation for giving a retreat, the award-winning author re-examined Merton's spiritual classics, journals, essays, letters, and especially his poetry--and found himself on a journey parallel to Merton's toward a deeper contemplative life. Walking with Thomas Merton-- · shows the deep relationship between poetry and prayer. · is inviting spiritual reading. · will inspire journal keepers, poets, retreatants and devotees of Merton.

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Robert Waldron holds a B.A. in English, an M.Ed., and an M.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts. He has taught English Literature and Language at Boston Latin School—Boston’s first public school, for 33 years.

Waldron is the recipient of four fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities; in 1997 he also received first prize from the Catholic Press Association for the best article on spirituality written for a periodical. In addition to scholarly articles, he has written several books including: Poetry as Prayer: the Hound of Heaven, The Lost Diary of Francis Thompson Poetry as Prayer: Thomas Merton, and A Man of a Certain Tread.

Waldron is intrigued by the life inside abbeys, seminaries, and convents, places where people have given up a worldly life to pursue something greater. His novel, Blue Hope takes place in a Cistercian abbey; in this remote New England setting, John Highet comes face to face with the great poet Ethan Seegard, now a reclusive monk at the abbey.

Reviews

[Jamie Brame · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Thomas Merton for almost 45 years, and while I would never call myself an expert, I have read enough to feel like I have a working knowledge of his subject matter. What I loved about this book was the focus on the poetry - not all of it, by any means - something on which many books don't spend much time. Merton's prayer life and writing about contemplation have always been my focus, so it was interesting to read an author who focused his writing on Merton's writing as an act of prayer! Waldron reminded me that Merton sought himself, as well as God, through writing. This is a short book, but it certainly packed a punch and made me pull out my old copy of The Collected Poems of Thomas Merton! Thanks, Mr. Waldron, for sharing from your personal journal!

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We seek the peace that surpasses understanding."

I must admit, this is not a book I would have picked out for myself. But a friend insisted I read it through, let them know my thoughts, and I find I actually greatly enjoyed this one.

Mr. Waldron does a phenomenal job of introducing his audience to Thomas Merton, even in the form of semi-sporadic journal entries. Not only do I feel as if I've learnt enough about Merton to interest me in diving into some of his literature, but Mr. Waldron has inspired me to pursue some of the other authors featured in this book.

Very insightful, incredibly knowledgeable, and thoroughly detailed.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why was this book published? Perhaps I should ask why it was published and how come some of those folks on the back cover mislead us with undue praise. Did they read the bool or just endorse it as a favor? There should be more integity in the reviewers who are often paid by the book company or do some one a favor in exchange for a good review of their work, but this leads us to mustrust them and regret spending money on books that waste our time.

This is so here in a book about one man's journal during a summer sabbatical while he prepares to teach a one day workshop on Merton's poetry. It adds nothing to the glut of Merton books and sheds no new light on Merton himself. What it does do is show us how the author is enamored with Merton, whose poetry was after all not that good, and who would not appreciate such hero worship.

[David Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journal by Robert Waldron during his preparation to lead a Merton retreat. Expounds on popular issues related to Merton's life; answers lots of questions.