Portrait of John the Evangelist from the Book of Kells (circa 800 AD)‘The Book of Kells’ by Jane Blanchard The Society May 31, 2018 Beauty, Culture, Poetry 4 Comments The intricacies of script and figure are amazing. Kudos to the faithful who made contributions large or small. By far this volume is the greatest ever to present illuminated gospel. Ink was carefully applied to skins of calves bred for this very purpose. Just to think of such devotion—nothing done by halves— puts me to shame. As one who tries to craft a poem now and then for reasons not exclusively religious, I know—draft by draft—when I am falling short. No jot of mine will ever match the artistry of monks renowned for anonymity Jane Blanchard lives and writes in Georgia. She has two collections—Unloosed and Tides & Currents—both with Kelsay Books. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 4 Responses James Sale May 31, 2018 Very well crafted and I lot the thoughts involved in this poem – we do have a lot to learn from the past. Reply David Hollywood May 31, 2018 An extraordinary book to witness and the more often you see the pages turned then the more overwhelmed you are as to the artistry and craft of such a volume. I think your poem offers terrific regard,respect and reverence for such a spectacular piece of biblical transcription and achievement. Thank you. Reply C.B. Anderson May 31, 2018 Very nice, Jane. I’ve read your work all over the place, and I am never disappointed. Few people know that “vellum” is a word that’s cognate with “veal,” and of course we’re speaking here of calf-skin. Reply Reducible Awes June 3, 2018 Ms. Blanchard’s sonnet reminds me of Mr. Whidden’s sonnets generally, for the enjambment here, the carefulness, the embracing of the old—almost breathtaking and convincing—though perhaps Ms. Blanchard’s language is even more refined. It is something I admire in both of these sonneteers, even if I am tilting at sonnets. The opening elision is nice, the dance of exquisite music, not conveyed in her free verse, excellent, the best rhyme of “calves” in the English language (Whose is better?), and the oxymoronic finale. If not as subtle or allusive as “Dear George”, its grace is as elegant as Ms. Coates’ translation of Du Bellay in “Political Correctness”. If the SCP is going to be known for anything, its seems it will be known for its sonnets. If only we could take Pound’s “Cantos” and spruce ’em up a bit, maybe we could reach Ithaca. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
James Sale May 31, 2018 Very well crafted and I lot the thoughts involved in this poem – we do have a lot to learn from the past. Reply
David Hollywood May 31, 2018 An extraordinary book to witness and the more often you see the pages turned then the more overwhelmed you are as to the artistry and craft of such a volume. I think your poem offers terrific regard,respect and reverence for such a spectacular piece of biblical transcription and achievement. Thank you. Reply
C.B. Anderson May 31, 2018 Very nice, Jane. I’ve read your work all over the place, and I am never disappointed. Few people know that “vellum” is a word that’s cognate with “veal,” and of course we’re speaking here of calf-skin. Reply
Reducible Awes June 3, 2018 Ms. Blanchard’s sonnet reminds me of Mr. Whidden’s sonnets generally, for the enjambment here, the carefulness, the embracing of the old—almost breathtaking and convincing—though perhaps Ms. Blanchard’s language is even more refined. It is something I admire in both of these sonneteers, even if I am tilting at sonnets. The opening elision is nice, the dance of exquisite music, not conveyed in her free verse, excellent, the best rhyme of “calves” in the English language (Whose is better?), and the oxymoronic finale. If not as subtle or allusive as “Dear George”, its grace is as elegant as Ms. Coates’ translation of Du Bellay in “Political Correctness”. If the SCP is going to be known for anything, its seems it will be known for its sonnets. If only we could take Pound’s “Cantos” and spruce ’em up a bit, maybe we could reach Ithaca. Reply
