Transfiguring: Poems

by Nathaniel Schmidt

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2023

At times brutal and raw, at others tender and sensitive, Transfiguring seeks to make sense of life in a world so often vicious and beautiful. A formalist work rich in imagery, allusion, narrative, and prosody, readers will encounter a surprising array of people and situations: from Icarus falling out of the sky to a chaplain sitting with his patients; from Judith beheading Holofernes to Saint Thomas reflecting on his doubt; from the poet growing his faith in an art museum to first hearing someone pray in tongues. Each poem wonders how these experiences, be they holy or horrific, shape us spiritually. Composed during a season of transition for the poet--into seminary, ministry, and marriage--Transfiguring processes experiences of loss, pain, and growth and wonders, What helps us to heal, and how do we hear God? It ponders what transfigures the human soul.

Praise for Transfiguring

“Nathaniel Schmidt tunes his ear to the sufferer on the margins, the wounded lying neglected on the side of the road, the long-dead standing forgotten in the shadows of the past. These poems ‘voice a paraphrasing line’ that transfigures their laments and confessions into a stuttering beauty, thereby testifying to the ultimate redemption for which we wait in hope.”

—Jeffrey Bilbro, editor-in-chief, Front Porch Republic



“Nathaniel Schmidt’s collection is a purifying fire. From the burning bush to the flames of hell, these poems explore the universal desire for transformation and its implications. Every poem leads the reader to more self-examination, more wonder, and more hope.”

—Rose Postma, poetry editor, Reformed Journal



“Transfiguring is that unusual collection in which the distinctive voice of the poet is there every time, while the wide-ranging subjects of the poems are always a bit surprising. Whether Nathaniel Schmidt is musing on mythology or biblical tales, or on the personal past, or on the emotional rigors of pastoral care, or on the nature of writing itself, his language runs at the reader with a hard-edged, unflinching reality that always comes to the same place: the confident assurance that grace is in the offing.”

—Gary Schmidt, professor of English, Calvin University



“In some respect, Nathaniel Schmidt may be construed as a latter-day George Herbert. Certain poems evince religious skepticism, a questioning that ultimately affirms faith in language packed yet clear, puissant, pulsing. The chaplain poems (Schmidt’s ministry compasses a psych ward) break one’s heart—but absent sentimentality. That is, candidly, thus, again, buttressing conviction. And few write such exemplary ekphrastic pieces: Schmidt possesses an innate sense, whereby painting flows through language, vis-à-vis language translates poetry.”

—Ethan Lewis, professor emeritus of English, University of Illinois at Springfield

Product Details

• Title: Transfiguring: Poems
• Author: Nathaniel Schmidt
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666772531, 9781666772524, 1666772526, 9781666772517, 1666772518, 1666772534
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666772531
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-07-04T22:36:41Z

About Nathaniel Schmidt

Nathaniel Schmidt (1862–1939) was professor of Semitic languages and literatures at Colgate University from 1888 to 1896 and later held the same position at Cornell University from 1896 to 1932. His numerous works include The Coming Religion, Ecclesiasticus, The Original Language of the Parables of Enoch, and Biblical Criticism and Theological Belief.