Episode: A journey into the psalter's darkest poem (Psalm 88) to explore tone and emotional state in poetry. This episode engages Linda Pastan's poem "Why are Your Poems So Dark?" Thanks to Linda Pastan for permission to use her poem, which was first published in Poetry Magazine in 2003, and in her collection A Queen of a Rainy Country, published by W. W. Norton.

Attribution: ©2006 by Linda Pastan. Used by permission of Linda Pastan in care of the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. (permissions@jvnla.com)

About: In Parallel is a new podcast that explores biblical and contemporary poetry. Please subscribe wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). For more information about the podcast, see HERE and to learn more about Brent, see HERE.

Help Support In Parallel: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support this new show.

Episode: What are we to make of the brutal last line in Psalm 137? "A blessing on the one who seizes your children and smashes them against the rock!" This episode explores unspeakable events, justice, revenge, death, and ... blessing. This episode engages John Savoie's poem "Trimmed and Burning."

Attributions: John Savoie’s poem, "Trimmed and Burning," appeared in Poetry Magazine in July 2003 (p. 207). It is used here with permission of the author.

About: In Parallel is a new podcast that explores biblical and contemporary poetry. Please subscribe wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). For more information about the podcast, see HERE and to learn more about Brent, see HERE.

Help Support In Parallel: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support this new show.

Episode: A reflection on Psalm 82, a somewhat confusing poem about God and justice, and poetic adventures in missing the point. The episode discusses Mitch Roberson's "Every Day We Are Dancers" and Billie Collins' "Introduction to Poetry."

About: In Parallel is a new podcast that explores biblical and contemporary poetry. Please subscribe wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). For more information about the podcast, see HERE and to learn more about Brent, see HERE.

Help Support In Parallel: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support this new show.