The Mad Church

In the year 1984,the poet Donald MacLellan vowed to complete a work in which he would explore classic forms and meter more deeply. But the poet was surprised: what he thought would be merely an exercise infulfilling predetermined structures became something much more. Through the use of the lyric, the ode, the ballad, the sonnet,the epic, and others, he discovered an essential truth of poetry, and, perhaps, of all art: that adherence to discipline engenders, most paradoxically, creative freedom. Donald MacLellan sometimes takes a few liberties with the standards--but standards they remain, central, essential--and undeniable. Although these works may sometimes not be successful by themselves, or even taken all together, the essence of this lesson learned is one that may be taken by all who care to travel the road. Most humbly,the poet invites you...