Lonnell Johnson

Stone Upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance Lonnell Johnson

Stone Upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance is a collection of poetry inspired by the Book of Psalms and other passages of Scripture. This collection of seventy-six poems is divided into four sections, each of which contains an introductory scripture, quotation or dedication. In "Seasons of the Soul", the first section, I express my appreciation for the beauty of Nature and comment on God's handiwork. "In the Vernacular" contains a number of dialect poems, revealing influences of Paul Laurence Dunbar, but they are written in more contemporary black speech. This section also features blues poetry, another form of African American poetry offered from my spiritual perspective. "Golden Moments" are reflective works inspired, in part, by a statement of Saint Augustine: "To contemplate the truth and to share the fruits of that contemplation." The final section, "Psalms of Remembrance", are recollections from childhood and beyond and songs of celebration of the goodness of God. May these poems that overflow from the depths of my heart inspire all those who read them. May they resound with love, joy, and peace and reflection of the manifold wisdom of God.