Writers inspiring writers

Evening on the Rise                                                                                                                                           Catherine Al-Meten

How writers open doors to other writers.

Writers write, and they also read. Through our reading we are influenced by other writers, and Madeleine L’Engle, the author of The Swiftly Tilting Planet, A Wrinkle in Time, and other works written for young people, inspired me and a whole class of 13-year olds over 25 years ago. L’Engle referred to some of the poems of Henry Vaughan in her books, and that let me to discover who Vaughan was. Because his poetry spoke to me so directly, I had to know more about him. He has remained one of my favorite sources of inspiration both as a reader and a writer. 

Henry Vaughan lived from 1621-1695. He was born in Wales and had a twin brother, Thomas who was a philosopher and alchemist.  Henry and his brother both attended Oxford University, and Henry left Oxford after two years to study law in London. By the time he was in his early 20s, Henry had married Catherine Wise, and they had three daughters. In 1655, after Catherine died, Henry married her younger sister, Elizabeth with whom he had four more children.

Henry Vaughan wrote poetry, essays, and literary criticism over the course of his life. He is considered a metaphysical poet, and much of his poetry focused on the relationship between humanity and God. Vaughan viewed this relationship as a restless and constant  search to find harmony through the connection with the Divine. He is viewed as a visionary rather than a realist, and was greatly influenced by George Herbert, another metaphysical, visionary poet of the 16th Century.  He says of Herbert’s influence, “a blessed man whose holy life and verse made many pious converts of whom I am the least.”

When we read and when we share a poem, a book, or an essay with someone else, we never know how we might pass along some kernel of hope, some beam of light, or some comfort to someone who will use that gift to create something even more beautiful. As we continue our journey through poetry this month, dig deep, search high and low, and discover something special to enjoy and pass along to others.  Here is a a piece by Henry Vaughan that I believe encapsulates the metaphysical poets at their best.

MAN.
by Henry Vaughan

        WEIGHING the stedfastness and state 
Of some mean things which here below reside, 
Where birds, like watchful clocks, the noiseless date 
        And intercourse of times divide, 
Where bees at night get home and hive, and flow'rs 
              Early, as well as late, 
Rise with the sun and set in the same bow'rs ; 

2.

        I would—said I—my God would give 
The staidness of these things to man ! for these 
To His divine appointments ever cleave, 
        And no new business breaks their peace ; 
The birds nor sow nor reap, yet sup and dine ; 
              The flow'rs without clothes live, 
Yet Solomon was never dress'd so fine. 

3.

        Man hath still either toys, or care ; 
He hath no root, nor to one place is tied, 
But ever restless and irregular 
        About this Earth doth run and ride. 
He knows he hath a home, but scarce knows where ; 
              He says it is so far, 
That he hath quite forgot how to go there. 

4.

        He knocks at all doors, strays and roams, 
Nay, hath not so much wit as some stones have, 
Which in the darkest nights point to their homes, 
        By some hid sense their Maker gave ; 
Man is the shuttle, to whose winding quest 
              And passage through these looms 
God order'd motion, but ordain'd no rest.