Spiritual Madness

Ronald Charles Epstein is a Toronto-based freelance writer and published poet.

Robert Graham Anstey, editor of Teak Roundup, views the world as a
committed Christian. In this collection of poems, he examines his
commitment.

Anstey rejects a narrow piety that drives isolated believers into a
state of “Spiritual Madness,” but acknowledges its influence on his
own thinking. In “Under the Guise of Religion,” he urges a
hypocritical woman to “embrace [her] lover openly” and become “a
better woman.” Anstey’s theology is incomplete: he wonders why
“Jesus Is Just a Martyr,” without offering

an alternative messianic ideal. His creed guides him, but he remains a
free man who expects that “God Will Understand”—and
excuse—occasional absences from church.

The spiritual poet is an effective critic of secular society. “We
Heard Our Anna Cry” empathetically describes the pain of child
abduction. “Killing the Earth” sharply assigns responsibility for
ecological ruin on “your parents ... the Bossa Nova.” His final
poem, “New Century,” implicitly blames selfish secularism for these
problems, observing that “we refused to bring Him into this [century]
for fear that He will spoil our fun.”

Anstey offers alternatives for those who would dismiss him as a
“bleeding heart” or a “holy Joe.” “Wonderful Years”
celebrates 1960s memories, and “Chance Encounter” recalls an attempt
to pick up girls. These verses should reassure readers that the book
offers an interesting and comprehensive worldview.