POETRY
Words
Jesus Spoke
James
Vasquez
The poems in James Vasquez’s poetry
collection, Words Jesus Spoke, take some of Jesus’ famous words, like
his parables, and set them to traditional rhyming verse. Everything from the seven
woes to the second coming and judgment are recounted in these poems. The more
than fifty poems in this collection teach important lessons about humanity: honoring
one’s relationship with God and loved ones, the spirit of generosity, and the
importance of prayer. By means of rhyming, metered verse, the translation seeks
to expand Jesus’ ideas to reach more people. This method entails more than
simply adding or subtracting a few words. Instead, this poet has to capture
Jesus’ words by carefully choosing how to frame the specific teachings. This is
no easy task: purists may bristle. However, Vasquez manages the impossible task
of a faithful translation while shaping subtle yet effective rhymes. The music
in the poems allows the reader to access Jesus’ words in a new and meaningful
manner.
Vasquez is blessed with some serious
writing chops: he is able to push the rhyme schemes in this piece by adding
another layer of meaning to the poems. For example, rhyming “proceed” and
“deed” in “Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers” reiterates the lessons in a subtle manner.
However, many of the poems in this collection have the same perfect or assonant
rhymes—one syllable, based on the common vowels and sounds. More could have
been done with such schemes—playing with syllables, playing more with the music
within the line, as well as with multi-syllable word or rhyme play. Still, the
faithful translation is straightforward and
clear. The
poems are accomplished enough to speak to both poetry experts and novices
looking to experience Jesus’ lessons and words.
A former pastor and retired professor,
Vasquez has spent much of his life studying theology. The zest for this subject
matter is clear in the straightforward translation of the Bible. Here, verse
takes on a different shine. The lessons in this poetry collection will resonate
with people of all backgrounds—religious and atheistic alike. After all,
supporting mankind, practicing selflessness, and prescribing to do better are
age-old lessons that have stood the test of time. By the end, the reader
understands that “
Vasquez’s poems present the “destined
fate” and “prophet’s words” on the silver plate of poetry so that all can see,
hear, and understand Jesus’ lessons about forgiveness, faith, and love.
Words
Jesus Spoke was published through AuthorHouse and has the ISBN: 978-1-4520-7790-1. This ForeWord
Clarion Review rates the book at three out of five stars.
Lisa Bower
And
Self-Publishers
Page updated 11/27/2011 DAM
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