Intimations

Christian-based poetry on intimations of the presence of God in ordinary life.

Have you ever had an experience that seemed to indicate or intimate that a non-material, spiritual dimension of reality exists? Have you ever had what traditionally has been called a "mystical experience" that you thought or felt was a personal contact with the sacred or God, what the great 13th century Catholic theologian, Thomas Aquinas, defined as "the knowledge of God through experience"? Have you had a near-death experience? Or what you interpret as a glimpse into a fuller, deeper aspect of existence itself? This book of poetry, Intimations, is the 3rd volume in my series, "Christian Poetry of the Sacred." The first volume was A Beautiful Absurdity (2022) followed by The Greatest Longing (2023). Intimations focuses upon the idea that the presence and actions of God are more discernible, more available, than may often be thought, that the divine or sacred is not a realm that is experienced only in the Afterlife or just by spiritual devotees. In both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of existence and experience, there are intimations or only thinly veiled encounters with the sacred or that which is holy (especially what Christians believe to be God). It is an invitation to religious and non-religious people to encounter what is most real about reality. I hope this volume of poetry that is based upon the Christian vision of existence will nudge its readers toward greater awareness of the presence of God in both overt, obvious ways, but also in ways more subtle and sublime. Poetry is not only for poets or academics, but for everyday people as a way to come to see what has become old and familiar in radically new and fresh ways. I encourage you to see if even one line in one poem, opens an inner door of your mind, imagination, or heart to God's presence.

DR. ALAN ALTANY has B.A. and M.A. degrees in Catholic theology, and a Ph.D. in religious studies (University of Pittsburgh). Before his academic career as a college professor and director of professional faculty development, he worked as a high school and parish religious educator, factory, lawn maintenance and farm worker, hotel clerk, delivery truck driver, editor of a small magazine of poetry ("The Beggar's Bowl"), etc. He continues to teach (Comparative Religions) at a small college in Florida, and to write poetry. He has also written two novels dealing with spiritual quest and Christian mysticism. Now in old age, he hopes this present season of his life is the most creative and original so far as poet, person, and follower of Christ. His writing is done with the always nearby companionship of his golden retriever, Zeke, whose life of love and play reminds Dr. Altany that love and bliss are our purpose and destiny.