The Gravity of Being
In my recent foray into literature, I was introduced by a lecturer to the works of Geoffrey Hill. In articles, Hill was stated as the greatest modern poet alive. Sad to say, he passed away in 2016. R.I.P.
When I read some of his poetry, I immediately felt the soul of a kindred spirit. Hill was known to be a man who struggled with depression and the lack of confidence in penning down his thoughts. He seemed like a perfectionist who would not be satisfied with his poetry until he found the precise words to pen down. His fear of making mistakes prevented him from publishing more poetry in his youth, but for some untold reason, he was unshackled from his fear in his later years and plenty of poems were published. What discovery did he make that enabled him to blossom? Was it a renewed purpose and faith in God? I hope so.
However, it is regrettable that his poems make it difficult to infer Hill's stance regarding his personal beliefs. In his interviews, he seemed more interested in discussing history and literature than sharing about his personal life. This can also be observed in his poems as he views himself separate from the narrator in his poems, perhaps as a way to distance or shield himself from criticism and personal attacks against his identity, which is completely understandable. Understanding his views on religion would definitely help an amateur poem reader (like me) interpret his poems more accurately. (Certainly, I ought to read more of his poems to get a better sense of that.)
When I read some of his poetry, I immediately felt the soul of a kindred spirit. Hill was known to be a man who struggled with depression and the lack of confidence in penning down his thoughts. He seemed like a perfectionist who would not be satisfied with his poetry until he found the precise words to pen down. His fear of making mistakes prevented him from publishing more poetry in his youth, but for some untold reason, he was unshackled from his fear in his later years and plenty of poems were published. What discovery did he make that enabled him to blossom? Was it a renewed purpose and faith in God? I hope so.
However, it is regrettable that his poems make it difficult to infer Hill's stance regarding his personal beliefs. In his interviews, he seemed more interested in discussing history and literature than sharing about his personal life. This can also be observed in his poems as he views himself separate from the narrator in his poems, perhaps as a way to distance or shield himself from criticism and personal attacks against his identity, which is completely understandable. Understanding his views on religion would definitely help an amateur poem reader (like me) interpret his poems more accurately. (Certainly, I ought to read more of his poems to get a better sense of that.)
Nevertheless, much can be learnt from his life and his poetry.
For one, one should live a life of "spirit-guided self-examination" (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-self-examination.html). Not one of debilitating/crippling fear, but one which considers the consequences of action or inaction on others and ourselves.
For one, one should live a life of "spirit-guided self-examination" (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-self-examination.html). Not one of debilitating/crippling fear, but one which considers the consequences of action or inaction on others and ourselves.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV, 1 John 1:7-9)
Secondly, we cannot live meaningful lives if we isolate ourselves from the world, trying to protect our bubble, neither should we remain forever guilt-ridden by God's unceasing love and sacrifice on the cross for our sins, passively hopeless and feeling like we're trapped in a relationship we had never chosen to enter. Our Creator loves us too much to force us to talk and engage with Him as our heavenly Father. We acknowledge that we, along with the world, are fallen and infected by sin and would suffer in this lifetime as a consequence of evil that we inflict or receive.
However, God never intended for us to live like we are in a losing battle. He intended to free us from the chains of sin so that we can live hopeful and victorious lives by the power of His Holy Spirit, being in daily communion with Him, and glorifying Him through our lives. Salvation is freely given and not one we can earn. His yoke is easy and burden is light. We just need to trust in His Word, repent of our sins and depend on His guidance.
However, God never intended for us to live like we are in a losing battle. He intended to free us from the chains of sin so that we can live hopeful and victorious lives by the power of His Holy Spirit, being in daily communion with Him, and glorifying Him through our lives. Salvation is freely given and not one we can earn. His yoke is easy and burden is light. We just need to trust in His Word, repent of our sins and depend on His guidance.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV, Matthew 11:28-30)As a word of caution, we should not live in blind faith or deceive ourselves into worshiping God with the wrong motives.
But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 11:30–32)
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