Seasons of Faith

Religious and Spiritual Poetry

By: Peter Menkin

Narrated by: William Bailey III

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

"Poetry, on the other hand, offers us deep riches of meaning with a remarkable economy of words. This was an art of wisdom often chosen by the mystics of the West and popularized by the hymnodists. In this sense, poetry - and particularly Christian poetry - continues to offer a counterpoint to the dry, wordy explanation that often stupefies the human spirit more than it edifies." From these lines, poet and author Peter Menkin, Obl Cam OSB, takes listeners on a contemplative and inspiring journey and adventure through his collection of meaningful poems, Seasons of Faith: Religious and Spiritual Poetry.

In this collection of contemplative poems, listeners will uncover a very old challenge to people in the 21st century - a challenge not unlike that penned by some favorite Anglican poets across the ages. Through these moving and distinctive original poems, some from contemporary work that also depict the poet's colorful character, they will find a blend of humor, personality, poignancy, spiritual reflection, and popular culture. Seasons of Faith: Religious and Spiritual Poetry captures listeners' senses and give them a reflective experience - allowing them to boost their spirit and inspire them to live a meaningful life.

Spiritually inspiring, filled with insights, and life altering, Seasons of Faith: Religious and Spiritual Poetry is engaging poetry that everyone will surely enjoy.

Peter Menkin, Obl Cam OSB has been writing poetry on a regular basis since 1999. His work is primarily religious and spiritual and originally sprung from the inspiration brought to him by contemplative prayer and regular Church worship. He was received as an Oblate of Immaculate Heart Hermitage, (New Camaldoli), Big Sur in 1995, and also studied theology when attending The School for Deacons, now located in Berkeley, California. He is a Benedictine.

©2011 Peter A. Menkin (P)2013 Peter A. Menkin

An avant reading by African American in warm tones

Where does Seasons of Faith rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I wrote this book and hired William Bailey III who starts the book reading the ISBN number. This is avante for a book of religious poetry, to say the least. Persevere for William has a warm voice of African American style and of the books I've listened to this one is special, if I may say so. It is a book dear to me as I favor this book of poetry of mine.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Seasons of Faith?

Two poems stand out among the man right now: The poem that describes living a life of contemplation, (Apophatic Prayer) and the poem that describes time in a hospital emergency room. There are many other poems, and I think a reader will find a number of special ones--most like prayers.

Which character – as performed by William Bailey III – was your favorite?

I think the poem Apophatic Prayer is read very well by William Bailey III. It is a long and unusual poem about living a contemplative life. Willliam has a deep, rich, and warm voice--quite the unusual thing for this white man's poem, or what is usually a white man's poem. He wanted to do it, and I went for it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The book is too long for me and the poems too long in some instances for me to absorb them in so lengthy a sitting as one time. I enjoy going back over them. But bear with William. He is an unusual reader and narrator. Some people who have bought the book read it before bed or on awakening for they find the poems like prayers.

Any additional comments?

This is a high brow kind of set of poems. Get ready for them to be read emotionally. This is unusual for think thinkk poetry, but I am glad to have the emotional content revealed so well and so evidently well.