Transfiguring: Poems

At times brutal and raw, at others tender and sensitive, Transfiguring seeks to make sense of life in a world so often vicious and beautiful. A formalist work rich in imagery, allusion, narrative, and prosody, readers will encounter a surprising array of people and situations: from Icarus falling out of the sky to a chaplain sitting with his patients; from Judith beheading Holofernes to Saint Thomas reflecting on his doubt; from the poet growing his faith in an art museum to first hearing someone pray in tongues. Each poem wonders how these experiences, be they holy or horrific, shape us spiritually. Composed during a season of transition for the poet—into seminary, ministry, and marriage—Transfiguring processes experiences of loss, pain, and growth and wonders, What helps us to heal, and how do we hear God? It ponders what transfigures the human soul.

Nathaniel A. Schmidt's poetry can be found in various journals including Windhover, Perspectives, The Anglican Theological Review, and The Penwood Review. Holding a Bachelor's degree in English from Calvin College, and a Master's degree, also in English, from the University of Illinois Springfield, he has taught for Spring Arbor University, Jackson College, and Grace College. Originally from the Chicago-land area, he currently resides in southwest Michigan, where he continues to find joy in the Word.