Author Archives: Matthew Pullar

Rudd and Bonhoeffer: A Verse Comparison

A conversation with my girlfriend after the recent Australian election prompted her to suggest that I might write a poem about my disappointment with Kevin Rudd, a man who in the past has professed a Christian approach to politics that I have identified with. It isn’t exactly nuanced political commentary, but it was therapeutic toContinue reading “Rudd and Bonhoeffer: A Verse Comparison”

“For he taught them as one who had authority”

The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing. (Archilochus) The authority of the fox runs in many directions; centrifugal, it leaves the burrow with cunning, while the hedgehog burrows centripetally, knowing one thing and knowing it deep. And the scribes and the Pharisees, burrowing law, are amazed to see one whoContinue reading ““For he taught them as one who had authority””

“The invisible things of him”

Well, it’s hard to believe, but this is apparently my 500th post here at The Consolations of Writing. It’s been quite an amazing couple of years since I set up this site, and I’m very grateful to have wonderful readers to share it with. Today’s poem comes out of a Bible study that I amContinue reading ““The invisible things of him””

Of the People (After Marianne Moore’s “In Distrust of Merits”)

Well, having written a silly poem about the democratic process this morning I am now writing a serious one, in response to one of Marianne Moore’s most magnificent poems, “In Distrust of Merits“. A critique of war-mongering, it is easily one of the finest poems of the 20th century. I’m a little wary of puttingContinue reading “Of the People (After Marianne Moore’s “In Distrust of Merits”)”

Doggerel for the Federal Election in the Seat of Melbourne

Adam Bandt Shook my hand Quite a hand Had Adam Bandt If I had Not have planned How to vote, then Adam Bandt Would have won me with his hand (What a hand Had Adam Bandt). Cath Bowtell’s Quite nice as well She smiled at all And offered help But she did not shake myContinue reading “Doggerel for the Federal Election in the Seat of Melbourne”

At the First Dawn of Brightness (After Marianne Moore’s “In the Days of Prismatic Colour”)

Marianne Moore is both an intriguing and a daunting poet to imitate. Her poems, visually and linguistically, dance in complexity and variety, and her subject matter is often both fascinating and impenetrable. Today’s poem is based on “In the Days of Prismatic Colour“, a wonderful meditation on Creation, complexity and simplicity. I offer it tentatively,Continue reading “At the First Dawn of Brightness (After Marianne Moore’s “In the Days of Prismatic Colour”)”

12 Poets #6: Marianne Moore

It’s hard to believe, but another month has passed and it’s time for a new poet. We are now into the 20th century, and our poet for September is the brilliant and eccentric American modernist poet Marianne Moore. One of the most accomplished and celebrated poets of her century, Moore was also a devout Presbyterian,Continue reading “12 Poets #6: Marianne Moore”

The Week of Cherry Blossoms

Today is something of an anniversary for me. Seven years ago, on this day, I wrote my first adult poem. I remember this because it was the last day of winter, and unusually warm. The poem was about a new crush after a long relationship had ended. I’m sure it would be highly embarrassing toContinue reading “The Week of Cherry Blossoms”

Sonnet for Gilles Deleuze

Being is constant creativity, Or so old Gilles Deleuze has made us think, But reading him my mind caves inwardly, My being draining outwards down the sink. These post-structuralists, they all like to speak And multiply their words like plural truths, But at day’s end, we all of us must eke A living out, forContinue reading “Sonnet for Gilles Deleuze”