Endless Life: Poems of the Mystics (Paraclete Poetry)

The author, using the lives and words of the mystics, has created a beautiful prayer book in the form of poetry.

I am sure many other Christians have had the same urge as I have had. The urge, after some brief glimpse of the work of a mystic, a desire to read more. So we procure a book or treatise by the mystic only to find much of their writings dense and incomprehensible.In May I ran across a poem by author-poet Scott Cairns a Professor at the University of Missouri. The poem was in an anthology, Francis and Clare in poetry. (See post of May 9) I found the poem to be quite moving and so sought out more of Professor Cairns work. I obtained a copy of his book Endless Life poems of the mystics and discovered in it the answer to approaching the mystics with understanding and an appreciation of the beauty of their thoughts. He has taken the prose writings of thirty seven mystics and rendered into verse a sampling of their reflections. Professor Cairn’s poetic style is easy and beautiful and transmits the musings of the mystics in very readable verse.

What a treasure bringing the insights of the best of mystics and saints to us in a reframing of their words in delightful, and enriching and evocative ways. Like the pearl of great price, its rewards are inestimable. And the survey of holy words makes for continuous fascination and insights to the human journey. Sylvester D Ryan

It's quite overwhelming for me (truly) to be able to flip through books filled with the poetry of the mystics. Thank you.

Dr. Carnes has been a favorite of mine for several years. And this is an addition to his starry crown.

So much ancient wisdom expressed in a totally fresh poetic style. A beautiful book.