Scott Cairns does something interesting in this collection. He often comes off as a bit diffident in his other collections of poetry. Until he came out with Compass of Affections it was hard to know where he stood. Of course, having a clearly articulated dogmatic stand doesn’t sell poetry–at least in the academic world. But sometimes when we start to feel some kinship with a poet we want to be sure it isn’t our imagination.

In this book Scott Cairns shares his love for various holy fathers and mothers of the church, reforming their writings into succinct poems. He is introducing the reader to his library of saints, and his love for them and for God is palpable. And the verse is very pleasing.

Annie Dillard says that Scott Cairns is one of the best poets alive.  A rather bold statement.

Yes he is a very good poet and Orthodox, and if you love poetry this is one of those books you should read. Here’s a few lines from “Adventures in New Testament Greek: Metanoia“

The heart’s metanoia

on the other hand, turns

without regret, turns not

so much away as toward,

as if the slow pilgrim

has been surprised to find

that sin is not so bad

as it is a waste of time.

by Christopher Lewis.

Spiritually evocative, Christopher Lewis’ first volume of poetry awakens the reader to the mysteries and divine realities hidden in the everyday. Lyrical imagery of the natural world incarnates the author’s vision of a universe pulsing with meaning and divine purpose. With sincerity and beauty, he shares his own journey towards prayer:

Not even then is one able to capture by concentrated thought the light that breaks across the deep and rising through time to eternity makes itself known in layered radiance of cloud-forms reshaping every moment along the breathing storm-front of simply existence.

“This is a beautiful collection of poems reflecting a mature faith and deep vision of the Presence of God filling all of life.” – Metropolitan Jonah

Now Chris, we really want to see you publish Weapons of Paradise.