Bright Wings and Dappled Things

An Introduction

Artwork by Elsie Biles

I once heard the eminent English theologian N. T. Wright say that he believed Gerard Manley Hopkins expressed theology in his poems far better than he (Wright) ever could. That piqued my curiosity and sparked my interest in Hopkins’ poetry. At first, I didn’t fully understand them, but as I studied them more closely, I found myself rewarded through the process of composing piano pieces inspired by his work. Such poetry befriends you shyly but well.

Bright Wings and Dappled Things

These two phrases come from two different lines in two different Hopkins poems:

"Glory be to God for dappled things-"

The opening line of Pied Beauty

"Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
     World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings"

The closing two lines from God’s Grandeur.

These lines remind me of the concept Francis Bacon advocated: that there are two "books" through which God reveals His character—Scripture and nature. Hopkins, however, shows us how to see God’s character (and even our own) most vividly through nature. Not all of his poetry is full of sunshine, but he still encourages us to “look up” and marvel at the world around us—at the stars, the larks, and the kestrels—and to rediscover the beauty of creation and God’s tender care. To quote Pied Beauty again:

"Praise him."

So, What’s next?

In the next few posts, I plan to explore some of Hopkins’ poems alongside the piano pieces they’ve inspired. So, join me as we wander and wonder through Hopkins poems.

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