Volume 1982 Parnassus

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The 1982 Parnassus bases its theme on one of the greatest of all poets of the English language—William Wordsworth. Next to Shakespeare, Wordsworth expresses thought and feeling in some of the most beautiful and powerful lines in our language. Wordsworth, in fact, defines poetry as a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” College youth certainly understand that kind of definition of poetry, and perhaps that definition fits much of what is found in this little volume. In addition, Wordsworth is loved and revered as a philosopher, moralist, and guide. The value of his wisdom is apparent in all of his poetry, however simple or profound. His wisdom is based, to a large extent, on love of nature, love of people, and love of God. His delight in, and deep sense of reverence for, all things living and his perception of the unity of all things are greatly admired by college youth. Perhaps, they perceive through Wordsworth that powerful human feelings find ultimate fulfillment only when they are directed toward high values (harmony of the heart). In any case, the reader should know that this year William Wordsworth is the students’ choice.

As true of previous years, the creative works here included are selected responses to the Parnassus Literary Contest sponsored by Taylor’s Department of English. There are four exceptions: two poems were written by English professors, one by a Taylor alumni, and one by a very special friend who just recently started writing poetry as an expression of her faith in the midst of very trying circumstances. May God continue to bless her! Also, as true in 1980 and 1981, the students competed in four categories: poetry, short story, essay, and photography. The photography winners are Jo Stark and Kurt Bullock. Jo Stark is to be especially commended since this is her second year in a row to win first place in photography. All the winners of our contest are acknowledged at the end of this publication.

Acknowledgements also go to the fine contribution of the members of our editorial staff—Craig Rupp, editor, Lynn Bailey, Lisa Calvin, Vicky Mueller, and Teresa Sheffler. Thanks go to Vicky Mueller as contributing artist. Thanks also go to our fine judges—Dr. Frances Ewbank, Dr. Tara Davis, and David Reiman, a former editor of Parnassus. Lastly, thanks go to Rhonda Gretillat, peerless typist. Merci.