Bradbury's Chapbook: Review

A poetical review of Ray Bradbury's A Chapbook for Burnt-Out Priests, Rabbis, and Ministers.

Dear Ray,

I nearly despaired of you
in the writing of poetry
It's not what I expected
from one of the
fathers of science fiction
Not even free verse

Your rhythm and cadence threw me
I just couldn't see Moby Dick
as a giant spaceship
or Noah in the galaxy
Of course, I'm not
a Melville fan
Maybe that was it

But then--
along came "Christus Apollo"
and you blew me away
with the imagery
and the beautiful language
and "wow"--just wow

And "Joy Is the Grace We Say to God"
Love that one too
A poem about joy
has to be good

I just wish your poems
had been more even
That they all
had been as good
But there are too many
that leave me cold
or scratching
my head

Beautiful language
is your trademark--
even in the oddest of the
science fiction tales
Beautiful rhythm
should hallmark
your poetry in
every verse
Not quite


A decent little outing. And a different look at one of the founding fathers of science fiction. In this collection, Bradbury gives us his spiritual side--his belief in mankind and our place in the universe. Nearly all in free verse with some essays mixed in. Solid work...with a hint of brilliance. Three stars.