The Thinklings Podcast – 237 – Death by George Herbert

Welcome to Episode 237 of The Thinklings Podcast!In this episode, Thinkling Boyd guides us through another work by the great poet George Herbert—this time, the poem Death. But first, we kick things off with some fun-nonsense, a little coffee talk, and a round of Books & Business ☕📚.Thanks for tuning in!📚 Books & Business Stearns: Me, Myself, and Bob Little: Keep Your Kids Boyd: The Household and the War for the Cosmos Carter: A Tale of Two Cities📖 Main Content: Death by George HerbertThinkling Boyd continues his poetic series with a look at George Herbert’s profound meditation on death. Read along with the full poem below:Death, thou wast once an uncouth hideous thing,                           Nothing but bones,      The sad effect of sadder groans:Thy mouth was open, but thou couldst not sing.For we considered thee as at some six                           Or ten years hence,      After the loss of life and sense,Flesh being turned to dust, and bones to sticks.We looked on this side of thee, shooting short;                         Where we did find      The shells of fledge souls left behind,Dry dust, which sheds no tears, but may extort.But since our Savior’s death did put some blood                           Into thy face,      Thou art grown fair and full of grace,Much in request, much sought for as a good.For we do now behold thee gay and glad,                           As at Doomsday;      When souls shall wear their new array,And all thy bones with beauty shall be clad.Therefore we can go die as sleep, and trust                           Half that we have      Unto an honest faithful grave;Making our pillows either down, or dust. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethinklingspodcast.substack.com