A Video Poetry Reading of ‘The Settlers’ by Martin Rizley The Society August 19, 2025 Poetry, Readings, Symposium, Video 4 Comments . The poem “The Settlers” by Martin Rizley read by the poet himself at the Society of Classical Poets online Poetry Symposium on June 28, 2025: . Video created by Andrew Benson Brown. 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. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 4 Responses Mark Stellinga August 19, 2025 VERY impressive video, Andrew, and a very moving narrative as well, Martin. Unique and very entertaining… great job, both – Reply Margaret Coats August 19, 2025 Thanks, Martin and Andrew, for the reading and cinematic work that allows this impressive poem to stand forth again. This time, Martin, the words “frame” and “will” strike me more forcibly. You choose “frame” for the Oklahoma settlers’ dream of creating a proper wood-frame home above the soil where, ultimately, the “frame” or body of each is buried in the earth they worked. That is, human craft and skill contribute much to realization of the long-sustained settlement dream. But so does conformity to the “will” of God, including His ordinance of bearing and raising children to perpetuate their achievement. Along the way, faith in God is essential, as is the settlers’ own will to act in accord with the divine will. It engenders the present you as speaker bring into the poem, and the future you envision at its end. Once again, well done! “ Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant August 19, 2025 Andrew and Martin, thank you for this thoroughly engaging poetic journey of “The Settlers” – a great poem! It’s always lovely to hear poetry read aloud, and when there are carefully chosen visuals and beautiful music to enhance the words, it makes for a most pleasurable experience. Reply Paulette Calasibetta August 20, 2025 Martin and Andrew, what a beautiful poem! The narration read with a deep felt reverence, accompanied by the expressive visuals; I felt I was sharing in your ancestral roots, of courage and faith. A deep and moving piece! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ
Mark Stellinga August 19, 2025 VERY impressive video, Andrew, and a very moving narrative as well, Martin. Unique and very entertaining… great job, both – Reply
Margaret Coats August 19, 2025 Thanks, Martin and Andrew, for the reading and cinematic work that allows this impressive poem to stand forth again. This time, Martin, the words “frame” and “will” strike me more forcibly. You choose “frame” for the Oklahoma settlers’ dream of creating a proper wood-frame home above the soil where, ultimately, the “frame” or body of each is buried in the earth they worked. That is, human craft and skill contribute much to realization of the long-sustained settlement dream. But so does conformity to the “will” of God, including His ordinance of bearing and raising children to perpetuate their achievement. Along the way, faith in God is essential, as is the settlers’ own will to act in accord with the divine will. It engenders the present you as speaker bring into the poem, and the future you envision at its end. Once again, well done! “ Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant August 19, 2025 Andrew and Martin, thank you for this thoroughly engaging poetic journey of “The Settlers” – a great poem! It’s always lovely to hear poetry read aloud, and when there are carefully chosen visuals and beautiful music to enhance the words, it makes for a most pleasurable experience. Reply
Paulette Calasibetta August 20, 2025 Martin and Andrew, what a beautiful poem! The narration read with a deep felt reverence, accompanied by the expressive visuals; I felt I was sharing in your ancestral roots, of courage and faith. A deep and moving piece! Reply
