The world's best poetry

"The World's Best Poetry, Volume 04: The Higher Life" is a collection that delves into the profound relationship between the divine and human experience through the lens of poetry. Edited by Bliss Carman, this volume features contributions from transformative poets and thinkers, including Washington Gladden, who provides an introductory essay on the interplay between religion and poetry. The anthology is divided into thematic sections that explore various aspects of the higher life, such as the divine element, prayer, faith, hope, love, and human experience. The poems selected for this volume reflect the diverse ways in which poets have grappled with the mysteries of existence, the presence of God, and the spiritual journey of the soul. The collection includes works that highlight the beauty and majesty of nature as a reflection of the divine, as seen in Coleridge's "Hymn Before Sunrise, in the Vale of Chamouni," which praises the grandeur of Mont Blanc and the surrounding landscape. Other poems, like Emerson's "Brahma," explore philosophical and theological concepts, challenging readers to consider the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of the divine in everyday life. The anthology also features hymns and prayers, such as the "Te Deum Laudamus," which express devotion and reverence for the divine. Through these poetic expressions, the volume seeks to offer readers a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions of life and the ways in which poetry can illuminate the path to a higher existence. The collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to convey the complexities of faith, the search for meaning, and the human longing for connection with the divine.