DiaBLOGue

The State of Mormon Literature and Criticism

March 29, 2018

Two decades have passed since Dialogue last published an issue entirely devoted to Mormon literature. In the meantime literary writing about Latter-day Saints has been burgeoning both in LDS and national markets—so much so that it is difficult for literary critics to keep up with this growing body of novels, plays, poetry, and literary nonfiction. It is very important, however, that they try. To have a sense of the future of Mormon literature, it is vital that we see how present writings articulate with traditions from the past. 

Hop Hornbeam

March 29, 2018

In the Sacred Grove 
near Palmyra, New York, 
there’s hardly a tree 
old enough to have been 

From Under Ground

March 29, 2018

From under ground 
you can hear them stomp, 
a chaotic cacophony 
amplified by mud and bone, 

Planting Day

March 29, 2018

Behind the weathered barn, I crouch 
among burlap bags full of this year’s 
seed. These kernels promise before 
they prove, and I have no choice 

from Falling Toward Heaven

March 29, 2018

The next morning Allison dropped Howard at the Mormon church in Rockwood, which, except for the thin spire, was shaped like a large, sub urban house. Though he had asked, she refused to go inside…

Trajectory at the End of Winter

March 29, 2018

Back from a walk along the Big Wood River in early May 

I am the river alive with spring run-off 
one moment rushing to be where the calling calls, 
the next a pool reflecting or an eddy at play.

The Use and Abuse of Anti-Semitism in the Scriptures

March 29, 2018

Is it not wonderful how modern discoveries confirm previously known gospel principles? A recent, in-depth, scientific study of high school students solemnly concluded that teenagers are not morning people. Latter day Saints have known this…

Russell

March 29, 2018

You’d been the one taken out and talked to during stories of Jesus.
On the scuffed pew you stuffed the blessed bread 
in your mouth and blew it out, laughing. 
So when they found you in blood at the foot of the stairs,