The Politic Poet is Jim Rapp's seventh volume of poems. Like his previous collections this one features poems written in a variety of styles and themes: whimsical, pensive, and observant. Even argumentative. Jim has never shied away from political expression. In fact he feels that one of his callings is akin to that of the prophet. He does not assume the title of prophet but much of his work is prophetic in the sense that it calls out the inconsistencies, the rapacious character, and the hypocritical nature of much of our culture, particularly the words and actions of our politicians. The most recent political developments in our nation call upon all observant citizens to defend truth when it is under attack, and to point out lies when they encounter them. Obviously not everyone is going to accept that challenge. Some are benefitting from the inequities of our time and place. Others are oblivious to the forces that shape their world, content to go to work and be left alone. Still others are reluctant to speak out for fear of criticism or reprisals from their employer, colleagues or even friends and family. Some are simply overwhelmed by the multiple and contradictory currents of debate that sweep over us, fed by special interest groups and broadcast, 24/7, by our media. Much of our political dialogue is anything but politic. Jim endeavors, in his political poems to strike a politic balance, not allowing expedience to crowd out fairness, partisanship to stand in for universal truthfulness, rancor to discourage needed debate and discussion. But this volume of 130 plus poems, while insinuated, by its title, "The Politic Poet," to be a book of political writing is much more diverse than that. It is a book of poetry. You are invited to read and enjoy.
About the Author: Jim Rapp is a retired public school teacher. Previous to his 27-year teaching career he served as pastor of a congregation in River Falls, Wisconsin for six years. In his retirement years he served his church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin as Director of Drama for 12 years until May 2009. Jim holds a Diploma in Theology from North Central Bible College (now North Central University) 1958. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wisconsin State University - River Falls (now University of Wisconsin - River Falls) in 1969, and a Master's Degree in History with his major area of interest being the Ancient Near East from University of Wisconsin-River Falls 1971. He has written seven dramas, five of which have been staged. In his twelve years as Director of Drama he co-directed, with Music Director Cheryl Brandt, twenty-two adult musical dramas and nine children's musicals. Jim is author of seven books of poetry, Perfect Imperfection (2010); Sandals: The Journey of Abraham and Sarah and Hagar (2010); Second Crop: More Poems by Jim Rapp (2012): Etcetera: An Eclectic Expression of Humors (2013); Chips (2014); Stepping into the Unknown (2016) and The Politic Poet (2018). He is also author of Inga & Olaf: Modern Parables (2015); Sermon on the Mount: Brief Meditations (2011) and 7 Royalty-free Christian Drama Scripts (2014). All of Jim Rapp's publications are available in print form from Createspace.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and in electronic form as Kindle and Nook books. Search for Jim's books in either print format or in digial format (Kindle or Nook) at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Createspace.com using James D. Rapp or James Rapp.