Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Isaiah's Coal" is a poem by John Frederick Nims, an American poet and literary critic who lived from 1913 to 1999. Nims was known for his concise and powerful poems, as well as his contributions to American literature.

Context:

The poem reflects on the Biblical story of the prophet Isaiah and his encounter with God, as described in the Book of Isaiah. The poem explores the themes of faith, redemption, and transformation, as well as the power of language to convey deep spiritual truths.

Content:

The poem is a meditation on the Biblical story of Isaiah and his encounter with God. The poem describes Isaiah's sense of unworthiness and his realization of his own sinfulness, as well as the transformative power of God's grace. The poem also reflects on the power of language to convey deep spiritual truths, and the ways in which words can inspire and transform us.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter. The poem's form contributes to its sense of naturalness and organic flow, reflecting the complexity and richness of the Biblical story.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a range of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. For example, the poem uses the metaphor of a "live coal" to describe the transformative power of God's grace, creating a sense of warmth and illumination. The repetition of the phrase "here I am" emphasizes Isaiah's sense of humility and his willingness to be transformed.

Summary:

Overall, "Isaiah's Coal" is a powerful and evocative poem that reflects on the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of humility and faith in our lives. Nims' use of poetic techniques and devices creates a sense of richness and depth, reflecting the complexity and richness of the Biblical story. The poem remains a valuable contribution to the canon of American literature and provides insight into the ways in which language can inspire and transform us.

Poem Excerpt:

"Then came one of the seraphim with a live coal in his hand

which he had taken from the altar with tongs.

And he touched my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips;

and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Then said I, Here am I; send me."

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