We will focus on two poets: Rumi, a medieval Sufi mystic; and Kelly Cherry, a contemporary American poet who often draws upon theological images and concepts as metaphors. Both poets address the question of the extent to which human language can point us toward spiritual insights that ultimately transcend language .
Dr. John S. (Jerry) Mebane is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He is the author of two books and a number of articles on English literature, principally on Renaissance literature and Shakespeare. Dr. Mebane earned his bachelor’s degree at Presbyterian College and his Ph.D. at Emory University.