To Ernest Hilbert

/ Issue 11.1 /

Somewhere between John Lennon’s name as pop
Icon and as the spirit of an age,
…..Where the Tradition shrivels to tradition,
Extends an alley littered with foam cups,
Cigarette butts, gallstones, champagne, a page
…..From William James, GQ, or True Crime fiction.
This poor, neglected corridor divides
The office suites a rare books dealer rents
…..From kitchen noises at a grand hotel
Where cakes are being iced for naïve brides.
It echoes a street prophet’s loud two cents
…..That nothing without whiskey can end well.
How, Ernie, you found this place, I don’t know,
But in your books, you hold it up for show.

James Matthew Wilson

James Matthew Wilson

James Matthew Wilson has published eight books, including, most recently, The Hanging God (Angelico, 2018). The 2017 recipient of the Hiett Prize from the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, he is associate professor of religion and literature, in the Department of Humanities and Augustinian Traditions, at Villanova University. He also serves as the poetry editor for Modern Age magazine and the series editor for Colosseum Books.
James Matthew Wilson

Also by James Matthew Wilson (see all)

Author: James Matthew Wilson

James Matthew Wilson has published eight books, including, most recently, The Hanging God (Angelico, 2018). The 2017 recipient of the Hiett Prize from the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, he is associate professor of religion and literature, in the Department of Humanities and Augustinian Traditions, at Villanova University. He also serves as the poetry editor for Modern Age magazine and the series editor for Colosseum Books.