The Thoughtful Muse: Autobiography in Occasional Verse - Paperback

by William Franke (Author), Steven E. Knepper (Foreword by)

The verses in this book were written in re-creational moments of reflection, whether on specific incidents or on constants of existence perceived in particular places under unique circumstances. They aim to preserve and convey some vestige of these revelatory experiences. They strive to raise the attendant illuminations into a heightened consciousness that opens upon the universal relatedness of all with all. Most were composed in suspended real time of scribbling in a pocketbook as the events recounted were actually unfolding.



Thematic content ranges widely from transformative human encounters to ecstatic communion with nature, from metaphysical intuitions and philosophical reflections to searing contemplation of the doubtful destiny of humankind. Discovering the exotic in far-flung reaches of the globe, as well as probing interior sensibilities, and celebrating original creation of several unique home environments, the poems capture a wide range of poignant life experiences that are fine-tuned to resonate with whatever, wherever, and whoever readers are.

Author Biography

William Franke is a philosopher of the humanities and a professor of comparative literature at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee). The author of numerous books at the intersection of literature, philosophy, and theology, he lectures and gives seminars on his apophatic philosophy--with a focus on the revelatory power of poetic language--in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish on five continents.