4 January 2006

Here is what poetic imagination can do - from "Hopeful Imagination" by Walter Brueggemann.

Out of the daring poetry of liberated black imagination, social reality began to crack open and homecoming became possible. The social reality that seemed to be eternally ordained now appeared to be only a doubtful social contrivance.
+ The poetry of 2 Isaiah dreams of homecoming and begins to nullify Babylonian definitions of reality.
+ The parables of Jesus initiate dreams of homecoming and begin to subvert the oppressive social institutions and presuppositions of his day.
+ The oracles of Martin Luther King, Jr., dance about Stone Mountain and begin to cause trembling in the racist structures of the day.

It seems as though poetry that liberates and moves people from the present satisfaction of the day to new life must be a daring word. It dares to speak differently about the everyday acts and language that is used to keep the present powers and structures in place without question. Poetry questions what is - by speaking of a reality that is not a part of the dominant social or political arena. In a very simple way, think of the song writers who are able to pierce the veil of how the world moves along its way by drawing into question the most basic elements of human relations. I remember hearing union songs. They would speak of courage in the face of something like a mighty river...their words would speak of being planted and being firm like a tall tree - staying put! Well, if you are someone who rarely has the courage to stay put...these words can help stir up that which is necessary to bring about a new reality within oneself and that often led to a new reality in the community.

Connection: Who do you turn to hear poetry that inspires? We can alway turn back to the great prophets. Their words are now with us forever. But what about words of the day? Are you hearing them and are they able to turn your attention to new possibilities?

We long to hear the power of your Word, O God. We long to be drawn into the vision of your Reign of Justice and Peace so that our lives may reflect the light that brings new vision to all of us. Amen.