Wordsworth wrote an endless poem in blank verse on” the growth of a poet’s mind.” I shall attempt a more modest feat for a more distracted age: a blog, “Things which a Lifetime of Trying to Be a Poet has Taught Me.”
The conversion of C. S. Lewis is one of the strangest—and most instructive—conversion stories in the long and glorious history of Christian conversion. It deserves a villanelle.

SEHNSUCHT II
God knows no shame in what He will employ
To win a wandering sinner back again.
Thus, C. S. Lewis was surprised by joy.
A childish garden made to be a toy
Of moss and twigs upon a biscuit tin?
God knows no shame in what He will employ.
The silly garden helped him to enjoy
The real ones, made him want to enter in.
Thus, C. S. Lewis was surprised by joy.
Not Athens (first), Jerusalem, or Troy,
But Squirrel Nutkin’s granary and bin?
God knows no shame in what He will employ.
When Balder the beautiful was dead, destroyed,
The voice that cried it came into his ken;
Thus, C. S. Lewis was surprised by joy.
But pagan legend! Could that be the ploy?
Somewhere the path to Heaven must begin.
God knows no shame in what He will employ;
Thus, C. S. Lewis was surprised by joy.
Remember: for more poetry like this, order Dr. Williams’s collected poetry, Stars through the Clouds, 2nd edition (Lantern Hollow Press, 2020) at https://smile.amazon.com/dp/173286800X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860! And look for Williams’ very latest books: Deeper Magic: The Theology behind the Writings of C. S. Lewis (Square Halo Books, 2016), An Encouraging Thought: The Christian Worldview in the Writings of L. R. R. Tolkien (Christian Publishing House, 2018), and The Young Christian’s Survival Guide: Common Questions Young Christians Are Asked about God, the Bible, and the Christian Faith Answered (Christian Publishing House, 2019)! Order from the publisher or Amazon.
Donald T. Williams, PhD