What They're Saying About A Caged Child Still Sings:
From Barry Hunter http://www.baryon-online.com:
There have been many cases of jailhouse conversions to Christianity -- Charles Colson is possibly the one that comes to everyone's mind.
But a new voice is now coming to light and he is using poetry along with scripture to get his message across.
In this slim volume, Sipper gives a verse of scripture before each poem and ties them together. They show his acceptance, repentence, and search for guidence and understanding.<
This is a slim volume, but packed with meaning. Whortleberry is taking a chance with this one and since there is not a lot of Christian poetry around, you might want to take a chance as well.
Critical comment on
A Caged Child Still Sings
"This book of poems
is an important meditation
on pain, redemption and
the price of forgiveness
from the perspective
of an incarcerated
Christian poet. The
poetry reflects the
spiritual journey of
a young Christian man
who recognizes the
ways in which he
is both a failed
and blessed reflection
of God and his
faith. It offers a moving
testament to the
power of faith
and personal transformation
that is possible even
for those serving time
in prisons and
jails. The book
offers a new voice
that deserves to
be heard by
Christians and all
people who seek
forgiveness and
understanding, even in
the worst circumstances."
-- Amy Abugo Ongiri
Assistant Professor
Department of English
University of Florida |
A TALK WITH GOD
God, this is your son calling.
Sending messages thrugh prayer.
I've gotten a little older,
My hair's a little grayer.
From my birth to now,
To my rebirth, releasing sin.
I've lived and died with you.
And, by your grace, I live again.
Tempted by my mental prison,
Cornerstones of my life,
I've gone through trials and tribulations,
As I've suffered with Christ.
All my suffering is gain,
When there's a victory to be won,
And I will be forever grateful
To enter this new life as your son.
Father God, I end this prayer,
The way a good talk must end --
Knees bent, head bowed,
Closed eyes, as I say "Amen." |
More critical praise for
A Caged Child Still Sings
"There is something here,
something redeeming, something
transformative that reminds us,
just as Etheridge Knight
and Bob Kaufman reminded
us, that humanness cannot
be caged. These poems
show us the way to
approach god...simply,
passinately and freely."
--Dairus R. Bost
Director
Institute of Black Culture
University of Florida |
