To Angela, Who Is Afraid of Clowns

A POEM

By Evelyn Bence | September 1983

Clowns are grandfathers

painted with strokes of laughter

who kiss lollipops

but never lick them.

Save your terror, child,

for snakes who talk of biting fruit

and wolves who scheme of eating girls.

To Phoebe*

Phoebe,

Gentle handmaid

Of us all,

Who assisted Paul

And others

Of the early church,

…

A Poet under the Mercy

Many of Vanauken’s poems are reminiscent of Browning, Donne, the early Charles Williams, and others, in style, tone, and theme.

Blood, Water, Wine - Sacrament - Paradox Regained

Blood, Water, Wine

The midwife washed the blood and
water from the…