PEARLS OF GOLD

Linzey’s poetry collection stresses the importance of religion and the comfort people can find in worship.

As a minister, Bible translator, and speaker, the author had a long career in the church, and her poetry emphasizes the role that Christianity has played in her life. The beginning of the volume covers some fundamental stories from the New Testament, including the arrival of the three wise men, in “The Three Magi”: “They then gave Him myrrh and frankincense much, / To support Him while He lived in exile.” Jesus flees to Egypt, “Avoiding King Herod, who died on the throne, / The Christ became King, as angels foretold.” The fateful moment in “The Last Supper” is recounted here, as “Judas, the spy, left in a big rush, / When the rest had all asked, ‘Lord, is it I?’” Some poems offer endearing maxims, such as “Patience,” which advises readers that “slowly pulling all the weeds, / Buys you honey from the bees!” The wisdom of an elderly woman is celebrated (“Pearls of gold / Come forth from her lips”) in the aptly titled “Pearls of Gold.” But the main focus is religion, and the comfort that people can find when they dedicate their lives to God. Recalling a beautiful, quaint house of worship, “The Wildwood Church,” the speaker joyfully describes a reliably uplifting congregation: “Revival is there, you can truly be sure.” Linzey’s rhyming verse has a traditional feel and wonderfully communicates her intense passion for her faith and the joy and solace that it can bring. She portrays worshipping Jesus as following a path toward light in a world that can host plenty of darkness and reminds the reader how welcoming spirituality can be. Some poems are short, just one stanza—passing thoughts whose simplicity belies the grandeur she is alluding to. Followers of the author’s faith will appreciate the focused and positive message she conveys.

An uncomplicated and bright collection of Christian-themed poetry.