Luci Shaw — On Poetry, Creativity, and Madeleine L'Engle

Luci Shaw's zest for life is contagious. At 92, the poet and writer is still discovering and creating. She talks with Nathan Foster about her new book, The Generosity, her creative process, and her close friendship with Madeleine L'Engle.Show Notes[2:40] Where did the title of new book, Angels Everywhere, come from?[3:37] The Generosity – where did that title come from?[7:55] Would it be safe to say that your dad was a kind of inspiration and helped encourage you as a poet?[12:48] How has your writing as a poet changed through the years?[15:21] How would you like people to read your poetry?[16:42] In which Luci reads a poem she wrote yesterday called April.This day,this springy day,I claim the never-endingSky for ceilingAnd in the little rooms of my lifeI cultivate seasonsAs if they are flowering vinesGrowing across my bedspread.And grapes maybe,Or seeds,Our promises of JulySleeping undergroundWaking and awakeningA green resurrection.On all our ancient treesRising sapHas thickened the twigsUntil they sprout a thousandHoney colored catechinsHeavy enough to swing in the wind,Flinging in the bursts of wild airTheir lusty spores.Pollen,Though it may be an affliction,Promotes new lifeAnd the cherry trees explodingWith their frothy pink blossoms.It is all joy,All gratitude,All grace.[19:42] What was it like working with Madeleine L’Engle?[22:45] In which Luci reads a poem she also wrote yesterday called Daybook:This day is a book still unfolding,a suspense novel—we recognize the genrewith clues from the morning paper.We are beguiled by the headlinesof sun struck cloudsand dew wet enoughto rinse our hands in.The plot is original.We can only guesshow it will turn out.So we follow the narrative arc,reading it throughthe burn and blaze of high noonall the way to the last page.Until like an ancient writerthe night writes finiand the stars endorsethe grateful author.[24:51] What would you say to folks who are thinking of writing poetry or beginning?[30:26] In which Luci reads Pilgrim from The Generosity:Meaning is a landscapeOf boulders.There, ahead of you,A thorny wilderness.You cannot leap over it. YouMust conquer it stone by stone.To traverse it,You must find sure footingAnd fortitudeIn uncertain weather,Your fear like metalIn your mouth.And yes, it is possibleTo walk the knife edge of longing,A blade narrowAs the path to heaven.ResourcesCosmos from Chaos: Renovaré Webinar with Luci Shaw and Andrew PetersonLuci Shaw's WebsiteThe Generosity from Publisher or on AmazonAngels EverywherePeople Luci mentions:Clyde KilbyMark Jarman, poetAndrew Hudgins, poetCarolyn Forché, poetEugene Peterson, The Message (esp. Psalm and Wisdom book)Winn Collier, A Burning in My Bones (Eugene Peterson biography)