A Symphony in Sand

Given to me as a gift, I've come to treasure this little book. It reads quickly, yet one wants to linger over the words and think them over. The characters and plot are familiar, but the allegorical storytelling is anything but routine. The illustrations are also beautiful, and matches the packed emotion of the writing itself. Why more Christians don't know about this book is a saddening mystery. I ordered the first book of the Symphony trilogy today, and only hope that Dr. Miller will write the currently missing 3rd book of this trilogy...

Why are gems like this so rare?Calvin Miller's poetry is beautiful, often subtle, solidly powerful. He blends a free verse style with a fantasy-esque feel to weave a new form of allegory/theo-writing. Not nearly as clunky as Pilgrim's Progress type stuff, not as intense or involved as Paradise Lost, smoother and more mythic than Chronicles of Narnia, yet borrowing elements of all three.Symphony in Sand is a loosely woven tale of Mary (re-named Trouvere), Joseph (Artisan), Nicodemus (Imperius), and a king (Melek) waiting to see the Child. It is dreamlike and beautiful, powerful and touching. Miller weaves in deep truth with human emotion, the grandeur of God with the frailty of man. Words escape me as I attempt to review this. All I can think to write is "beautiful". How I wish there were more books like this! Miller's pen is inspired, effortless. He writes in a way that gives dignity to the written word... and points to the Word himself.A sample: Trouvere's song"Send soon the gentle rain and kissThe parched philosophies of earth.And wash my shabby rags of trustAnd clothe me with a new cleansed worth."Immaculate in nature comeSwab dying from my dead hereafter.Cut healing into stabbing woeAnd bind my pain with laughter."Send soon the gentle rain. Rich dressThe desert night with wedding flowersAnd run anemones into A bridal quilt with tender showers."You, Father, I adore--for YouAlone can make my madness sane.Embrace my need or I must die.Great Sovereign, send Your gentle rain."