194-glimpses

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GILL'S SHRINE IMPLORES TO THINK

Michelle D. Connell

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*Appeared in From Both Sides of

the Ocean, Sept-Oct, 2000, No. 57

Dr. Stephen Gill has written many books including novels and poetry collections. One of his poetry books is entitled Shrine. His long preface to Shrine explains his growing up years among war‑torn India. He has seen more violence in his teen years than most of us see in our lifetime. This violence, lack of freedom and religious persecution fuels his poetry. Without understanding the author's background, the reader would find his poetry dismal and depressing.

Gill speaks and writes to spread his wishes for religious tolerance, world peace and humanity. He has won many awards and has written over twenty‑five books. World University Press published this book of poetry in 1999. Many of the poems have been previously published in periodicals.

Shrine is dedicated to the Truth that sets you free. This Truth is the love of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. Gill realizes that most of our social problems stem from our sinful, selfish nature.

Shrine covers a plethora of social concerns from war to teen pregnancy to the Aids epidemic. Gill mentions the fear, horror, and futility of war that never seems to solve anything. He mentions politics, voters, and democracy that never seem to change anything. He leads the reader to believe it isn't up to governments, or wars or others to bring about peace; but that all of us can do our part.

He writes from the heart to convey the plight in many countries around the world where people still live in fear due to religious persecution, famine, disease or other atrocities. He speaks out for those who have no voice. He pleads for those who have no means. His poems also reflect the vision of what could be.

My favorite poem from the collection is titled "Who Shall Buy". He says no one can buy nor sell the peace and beauty we enjoy from nature such as the blessings of the skies;the mystery of the oceans...;

Gill's writing implores the reader to think of those who are persecuted, tortured and murdered around the world and to think what a human can do about it.

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