Freed Through Expression

“This is why poetry does not have to be defended, inculcated, or coerced. It only appears defenseless. Its power resides not in the orthodoxy of the verse, and certainly not in the creativity of the poet, but in the inspired word that has the power to untangle the distorted image of God. The truth of holy poetry is buoyant. It will rise to the surface to do all the convicting and compelling once it is freed simply through expression” (Barnes, The Pastor as Minor Poet, pp. 36-37).