The Sunday Mail
Despite the authors being university students in areas that do not have anything to do with literature, their passion for the art is displayed in the 30 poems making up the anthology.
Surprisingly, besides music, not much is being done in other forms of art to cater for Christian leisure. Since this is a literary column, I will not dwell much on other art forms but rather focus on the ink.
Although many Christian books are being published, I have noted that the majority of writers focus more on motivational or academia rather than fiction and poetry.
It is rare to meet Christian poetry and fiction in Zimbabwe.
But two weeks ago, a friend blessed me with a Christian poetry anthology titled “The Prodigal”, an interesting piece of work authored by three young personalities.
This collaborative work by Brendon Matanhire, Takudzwa Mapinge and Simbarashe Samu is interesting in many aspects; inspirational and intent on propelling people to build their relationship with God.
Despite the authors being university students in areas that do not have anything to do with literature, their passion for the art is displayed in the 30 poems making up the anthology.
The poems cover various biblical themes including betrayal, Christ’s Second Coming, sin, salvation and prayer among other things.
Mapinge’s “Our Fate” is reflective of the modern church and how humanity has become ignorant of the Word.
The poem speaks about how the church has become more focused on things of the world rather than serving its purpose of marshalling people towards the Kingdom of God.
“But his church is falling closer and closer to the world, yet further and further from the throne of grace,” goes one verse.
“Betrayal” by Samu is another interesting piece highlighting how people tend to forget how Jesus Christ suffered for them, taking God’s love for granted and thereby betraying his grace. The writer knows how to invoke emotion, creating a captivating poem rich with splendid diction.
“I sail sweetly in the calm winds of His merciful love. Day by day, His touch slowly putting death, my part that was rough, fine tuning it into something, something that could only be understood and appreciated by something born of him,” it says.
Mapinge’s “Exposed”, dwells on an individual who has fallen out of God’s grace and feels surrounded by darkness. The poet reflects on how sin has eaten her up after paying allegiance to worldliness and has to suffer the Lord’s wrath.
“I have been devoured by the world. The Lord in His anger has set me as a mark for his arrow. When I utter my prayers He hears me not, because in my pride I failed to fear Him.”
This anthology did not only inspire me but also gave me spiritual guidance in an artistic and interesting manner. The poems are well-written and contain valuable messages that will surely help many people.
