When Wallace Stevens said that ‘the poet is the priest of the invisible’, perhaps he meant that the poet’s job is to tend to the unknown, the intangible and even transcendental elements of human existence. Poetry, like prayer, acknowledges mystery. Both can contain expressions of reverence, gratitude, possibility and doubt.
So, in an increasingly secular world, can poetry do the work of prayer?
David Tacey, Kevin Brophy and Cate Kennedy believe it’s an idea worth exploring. They've come together for a discussion of the spiritual potential of verse, hosted by Leah Kaminsky. Listen to it on our podcast, or here.